For Father Moreau, family spirit was the underpinning of community life. Bringing the Brothers of St. Joseph and the small group of priests under his care together and later adding religious sisters, he placed his community under the devotion of the Holy Family.
The Brothers were dedicated to St. Joseph, the priests were dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the sisters were dedicated to Mary as our Mother of Sorrows. Together as family, they were models that brought a special kind of missionary discipleship to the people. First in France and then around the world, they were – and are – examples of Christian dedication for families everywhere.
In fact, it has been said that you could not be Holy Cross without an appreciation for family. In addition, the symbol of a tree – which offered a visual representation of the family of Holy Cross for Father Moreau – called for a sense of equality among each of the community’s branches.
“My dear community in Jesus Christ, love and practice charity as the bond of perfection. ‘Help each other’ says the Apostle ‘in order to assist each other in works.’ Community life offers opportunities to do little favors for one another, to bear one another’s burden, to pardon the faults of one’s of one’s neighbors, to bear patiently with failings and sharp remarks, and situations that arise which provide us an opportunity to practice this admirable virtue which we so highly recommended by our Lord, since He makes it the distinctive mark of His disciples. What love He showed for us! He regards as done for Himself whatever is done for others.” —Blessed Basil Moreau, C.S.C
Repeat Often: GOD IS LOVE