Fall 2007 Connections

This fall I was privileged to attend the beatification rites for our founder, Basil Moreau, in Le Mans, France—a joyous celebration of his life, his heritage, and the internationality of our Congregation with representatives from every continent.

It was at the opening celebration at the village church of Laigne en Belin, Moreau’s birthplace, that I realized that great works can have simple beginnings and that becoming a saint begins with simple steps, straightforward at first then branching out and growing even before solid roots have been set.

We certainly had a simple beginning here at Holy Cross, but as we have grown into a fully programmed baccalaureate institution, we have insisted that our graduates gain the experience of Holy Cross internationality and what it means to be part of a global community.

Moreau’s fledgling group of brothers and priests started in rural France but in a few short years were on the continents of Asia, Africa, and North America. At Holy Cross College, even as we seek to gain strength and depth here in Indiana, sinking our roots into its sandy loam, we require our students to cross borders and gain the experience of other cultures and faiths. I think Basil Moreau would approve of our branching out even as we struggle to set our roots. It is in our very best traditions.

Our first NAIA athletic teams that took the varsity fields this fall are called “The Saints.” How appropriate that our first year as varsity Saints corresponds to the year that Moreau joins the varsity list of Christians—the Blessed!

And I’m sure in our Holy Cross College community there are real saints in the process of growing in faith and holiness, but it is too soon to celebrate and recognize them. Too much growing yet to be accomplished!

Instead, we rejoice in the honor bestowed on our founder and focus on his legacy and the educational traditions he has left us. We try to learn from his example and glean from his life and writings those things which we can apply to our own life and work.

Throughout this year we utilize many opportunities to incorporate Moreau’s values into the life of our college. We learn our lessons from him— that we must always show zeal for this work called Holy Cross College, and that we must never be discouraged because our faith tells us Providence will make up for the gaps in our efforts.

And while we celebrate our teams being Holy Cross College Saints, we look forward to the day when we will claim, along with Basil Moreau, the title of Saint forever. That end is in its simple beginnings among us now.

Sincerely,

Br. Richard Gilman, CSC, PhD, President