Moreau: Portrait of a Founder | The Story of Fr. Basil Moreau and the Congregation of Holy Cross (A Holy Cross Book)

Moreau: Portrait of a Founder brings to life the inspiring story of French priest Fr. Basil Moreau (1799-1873), and his founding of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Through a masterful blend of personal letters, historical documents, and vivid storytelling, this book is more than a biography; it presents stories of Moreau in the context of his time, supplemented with original correspondences and writings. This book explains how the events of Moreau’s age shaped the way he heard and responded to God’s call for his life, capturing the voices and situations that influenced his actions and beliefs.

Moreau was born in Le Mans, France in 1799, died in 1873, and was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007. He grew up in the aftermath of the French Revolution, and as a young priest, he felt compelled to revitalize a Church devastated by years of civil war. He gathered priests, brothers, and sisters together into a religious community with a mission to bring hope to the world.

Written in 1969 by Fr. Thomas Barrosse, CSC (1926-1994)—a former superior general of the Congregation and a professor at the University of Notre Dame—this updated edition brings to modern readers the foundational stories of the founding of Holy Cross. Br. Joel Giallanza, CSC, a student of Fr. Barrosse, edited this new edition to ensure that the text remains clear and accessible to anyone touched by Fr. Moreau’s legacy. Whether you are a member of the Holy Cross family or someone inspired by its mission, this book is a rich treasury of stories and insights into the heart and soul of a remarkable priest who dedicated himself to making God known, loved, and served by bringing the Gospel to a world in need.

Fr. Thomas Barrosse, CSC, (1926–1994) was ordained a priest in 1950. He taught at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana and Holy Cross College in Washington, DC. In 1974, he was elected superior general of the Congregation of Holy Cross. In this position, he visited all the houses of the Congregation, meeting personally with every religious to reassure them of the mission and future of Holy Cross.

Fr. Barrosse promoted devotion to Fr. Basil Moreau, the founder of Holy Cross, and compiled his letters. He also worked for the 1982 beatification of Br. André Bessette, CSC, who was later canonized as the first saint from the Congregation. Fr. Barrosse played a large role in the 1986 revision of the Holy Cross Constitutions, which is the version that remains in effect today.

After leaving office, Fr. Barrosse went to Bangladesh where he taught in the major seminary until he died on June 14, 1994.

Br. Joel Giallanza, CSC, is a member of the Moreau Province of the Congregation of Holy Cross and offers spiritual direction and retreat ministry.

Br. Paul Bednarczyk, CSC, is the superior general of the Congregation of Holy Cross. He is the first brother to serve as superior general in the Congregation’s history.

Sr. Ann Lacour, MSC, is the congregational leader of the Marianites of the Holy Cross.