Reflections by Sr. Alicia McGuire, MSC
November 1st, 2007Just a few words to tell you how I enjoyed the celebrations of the Beatification of our dear Founder.
The celebrations were marvelously planned; the programs were so easy to follow in English and French. It was so inspiring to asssist at the vigil of prayer — I was in the front seat so I could follow everything.
On the 15th it was very touching to see the photo of Blessed Basile Anthony Mary Moreau unveiled and the Hymns were very appropriate.
On the 16th great Mass of thanksgiving it was lovely to see the procession which the sisters from Bangladesh did with their pretty flowers. It was so delightful to assist at the first Mass of Blessed Basile.
It was exciting to see all the fathers, sisters, brothers and friends of Holy Cross. The dear Lord blessed us with glorious weather and deep recollected assistance — it was a great grace to be present al all the celebrations. Thank you, Lord!
God Does Provide by Sr. Kathleen Stakelum, MSC
October 9th, 2007
While we have prayed for years for Fr. Moreau’s holiness to be officially recognized by the Church, I never imagined that I would have the wonderful opportunity to attend the celebrations with so many of my Marianite sisters.
Some of the highlights for me include:
The ringing of the bells at Laigné-en-Belin and the singing of Alleluia seemed to go out to all the countries where Holy Cross has ministered.
At the beautiful prayer service in Holy Cross Church in Le Mans, the sons and daughters of Fr. Moreau–brothers, sisters, priests, and lay associates, filled the Church to praise God together for providing for us through the years.
Holy Cross Church became a place of vigil where people came for quiet prayer at the tomb of Fr. Moreau, lighting candles, and showing their gratitude.
The unfurling of the tapestry of Fr. Moreau both at the Beatification ceremony and the Mass of Thanksgiving held up for us a model of fidelity, holiness, and zeal for God’s work.
As I stood near one of the massive pillars in St. Julien Church before the Mass of Thanksgiving began, I reflected on how one life, dedicated to God and guided by the Spirit, can make a difference in so many lives. I marveled at God’s Providence which has nurtured the Family of Holy Cross against all odds. I felt that Fr. Moreau was saying to me, and to the Marianites, “Trust in Providence! God does provide more than we can ask or imagine!”