The fact of the matter is that [the Congregation of Holy Cross] began and developed in a manner so mysterious that I can claim for myself neither credit for its foundation nor merit for its progress. Therein lies the indubitable proof that God alone is the Founder of this Congregation.”
—Bl. Basil Moreau, Circular Letters, February 24, 1848
“Zeal is the great desire to make God known, loved, and served, and thus to bring knowledge of salvation to others. Activity flows from this virtue. Teachers who possess it fulfill the duties of their profession with enthusiasm, love, courage, and perseverance.”
—Bl. Basil Moreau, Christian Education
“For those who live by faith, the cross is a treasure more valuable than gold and precious stones.”
—Bl. Basil Moreau, Circular Letter 34, June 19, 1848, 1:141–42.
“Since God alone provides the means for the successful accomplishment of any task, it seems evident that a person needs to be called by God to be an effective teacher. Without this call to teaching, how will anyone be able to put up with everything that teachers face daily?”
—Bl. Basil Moreau, Christian Education
“We shall always place education side by side with instruction; the mind will not be cultivated at the expense of the heart. While we prepare useful citizens for society, we shall likewise do our utmost to prepare citizens for heaven.”
—Bl. Basil Moreau, Circular Letter 36
“Therefore, let us visibly show great faith as we take part in this procession, and let us say over and over again to ourselves what the prince of the apostles said, “You are the Christ, Son of the living God” (Mt 16:16). Or, let us rouse ourselves to devotion by thoughts of faith and devout reflections such as these: Behold the one who was born of Mary. Behold the body that was in her womb and which she carried in her arms. Behold the flesh that was crucified for me and the blood that was poured out on Calvary. Let us go through the different events in the life of our Lord that we might have more reasons for reviving our faith and enkindling our love.”
— Bl. Basil Moreau, Basil Moreau: Essential Writings, page 324
“How we educate the mind will change with the times; how we cultivate the heart is and will remain timeless.”
—Bl. Basil Moreau, Christian Education
“With eyes of faith consider the greatness of your mission and the wonderful amount of good which you can accomplish.”
— Bl. Basil Moreau, Christian Education
“Our zeal is always guided by charity. Everything is done with strength and gentleness.”
— Bl. Basil Moreau, Christian Education
“It is God’s hand which has guided everything, and it is God whom we must thank above all.”
—Bl. Basil Moreau, Circular Letter 36
“Education is the art of helping young people to completeness; for the Christian, this means education is helping a young person to be more like Christ, the model of all Christians.”
—Bl. Basil Moreau, Christian Education
“We shall always place education side by side with instruction; the mind will not be cultivated at the expense of the heart. While we prepare useful citizens for society, we shall likewise do our utmost to prepare citizens for heaven.”
—Bl. Basil Moreau, Circular Letter, 36
