Born in the French countryside in 1799, in a time when France was in a state of recovery following the Revolution—which had “dethroned Christ and substituted Voltaire...,” Basil Moreau was the ninth of 14 children who learned early on that being part of an impoverished family meant a daily dose of discipline and hard work.

Author Gary MacEoin’s biographical account, “Basil Moreau,” was recently reissued—45 years after its first run—to remind readers of the legacy established by the priest who was beatified Sept. 15 in his home diocese of LeMans, France.

Placed precisely inside its historical setting, the biography is written in a formal style with an academic tone appropriate for the subject: a teacher and church leader. In textbook fashion, a bibliography, timeline and index are provided to support the account. Like a skilled surgeon, MacEoin sets out to meticulously dissect the mind of a man who was an oxymoron—an educated peasant who dealt with complexities in a simple manner.

With the support and encouragement of his pastor and the delight of his parents, young Moreau became a seminarian in the first class at St. Vincent’s Abbey. From there his leadership abilities combined with his resourcefulness and collaborative initiatives among his peers were quickly identified and served to advance his endeavors.

Letters to his family in the early days of formation, according to MacEoin, “… reflect seriousness, sincerity, a touching affection for his family and an untroubled sense of vocation.” In fact, the influence of family played out later in life when the priest based his development of three religious communities— Holy Cross priests, brothers and sisters—on the model of the Holy Family. Still the author points out that families are frequently torn by estrangements, challenges and rejections, and Father Moreau’s religious families were no exception.

After ordination, when he yearned to “preach the Gospel overseas” as a missionary, Father Moreau’s spirit of obedience was tested when the bishop decided to place him as a professor at a major seminary. Yet this time proved to be crucial to the young priest as he acquired “a maturity of outlook and a supernaturalness of judgment.”

Church politics and some measure of corruption placed roadblocks before the priest, who was described as “strong-willed with an ardent temper.” He chose to wear metal girdles, to sleep in a chair instead of a bed and to scourge himself as reminders of the importance of self-denial.

Faced with the headache of fundraising to support the fledgling religious organizations he founded and confronted with some measure of mistrust and dishonesty on the part of colleagues, Father Moreau turned to the emergent French middle class for support—a precursor to the 21st century concept of stewardship of time, talent and treasure.

As is often the case, history played a role in shaping the thinking of church leaders and Father Moreau was not always in agreement with decisions made. Nevertheless, he forged on and willingly carried his cross, eventually witnessing the dream of being a missionary come to fruition in places like Notre Dame, Ind., Bangladesh, Africa and South America.

The drama implied behind the details might suggest the possibility for a documentary of Blessed Moreau’s life. Meanwhile, a “thumbs up” is appropriate for this biography of a man of and for the poor.