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About Julie Bertrand
- Julie (Julienne) Bertrand (December 1, 1844 – April 2, 1923) was the first Canadian superior general of the Sisters of the Holy Cross and the Seven Dolours. In 1851, Julie attended school at Saint-Laurent near Montreal.
- It was a local boarding school newly opened by the Sisters Marianites of Holy Cross.
- In 1859, she became a postulant in the order and was given the name Sister Marie de Saint-Basile.
- This name honoured Basile Moreau, the congregation's founder.
- As she took greater responsibilities in the Canadian houses the growth of the Congregation of Holy Cross found itself in an expansion crisis.
- LĂ©ocadie Gascoin, named Marie des Sept-Douleurs, dealt with this matter for a time.
- However, as founder of the Marianite Sisters of Holy Cross in Le Mans, France, she returned there in 1863.
- By 1879, there was direct conflict between Marie des Sept-Douleurs and the Canadian sisters. Bishop Édouard-Charles Fabre of Montreal, now took a direct role in negotiation, petitions to Rome and the like, attempting to protect the interests of the community.
- In 1882, with some autonomy carved out for the Canadian houses, Marie de Saint-Basile was appointed vicar superior of the renamed Sisters of the Holy Cross and the Seven Dolours.
- Further actions took place and, in 1890, Mother Marie de Saint-Basile was elected the first superior general.
- In 1896, she was re-elected. Under Mother Marie de Saint-Basile, the congregation underwent a large and positive expansion.
- She moved to less onerous duties in 1902.
- She is most remembered for her determination and skill during the times of conflict and expansion.
- She was also a leader in the field of education of young females.
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