Rev. George C. Bernard, C.S.C.

REV. GEORGE C. BERNARD, C.S.C.

April 14, 1922 - May 1, 2025

Notre Dame, Ind. -- Fr. George Charles Bernard, C.S.C., 103, passed away at Holy Cross House in Notre Dame, Ind. on May 1, 2025, after a short illness.

Fr. Bernard was born in Springfield, Ill. on April 14, 1922, the youngest of six children of Emil L. and Clara (Reisch) Bernard. He graduated from Cathedral Boys High School in Springfield, ILL., in 1939 and attended the University of Notre Dame, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy in 1945.

Fr. Bernard was received into the Congregation of Holy Cross on August 15, 1942; made his First Profession of Vows on Aug. 16, 1943. He studied at Holy Cross College in Washington, D.C., from 1945-1949. Fr. Bernard made his Final Profession of Vows on June 9, 1947, and was ordained a Holy Cross priest on June 8, 1949.

After ordination, he studied at Catholic University, Washington, D.C., and received a Licentiate and doctorate in moral theology in 1950 and 1952, respectively. He taught, was a prefect and a hall rector at the University of Notre Dame from 1952 to 1958, then served three years there as Vice President for Student Affairs until 1961. From 1961 to 1968, Fr. Bernard was President and Superior of Holy Cross College in Washington D.C., where he also was a Professor of moral theology. Fr. Bernard served as a teacher, Department of Theology Chairman, Academic Vice President, Acting Superior and Assistant Superior at the University of Portland (Ore.) from 1969 to 1992. He also was a House Counselor, member of the Board of Regents and Manager of Holy Cross Court. He retired in 1992 and assisted in parishes in the Portland area and throughout Washington until residing at Holy Cross House in Notre Dame, Ind. beginning in 2022.

Preceding Fr. Bernard in death are his parents, brothers John Bernard, Edward Bernard, William Bernard, Walter Bernard and sister, Emily Bernard. He is survived by many beloved nieces and nephews. 

A Wake Service will be held on Sunday, May 11, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. ET at the Sacred Heart Parish Center, Notre Dame, Ind. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, May 12, 2025 at 3:30 p.m. ET at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Notre Dame, Ind. You may livestream the funeral Mass at https://funerals.holycrossusa.org

Burial will be in the community cemetery at Notre Dame. Kaniewski Funeral Home, South Bend, is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial contributions in support of the mission and ministries of the Congregation of Holy Cross can be made to: United States Province of Priests and Brothers, Office of Advancement, P.O. Box 765, Notre Dame, IN 46556-0765 or online at https://donate.holycrossusa.org

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