Notre Dame, Ind. — Fr. George Charles Bernard, C.S.C., 103. died at Holy Cross House, Notre Dame, Indiana, after a short illness.
Fr. Bernard was born on April 14, 1922, the youngest of six children to Emil L. and Clara (Reisch) Bernard in Springfield, Ill. He graduated from Cathedral Boys High School in Springfield, Illinois, 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 as 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, prefected, and was a Rector at the University of Notre Dame from 1952 to 1958, then served three years 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 was also 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 (Oregon) from 1969 to 1992. He was also a House Counselor, member of the Board of Regents, and the 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, Indiana, 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 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 join us via livestream 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
