Saint Eugene de Mazenod
Eugene de Mazenod was born in southern France in 1782. When he was nine years old, his noble family fled the Revolution, and for eleven years they were refugees in Italy, often in poverty. His parents separated. In 1802 he returned home and saw the spiritual and material plight of the people and the Church. He decided to do something about it. He became a priest.
Father de Mazenod set about rebuilding a world of Christian values. From village to village he went preaching, bringing the Word of God and the Sacraments to all, working with young people, visiting prisoners and offering poor people a renewed sense of dignity. Others, inspired by his vision and energy, joined him, and in 1816 a new religious family – soon to be called the Oblates of Mary Immaculate – came into being.
Appointed Bishop of Marseille, he set about renewing and uplifting the Diocese. All the time he cared for the poor and those who did not know Jesus Christ, sending Missionary Oblates on mission throughout Europe, to Britain and Ireland, to Canada, South Africa, Sri Lanka. Today Oblates are present in every continent and are committed to being close to the people, especially among the dispossessed. Rich in the grace of God, Eugene died on May 21st, 1861.
Eugene’s life of virtue and Christian fidelity to the Good News of Jesus Christ was recognised by the Church and on December 3rd, 1995, Pope John Paul II declared him a Saint.
“Be filled with unbounded confidence in God”
St Eugene de Mazenod
Latest News
Vocations Video
