Author Archives: franksantucci

ACT OF APPOINTMENT AS SUPERIOR OF THE CEYLON MISSION.

Charles Joseph Eugene de Mazenod by divine mercy and favour of the Apostolic See Bishop of Marseilles, Commander of the Holy Religious and Military Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus, Superior General of the Congregation of Oblates of the Most Holy and Immaculate … Continue reading

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A FAMILY WHICH IS SOLDIERING IN THE CHURCH UNDER THE BANNER OF MARY

Eugene’s letter to the young Oblates who had just made their lifetime oblation can apply to all of us, members of the Mazenodian Family, as we celebrate our patronal feast. My dear sons, you are quite right to congratulate yourselves … Continue reading

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A MISSIONARY’S PRAYER TO MARY IMMACULATE

Bishop Vital Grandin OMI had been a missionary bishop in Canada for 47 years. Not long before his death in 1902 he composed this prayer to Mary Immaculate. As we prepare for our patronal feast tomorrow,  I share it with … Continue reading

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I HAVE SELECTED THE BEST FROM AMONG THESE GOOD MEN

Vatican approval was necessary for this new mission, which Cardinal Fransoni granted. In responding to him, Eugene described the qualities of Fr. Semeria. In keeping with the views of the Sacred Congregation, it has been my concern to select three … Continue reading

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IT IS AN INFINITELY DIFFICULT MISSION FOR SEVERAL REASONS

Leflon writes, ‘‘There can be no doubt that once again, and with very sure insight, Bishop de Mazenod had looked far beyond the feasibility of the present to envision the realizations of the future. It does not seem so certain, … Continue reading

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NO MONEY, NO MISSION

Sending Oblates to the foreign missions and maintaining them, especially in the poorest rural regions, required funds. Each year Bishop Eugene had to write to Rome and to the French Propagation of the Faith asking for grants. Dear Sirs, Since … Continue reading

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ADVENT WITH THE MAZENODIAN FAMILY 2023

Father David Muñoz OMI has prepared this beautiful series of daily meditations to help us on our Advent journey. As we make use of them, let us consciously unite ourselves with all the members of the Mazenodian Family throughout the … Continue reading

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LET’S HAVE COURAGE THEN AND PUT OUR CONFIDENCE IN THE LORD

Father Vincens was the Novice Master, preparing future Oblate missionaries. In the previous entry we saw Eugene’s letter to him announcing the acceptance of our first mission in Asia, which concludes with: Bishop Bettachini left with his heart full of … Continue reading

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NOVENA IN PREPARATION FOR THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Tomorrow begins the Novena in preparation for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Click the link to see the Mazenodian Family novena in its entirety or check back daily. https://sites.google.com/view/mazenodianfamily/news/december-2023-updates/immaculate-conception-novena?fbclid=IwAR3GtY42upLJwc-3yye1fn09z8LW3X-at1UmWHHpW-f3QJpqKo2PPSoN0Mg

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CEYLON: HOW CAN WE RESIST SO MANY PRESSING MOTIVES AND NOT ANSWER WITH GRATITUDE TO THE INVITATION TO COOPERATE POWERFULLY IN SUCH A GREAT GOOD WORK.

Eugene wrote enthusiastically to Fr Vincens about his conversation with Bishop Bettachini from Ceylon (today Sri Lanka). Here is a magnificent mission opening up to us. The Coadjutor to the Vicar Apostolic of the isle of Ceylon has just spent … Continue reading

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