Author Archives: franksantucci

(Eugene’s second “road sign” for the pilgrim) It was Eugene’s love for the Church that led him to dedicate his life to her, the Body of Christ, as a priest: So do not grudge, dear mother, do not grudge this … Continue reading →

(Eugene’s first “road sign” for the pilgrim) Eugene expressed the goal of his life’s pilgrimage, and the signpost for each day, in this way: You, you alone will be the sole object to which will tend all my affections and … Continue reading →

A pilgrim is “a person who makes a trip, often a long and difficult one, to a special place for religious reasons.” This dictionary definition certainly fits St Eugene de Mazenod as a “Pilgrim of Hope in Communion.” His entire … Continue reading →

May is the month of Mary – and it is also the feast of her son, Saint Eugene de Mazenod, who dedicated each of us in the Mazenodian Family to Mary Immaculate. I invite you to participate in a novena … Continue reading →

Bishop Eugene’s pastoral letter looked at the various ways in which the faith in post-Revolutionary France had become strong once again. He also showed how the zeal of the missionaries overflowed out of France to bring the Gospel to other … Continue reading →

Bishop Eugene’s pastoral letter continues to extol the missionary marvels worked by the religious Sisters. Here he focuses on the many Sisters who left France to go to mission countries across the oceans. A huge number of them left from … Continue reading →

Bishop de Mazenod’s exploration of the charitable works in his diocese now focuses on the women religious. Reflecting the view of two centuries ago, he praises the amazing achievements of the “timid sex”: How, in fact, shall we speak of … Continue reading →

The city of Marseilles was experiencing the prosperity of an industrial revolution and its Bishop was concerned about the welfare of the workers of all ages. In his Pastoral Letter he referred to the adult men. We are also hopeful … Continue reading →

The houses in the city itself were usually five storied buildings, heated by fireplaces which required tall chimneys, which were covered with soot. Young boys came from the Savoy region to clean these chimneys as seasonal workers. They were known … Continue reading →

In contemplating all the charitable works of the diocese, Bishop Eugene now turns his attention to the generous young men who help those in need. As a young priest, Eugene’s first ministry had been to form the youth of Aix … Continue reading →