Category Archives: WRITINGS

Fr. Jean-Pierre Bernard, 26 years old, had been ordained in 1847 and left for Canada. Within months of his arrival he succumbed to an epidemic of typhus. Eugene received the news and wrote in his diary: Our very good, very … Continue reading →

Hubenig concludes his narrative of the 1830 Revolution and riots: With the quelling of the workers riots, the press was muzzled and liberties were curtailed. As a result, there was no national outcry when 11,000 workers were transported to Algeria, … Continue reading →

The 1848 Revolution had not only had political consequences, but had affected the Missionary Oblates. Eugene wrote to Fr. Faraud in Canada: You will have learned that an unexpected revolution has saddled us with a republic which up to now … Continue reading →

The good Lord has preserved us in the midst of a real danger, and many of our Fathers have nobly accomplished the duty of charity that circumstances imposed on them: they offered their ministry to the wounded of whom most … Continue reading →

On June 22, the Feast of Corpus Christi, Eugene wrote: During the service, someone came to bring me several very alarming warnings. The rebellious workers had constructed barricades, the main army and the national guard were under arms, etc. I … Continue reading →

A revolution is always a sorrowful thing. We accept all things from the hand of God. He will give us the strength to support the trials which are in store for us. Double your prayers for us that we who … Continue reading →

The violence of the day before having been suppressed, Bishop Eugene led a thanksgiving service. The city and its inhabitants were under the protection of “la Bonne Mère” (the Good Mother) whose sanctuary was on the highest hill of Marseilles. … Continue reading →

In 1826 Eugene went to the Pope with the Rule which the Oblates had been living for nearly 10 years to ask for approbation. At that moment, the Church was not approving new congregations, but as Eugene was kneeling next … Continue reading →

Alerted that the angry citizens, furious with the result of the elections, which they attribute to the influence of the bishop and of the clergy, are to come tonight to smash the windows of the episcopal residence and to insult … Continue reading →

April 23: Holy day of Easter. General elections. No episcopal office nor High Mass. I went to vote for the first time since I have been bishop. Eugene de Mazenod’s Diary, 23 April 1848, EO XXI Despite the progressive euphoria … Continue reading →