Category Archives: WRITINGS

Father Leonard was completing his successful recruiting campaign in the French seminaries in search of missionaries to join the Oblates (see: https://www.eugenedemazenod.net/?p=5497 and related entries). Now he had another new mission field to speak about: Ceylon. I have received letters … Continue reading →

The excitement of the arrival of the first-ever steam locomotives in Provence, continued the day after the blessing. Six hundred people were invited to ride in the new train from Marseilles to Arles and back for a similar ceremony. Bishop … Continue reading →

The official version of the blessing of locomotives, quoted in the previous entry, was not fully correct. Only nine were blessed according to the narrative of the local “Sémaphore” newspaper: However, a small problem arose in the last minute, just … Continue reading →

The biographer, Rey, continues his description of Bishop Eugene’s historic blessing of the first railway station in Marseilles in 1847. The Bishop then blessed the water according to the Pontifical ritual, and said the prayers for the blessing of the … Continue reading →

Rey continues his description of the blessing of the railway: “Then, unfolding a rapid picture of the developments Marseille was destined to undergo through its trade on the Mediterranean and through the railroad “which will bring it into contact, as … Continue reading →

The railway line to Marseilles was completed and inaugurated in January 1848. It was an awe-filled experience for all as most people had never seen a steam locomotive before. Bishop Eugene, who had fought for this with the French Government … Continue reading →

Marseilles had a reputation of not being overly favorable to King Louis Philippe, with occasional protests against him erupting. The King had consequently decided that the proposed railway line would not go to Marseilles. Eugene wrote to him to make … Continue reading →

CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW FOR THIS MONTH’S ORAISON REFLECTION

https://sites.google.com/view/mazenodianfamily/news/december-2023-updates/memorial-of-the-oblate-martyrs-of-laos https://sites.google.com/view/mazenodianfamily/news/december-2023-updates/blessed-paul

A BLESSED CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES There will be a pause  in these reflections until January 8. Thirteen years of reflections continue to be available on the website https://www.eugenedemazenod.net – a treasure-chest of material to invite us … Continue reading →