Category Archives: WRITINGS

One of the privileged moments of prayer for Eugene was to be able to unite himself with those he loved in the presence of God. In our Oblate tradition we have come to know this exercise as “oraison.” As a … Continue reading →

Departure of Fathers Lempfrit and Bernard and Father Arnaud for America. They will be joined in Lyon by Father Gaudet and the two lay brothers Triolle and Tisserand. Nothing could be more admirable or more lovable than these generous misssionaries. … Continue reading →

Eugene had always regarded himself as the father of his missionary family. He was the Founder, and Superior General whose role was more than administrative. It was to maintain the family bonds and spirit. Eugene was the father who loved … Continue reading →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →