A CATHEDRAL WORTHY OF BEING THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ORNAMENT OF OUR CITY

Posted on November 9, 2023 by franksantucci

In his speech on the occasion of the blessing and opening of the canal in Marseilles, Eugene could not resist reminding everyone of the project, so close to his heart, of building a new cathedral. From the moment of his appointment as Bishop of Marseilles, Eugene had constantly worked for “a new cathedral worthy of a great city.”

Finally, in the presence of the great things that are being accomplished on our soil with a view to material utility, may we be allowed to hope that soon, in this city its Bishop and its civic officials will be able  to solemnly consecrate to the heart of Jesus, an imposing temple which will rise in honor of this adorable heart, worthy of being the most beautiful ornament of our city. This cathedral will fulfil the most ardent wishes so highly expressed and so generously supported by its representatives, and will be like the necessary crowning of all the works that human art has produced.

Eugene de Mazenod quoted in Rey (Volume 2 pages 255-256)

See: https://www.omiworld.org/lemma/marseilles-cathedral/

REFLECTION

“Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. For now I have chosen and consecrated this house so that my name may be there forever; my eyes and my heart will be there for all time.”   (2 Chronicles 7:15-16)

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1 Response to A CATHEDRAL WORTHY OF BEING THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ORNAMENT OF OUR CITY

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate says:
    November 9, 2023 at 12:12

    This morning I have been recollecting my visit to the Marseilles Cathedral (a part of my pilgrimage to three separate places in Europe). I entered the apse and although there were a few chairs around the altar, I walked and sat on the floor behind the altar; allowing my heart to well up as tears trickled down my face. My heart felt as if it had been caressed, in much the same way as when I first met St. Eugene and Jim Fiori OMI read aloud Eugene’s first letter to Tempier. My heart heard Eugene speaking directly to me.

    I am embarrassed to admit that I had to google the book of Chronicles and find out what was being spoken. Again, this beautiful knowledge and sharing of the scriptures that come alive in today’s world. God in our lives today.

    After visiting Eugene’s new cathedral I made my way to visit Notre Dame de la Guarde atop of a great hill overlooking the harbour and which was incredibly beautiful. Not so much with tears falling but a sense of deep peace and contentment.

    God and Eugene’s presence among us as we chant: “O Great Spirit, earth, sun, sky, and sea. You are inside and all around me.”

    Reply

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