Saint Eugene de Mazenod: Founder of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate and Missionary to the Poor

ST. EUGENE DE MAZENOD

Saint Eugene de Mazenod was a French bishop, founder of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, and missionary who dedicated his life to evangelizing the poor and marginalized. His feast day is celebrated on May 21.

Saint Eugene de Mazenod, born on August 1, 1782, in Aix-en-Provence, France, was the son of an aristocratic family. However, his early life was marked by hardship. Due to the French Revolution, his family was exiled to Italy, and Eugene spent his early years in a foreign land, far from the comforts of his aristocratic roots. Despite his noble heritage, Eugene faced personal struggles, including a period of spiritual disorientation in his youth.

His experiences of suffering and exile had a profound impact on his life, leading him to search for a deeper meaning and purpose. He eventually experienced a conversion to faith, returning to the Catholic Church with great zeal. As Eugene grew in his faith, he felt a calling to serve God and the poor. In 1816, he founded the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, an order committed to preaching the gospel to the poor and marginalized. The order focused on evangelizing the rural areas of France and beyond, with a special emphasis on education, spiritual formation, and social justice.

Throughout his life, Saint Eugene worked tirelessly to build and spread the work of the Oblates. Under his leadership, the Oblates grew into a thriving religious congregation, with missionaries working not only in France but also in many other parts of the world, including Canada, Africa, and Asia. Saint Eugene's devotion to serving the poor, the suffering, and the marginalized remained central to the mission of the Oblates, which continues to this day.

In 1837, Eugene de Mazenod was appointed Bishop of Marseille, where he worked tirelessly to rebuild the diocese and to provide spiritual guidance to the people. Despite facing numerous challenges, including the effects of the revolution and societal upheaval, Saint Eugene remained committed to his pastoral duties and his mission to serve the poorest communities.

He was known for his compassion, his deep prayer life, and his profound commitment to spreading the Gospel. His approach to evangelization was always rooted in love and charity, and he believed that the Church’s mission was to bring the message of hope to those most in need. His motto, “He has sent me to bring the Good News to the poor,” encapsulated his life’s work.

Saint Eugene de Mazenod died on May 21, 1861, after a life marked by dedication to God and his mission to serve others. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1975 and canonized as a saint on December 3, 1995. His feast day is celebrated on May 21, the anniversary of his death, and he is remembered as a powerful example of dedication to the poor, the marginalized, and the mission of the Church.

Feast Day

21-5-

Birth Date

--

Died Date

21-5-1861

Canonised Date

3-12-1995

Marseille, France (In the Chapel of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate)

Saint Eugene de Mazenod, faithful servant of God, you dedicated your life to the poor, the marginalized, and the mission of spreading God’s love. Inspire us with your passion for the Gospel and your unwavering commitment to serving others. Help us to follow Christ with zeal and compassion, and to live lives of faith, hope, and charity. Pray for us, that we may grow in holiness and courageously answer God’s call in our own lives. Amen.
ST. EUGENE DE MAZENOD

Video Not Found

No images uploaded for this saint yet.

The information you see here may be either accurate or might contain some discrepancies, as it is gathered from various sources. If you believe that any part of the details about this saint is incorrect or incomplete, we kindly invite you to share your suggestions or corrections with us. Your insights are invaluable in helping us ensure that we provide the most accurate and reliable information.

We encourage you to use the form on the left to submit any corrections or additional information you may have. Whether it's a small detail or a larger correction, we will carefully review your submission and update the information accordingly. Your contributions will not only help us maintain the integrity of the content but also benefit others who seek to learn more about this saint. We greatly appreciate your assistance in making our information more accurate and complete.

Please rest assured that your personal details will remain confidential, and your suggestions will be handled with the utmost care. Together, we can ensure that the information about this saint is as accurate and informative as possible. Thank you for your time and contribution!