Eugene de Mazenod became bishop of Marseille in 1837. During his time as Vicar General and then Bishop in Marseille, more than 30 new parishes were created, an average of one each year. As bishop he still continued as Superior General of the Oblates. Yet his spirit of serving the poor was still his uppermost priority. In the bishop’s house he would make himself available to all classes of people, and people could come to see him without appointment. They would often bring their lunch as they waited in turn to meet him. He was noted for his pastoral care of the people, and would walk the dark and narrow dirty streets, often late at night, to go to the sick and the dying. Driving around the port in his carriage, he would meet the people there and talk with them in their own Provençal language. He began as a priest for the poor and he ended his life as a bishop for the poor.
Reflection Questions
1. St Eugene saw the person, noted the need and acted to meet the need. He was tireless in his efforts. Contemplate how he maintained the energy and enthusiasm for this.
2. How can we be tireless warriors for God? What drains us of energy? How can we tap into God’s strength?
Fr Christian Fini OMI
Fr Andrew Chen OMI
Br Joshua Nash OMI
Br Joshua Nash OMI
