Rector's Reflection - Part 10

The Journey from Eugene De Mazenod

to

St Eugene De Mazenod

Part 10

As Bishop of Marseilles, Eugene initiated the construction of a new cathedral but he would never see it completed.

The Cathedral of Sainte-Marie-Majeure is located outside the city centre, on an esplanade, between the Old Port, Le Panier and La Joliette districts. It is called Cathedral of La Major by the locals. 

The only cathedral built in France in the 19th century, it is one of the largest churches in France and its spectacular dimensions are like those of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, which allows it to receive up to 3,000 people.

The construction of the new Cathedral of the Major began on September 26, 1852. The first stone was laid by Napoleon III. It was built in the Byzantine style and the cathedral took over 40 years to construct between 1852 and 1893. The Cathedral of the Major was opened for worship in 1893 under the episcopate of Bishop Louis Robert.

On 20 May 1861, when Father Tempier told Bishop de Mazenod that it was now time for him to prepare himself for death, the Founder’s reaction was immediate: “I want only one thing: that God’s Will be done.” He then asked Fr Tempier to give him his missionary cross and rosary. He died happy. He died as he had lived, fulfilling the Will of God, together with the loves of his life: his Oblate cross in his hand; his prayer to Mary; the Pope’s blessing; carrying in his heart and blessing the Oblates and the Oblate family.

At the age of 79, on the 21st May, 1861, Bishop Eugene de Mazenod left this earthly life. The Feast Day of St Eugene de Mazenod is celebrated was on this day. On his death bed, surrounded by his fellow brother Oblates, Bishop Eugene said to them, “Among yourselves practise charity, charity, charity; and outside, zeal for the salvation of souls.” 

Following Bishop de Mazenod being proclaimed Blessed on October 9, 1975, his body was laid to rest in the tomb under the altar of the chapel in the apse of The Cathedral of the Major.

In Rome, on December 3, 1995, the first Sunday of Advent, Pope John Paul 11 proclaimed Blessed Eugene de Mazenod a Saint. 

Today the Church gives thanks to God for Saint Eugene de Mazenod, an apostle of his times who “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” and spent his life serving the Gospel. Let us give thanks to God for the great transformation that took place through this Bishop. His influence is not limited simply to an era in which he lived; it continues even in our day. Indeed, the good done in virtue of the spirit never perishes; but lives on in every hour of history. For this, we give thanks to God. 

(Pope John Paul 11- December 3, 1995)

More than 30 years after Bishop Eugene de Mazenod died, the first Oblates arrived from Ireland in Fremantle, Australia in 1894.

Fr Harry Dyer OMI

Rector