St. Eugene de Mazenod
1782-1861

Eugene de Mazenod was born in France on August 1, 1782.  In 1811, he was ordained priest. Five years later, he founded the Congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate which now numbers some 7,000 members.

Named Bishop of Marseilles in 1837, he fully realized the episcopal motto which he had chosen:  "He sent me to preach the Gospel to the poor."

As he lay dying on May 21, 1861, he said to the Oblates:  "Practice among yourselves charity ... and zeal for the salvation of souls.

Many favours have been attributed to his intercession.  He was beatified on October 19, 1975, and was canonized Saint on December 3, 1995.