<p>Charles Joseph Eugène de Mazenod was born in France in 1782. Ordained in 1811, his religious experience led him to minister to the poor and the young. Interested in popular missions, Eugène founded a missionary institute of priests and lay brothers in 1826, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, whose particular charism is to minister to those who have never heard of Christ. By the middle of the 19th century, in response to requests for help from North American bishops, especially Bishop Ignace Bourget of Montreal, the congregation sent several of its small number to Canada. Within 10 years of their arrival, the Oblates had covered <em>all</em> of Canada and expanded into the United States.</p>
<p>Eugène became Bishop of Marseilles in 1837 and reorganized the diocese, accomplishing great works. A fervent supporter of the papacy in matters of education and infallibility, he continued as superior of the Oblates until his death on May 21, 1861. Eugène was canonized on December 3, 1995.</p>
<p>Today, the members of this community work around the world, in remote missions and in education. In Canada, Oblates established the College of Bytown (which became the University of Ottawa and Saint Paul University) and Novalis, as well as numerous parishes and dioceses from coast to coast.</p>
<p><strong>Saint Christopher Magallanes and companions</strong></p>
<p>Born in Mexico in 1869 to a farming family, Christopher Magallanes entered the seminary at age 19. After ordination, he worked with the poor and the indigenous people, founding schools and catechism centres and forming agrarian co-operatives. In the 1920s the anti-Catholic government in Mexico closed all seminaries. Father Christopher started his own seminary, but it was soon forced to close. He opened another, and another, and finally conducted classes in private homes. He was arrested on May 21, 1927, while on his way to say Mass, and was falsely accused of promoting armed rebellion. Four days later, on May 25, he was executed along with 21 diocesan priests and 3 laymen. Before his martyrdom he gave his belongings to his executioners and forgave them. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2000.©2011 <em>Living with Christ, </em>Novalis - Bayard Press Canada Inc., <strong>http://www.livingwithchrist.ca/</strong>. Reprinted with permission.</p>
Type
Date
Repeat
On