Eugene de Mazenod: History, Spirituality and Mission

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course is spread over thirty-eight modules, each containing a tutorial video, reading material and an assignment for certificate students.  

It seeks to understand the life of St. Eugene de Mazenod (1782-1861) and the significance of his charism for the Church and for all involved in the mission and spirituality inspired by him. This course is offered every semester.

DESIRED STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion the students will

Objective 1: understand the life and times of Saint Eugene de Mazenod and the founding of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate

Objective 2: be familiar with the writings of Eugene de Mazenod

Objective 3: describe the significance of the charism of Eugene de Mazenod for the Church and for all those who are involved in the mission and spirituality inspired by him

Objective 4: identify, articulate and deepen their own missionary spirituality

COURSE CONTENTS

Section 1: Introduction to the Background and Life of Eugene de Mazenod

Module 1: THE KEY EVENTS OF EUGENE DE MAZENOD’S LIFE AND OF THE HISTORY OF FRANCE 1782-1861

Module 2: The Ancien Regime and the Outbreak of the French Revolution and its Effect on Eugene de Mazenod.

Section 2: The first 25 Years

Module 3: Childhood in Aix-en-Provence

Module 4: Sources for our Study

Module 5: The Years of Exile

Module 6: The Influence of Don Bartolo Zinelli

Module 7: Palermo: The Young Nobleman Loses Direction

Module 8: Eugene returns to France After Eleven Years of Exile

Module 9: A young Man in Crisis

Section 3: Conversion-A New Direction in Life

Module 10: A Journey of Conversion

Module 11: One Good Friday

Module 12: Eugene's Conversion Leads to a Vocational Discernment

Module 13: Interpreting Eugene's Missionary Motivation

Module 14: Palermo: The Foundations Laid at Saint-Sulpice for Eugene de Mazenod and for the Charism and Spirituality of the Mazenodian Family.

Section 4: The Young Priest in Aix-en-Provence

Module 15: What did Eugene Have in His Heart and Spirit as He received Ordination to the Priesthood

Module 16: The Young Priest Encounters the Faces of the Poor

Module 17: Eugene's Christian Youth Congregation and the Events of the Significant Year 1814

Section 5: The Foundation of the Missionaries of Provence

Module 18: Towards the Foundation of the Missionaries of Provence

Module 19: The Foundation of the Missionaries of Provence in Response to the Needs of the Poor

Section 6: Apostolic Missionary Life

Module 20: "Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate"- The Birth of the Mazenodian Family 1816-1826

Module 21:  "Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate"- Religious Life and the Rule, 1818-1826.

Section 7: Missions 1816-1861

Module 22: The Mission of the Oblates, 1816-1841

Module 23:  The Preaching of Parochial Missions as the Primary Oblate Ministry

Module 24:  Ongoing Evangelization Through Permanent Mission Centers

Module 25:  An Overview of the Missions France (1841-1861)

Module 26:  A Family Business

Module 27:  Crossing Frontiers to Reach the Most Abandoned

Section 8: Eugene and the City of Marseilles

Module 28: Eugene de Mazenod as Vicar General of the Diocese of Marseilles (1823-1837)

Module 29:  The Icosia Affair

Module 30:  Eugene de Mazenod as Bishop of the Diocese of Marseilles (1837-1861)- Building the Church

Module 31:  Eugene de Mazenod as Bishop of the Diocese of Marseilles- A Father to His People

Section 9: Superior General of an Expanding Congregation (1841-1861)

Module 32: Eugene de Mazenod as Superior General of an Expanding Congregation (1841-1861)

Module 33:  Maintaining Focus in a Rapidly Changing Reality

Module 34:  "The Need For Being Perfect Religious in Order to be Good Missionaries"

Section 10: The Last Years of the Father of the Family

Module 35: The Concerns of the Father of the Family during the Last Years of His Life

Module 36:  The Guiding Forces of a Long and Fruitful Life

Module 37: Saint Eugene: Sprit, Charism, and Spirituality

Section 11: St. Eugene de Mazenod's Charismatic Legacy

Module 38: His Spirit Continues to Live in the Heart of His Children

RESOURCES

The students will be referred to selected writings of Eugene de Mazenod, as well as to relevant review articles and sections of books during the course. These will all be available online.