A Charism Pilgrimage was planned for 2020. The intent was to provide members of the De Mazenod Family Education Network an opportunity to travel in the footsteps of St Eugene De Mazenod. The pilgrimage was the inspiration of the newly appointed Provincial Fr Christian Fini OMI. As part of World Youth Day experiences many of the Oblate Youth have visited the heartland of the Oblates, Aix-En-Provence, the birthplace of St Eugene and the original site where the Congregation was established on January 25 1816 - The Missionary Oblates of Provence, later to be called the Missionary Oblates of St Charles and finally as they are known in over 67 countries around the world today, The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Fr Fini hoped to extend the experience to staff members within the network and those connected to the De Mazenod Family.
The 22 pilgrims, including our leader and mentor Fr Fini, accompanied by Fr Bill Ousley OMI set the schedule that included time for contemplation, reflection and discovery. The founder and patron established his congregation and started his community in an idyllic location, Cours Mirabeau, the main street in Aix-En-Provence. This is where St Eugene grew up until the family went into exile because of the French Revolution in 1879 and is also the location for the Church of the Mission, which provides the historical and contemporary sacred home for the Oblates to gather.
The hospitality and enthusiasm of the Oblates stationed in Aix as well as at the General House in Rome featured in the highlights of an amazing 10-day schedule. Celebrating Eucharist at these sacred locations as well as in the crypt at the Vatican, in the catacombs in Rome and in the Cathedral in Marseilles (in the chapel where St Eugene is entombed under the altar) all were special moments for those making the pilgrimage.
St Eugene was appointed Bishop of Marseille and travelled to Rome on several occasions to present his congregation’s rules and laws for papal approval. He also was instrumental in laying the foundation of Sacre Cour. Travelling to Paris, Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Pisa and Rome means you have to capture “non-St Eugene” travel must dos as well. The Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees, Arch de Triumph, Cruise down the Seine, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Popes Palace in Avignon, The Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel, The Roman Forum and The Colosseum were all added into a hectic ten-day schedule. The Papal Basilicas in Rome, St Peter’s, St Paul’s, St John Lateran and St Maria Maggiore all featured as well.
All attending received formation material that provided an historical context of the turmoil in people’s lives because of The French Revolution. The formation material also provided explanation of the sites and their significance, giving further insight into the sacredness of the times, the people and our shared faith.
Thank you to everyone who attended. Their sense of community and willingness to immerse themselves in the experience made the event so memorable. In 2026 it is the anniversary of the establishment of the Constitution and Rules. It is hoped the Charism Pilgrimage will be a biennial event enabling members of the DMFEN and the extended De Mazenod Family to include this in their travel plans so they can witness and experience this true charism experience. Coordinating the next pilgrimage with such an anniversary could be very opportune.
Thank you to Fr Fini, Fr Bill and all the pilgrims for an amazing ten days.
