Scholasticate History	Scholasticate Personnel

On July 6, 2008 22 Scholastics from around Europe came together at the International de Mazenod Center at Aix-en-Provence for a three-week session in preparation for their Perpetual Oblation. There were 12 from the Scholasticate at Obra in Poland, 8 from the International Roman Scholasticate in Italy and 2 from the Scholasticate at Lyon in France. Together with the Scholastics there were three formators who helped in the organization of the session: Fathers Anthony Bochm, OMI, Pawel Zajac, OMI and Habell Nsolo, OMI. During the session we were very fortunate to be able to attend various concerts that took place in the Cloister of the Oblate house making us aware of the cultural richness of Aix. We gathered together to pray and celebrate the Eucharist in the Chapel where our Founder and first Fathers also gathered to pray and where St. Eugene de Mazenod and Fr. Tempier professed their vows. Our liturgies and sharing expressed the cultural and linguistic differences of the Scholastics gathered together, keeping with our theme of “Daring to Cross Borders”. Twice during the session we had “International Tasting” during which some of the Scholastics provided meals from their various countries to share part of their culture.

The first week began with the scholastics getting to know each other and attempting to communicate with each other to the best of their abilities, truly daring to cross cultural and language barriers. We did this as an effort to understand the context in which we live and work together. Then we were asked to set the needs of the society in their context by walking through the streets of Aix and later discovering its rich artistic and cultural heritage. This prepared us to see the context of the society in which our Founder grew up and the needs that he saw when he returned to Aix. We then began learning about the early life of Saint Eugene de Mazenod led by Father Bernard Dullier, OMI. This included visiting some of the areas in Aix-en-Provence where the Founder lived or places that were important in his life. Together with Fr. Dullier we learned about the political and societal situation of Aix before and after the French Revolution, all which affected the way our Founder developed the Mission of the Oblates.

The second week began with a Mass at the Cathedral of Aix for the local artists who during the month of July celebrated a festival of art and music. Then we went to discover one of the ministries that the Oblates have in Aix—Cagnard. Brother Eric Audo welcomed us and immediately put us to work in different areas of the property. The work we did was a good experience and lots of fun, particularly because we got to play with a donkey and two horses. Later we met with Brothers Eric and Dominique Dessolin (Director of the International de Mazenod Center) and some other people who work at Cagnard who explained the mission of hospitality offered there and at Pause-midi. The next day we were gifted with a free day. Some went swimming, others sightseeing and still others relaxed at the house. The rest of the week we dedicated to presenting the lives of some of our Oblate saints and then spoke and shared about the vows. The week concluded with a retreat about the vows.

The third week began with a visit to the de Boisgelin family at their Chateau in Saint Martin de Pallières. The members of the family are the descendants of Saint Eugene from his sister, Charlotte Eugenie who married the Marquis de Boisgelin. Then we welcomed back Fr. Dullier who spoke to us about some of the first Oblates and their first Missions. Then, to get a better sense of what he spoke about, we visited some of the more important places: Grans—where our first mission was preached; Saint Laurent de Verdon—where the Founder wrote the Rule he would later present to the Pope in Rome; Barjols—another important mission preached by the Oblates. Fr. Dullier then spoke to us about the Founder as Bishop of Marseilles. The next day we took a trip to Marseilles to actually walk in the footsteps of Saint Eugene. We celebrated the Eucharist together at the tomb of the Founder in the Cathedral of Marseilles, la Major. Among other places that we visited was a Shrine whose Church Saint Eugene had asked to be built: Notre Dame de la Garde. It was a good experience to see the great work Bishop de Mazenod and the Oblates who were missionaries there did in Marseilles.

There is a proverb that says: “All good things come to an end”. And so this session comes to a close. However, we return to our homes with a new sense of who Saint Eugene is and who we are as Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. We are thankful to God for this wonderful experience and for calling us to His service. Amen.