Born on Aug. 1, 1782 St. Charles Joseph Eugene de Mazenod fled Aix, Provence, France during the French Revolution. Ordained in 1811, he led pastoral efforts in Amiens and Aix, then became a missionary. Pope Leo XII approved his institute in 1826.
Charles Joseph Eugene de Mazenod became superior general of his Congregation of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. He held that post until he died. Other activities included a stint as titular bishop of Icosium. He was named bishop of Marseilles in 1837. Known as an enthusiastic adherent of the Immaculate Conception dogma, he was made a peer before passing away in Marseilles in 1861.
While at Marseilles, Charles Joseph Eugene de Mazenod was renowned for restoring discipline in the Church while defending the papacy against outside attacks from political figures and French monarchy adherents. Known as the patron saint of dysfunctional families, his feast day is May 21.
