St. Eugene de Mazenod

The Diocese of Marseille had been re-established in 1823.. After a period as Vicar General of this diocese, in 1837, Eugene was named Bishop of Marseille.As pastor of a Church undergoing a time of significant growth and simultaneously Superior of a fledgling group of missionaries, Bishop Eugene de Mazenod truly had to be "all things to all people". As Bishop, Eugene greatly increased the number of parishes and religious associations in the diocese. He not only welcome the return of Religious institutes such as the Jesuits, but also personally encouraged the founding of several new religious families.

Special programs were undertaken for youth, workers, immigrants and the needy in rapidly developing port city of Marseille. The construction of a new cathedral, the shrine of Notre Dame was initiated. Simultaneously he played a prominent role in the in the major political and religious questions of the day such as religious education and the rights of the papacy. In 1854, he journeyed to Rome to participate enthusiastically in the proclamation of the Immaculate Conception on December 8.