Father de Mazenod’s first recorded activity in 1813 is his series of Lenten sermons in Provencal in the Church of the Madeleine. He tells his friend, Charles Forbin Janson, about its success:
Each Sunday in Lent I have preached in Provencal at 6:00 am, in the Magdalene church for the instruction of the people. As you can imagine curiosity brought lots of others besides country-folk; but the latter and the low class of society, whom I had principally in mind, turned up in such numbers that I had reason to hope that it will in his goodness have rebounded to God’s glory.
When I think how easy I found it to express myself in a tongue which I have never made great use of, as I have scarcely lived in the place, I am tempted to see in this a kind of miracle. There is nothing to be surprised at, however, as I used to ascend the pulpit as I descended from the altar, and you know that I did not forget to beg the Master present to speak himself by my mouth.
The fact is that on Saturday evening, as I was thinking over what I had to say, I found I could not string together three words in Provencal…
Letter to Forbin Janson, 9 April 1813, O.W. XV n. 116
I awoke this morning singing Silent Night. Today is Christmas eve and I have a million things to do in preparation for tomorrow’s meal. In past years there has been a keen sense of loss (perhaps of family?) but this morning I am good, feeling empty in a way for I am waiting, but I know God will come, here really since the beginning of time and yet come in another way as we celebrate Christmas. Yesterday I cleaned, both inside and out as I look back – hard work, letting go, emptying, making ready and that is just what I speak of with regard to my heart. The house too was a lot of work, but it is done, the tree (sparse as it is) is up. This morning I go to buy celery and a couple of other things then home to cook the turkey. Tomorrow I will be joined by a family I know and love and another friend who is alone this year. That is so hard – so we come together to celebrate and be with each other. I almost wish that I had invited more but I find that I am slowing down and cannot do all that I used to (diminishment as Normand talks about). But I do love bringing people together, connecting them and when I pass on they will be connected shining for each other (for these people know how to shine).
Dearest Eugene, I have once again missed what you and Frank have been trying to say this morning. I think that I would make a horrible student for my thoughts do seem to wander. Your words and sharings seem to evoke things that are not always evident, or apt when it comes to content. So I take this time simply to wish you a joyous and gloriously blessed Christmas.