Marie-Eugène of the Child Jesus

In 1932, Father Marie-Eugène discovered the sanctuary of Notre-Dame de Vie in Venasque (Vaucluse). There, with Marie Pila, he founded the Notre-Dame de Vie Institute, a secular institute for laypeople wishing to reconcile Carmelite contemplation with professional life. Recognized as being of pontifical right in 1962, the institute expanded internationally. At the same time, he assumed high-ranking positions within the Order: prior of several convents, provincial of Avignon-Aquitaine, General Definitor in Rome (1937-1955), and Vicar General (1954-1955). In 1947, he published his major work, 'I Want to See God', a synthesis of spiritual theology inspired by the masters of Carmel.

After his death on March 27, 1967, in Venasque, his reputation for holiness grew. His cause for beatification opened in the Diocese of Avignon in 1984/1985 under the episcopate of Bishop Raymond Bouchex, and the inquiry was transmitted to Rome in 1994. Pope Benedict XVI declared him venerable on December 19, 2011. A miracle that occurred in October 1986, concerning the sudden and unexplained healing of an infant suffering from a lymphangioma and a neck cyst following the intercession of Father Marie-Eugène, was officially recognized by Pope Francis on March 4, 2016. His remains were exhumed on February 25, 2016, in the presence of Archbishop Jean-Pierre Cattenoz.

Father Marie-Eugène de l'Enfant-Jésus was beatified on November 19, 2016, at the Parc des Expositions in Avignon during a mass presided over by Cardinal Angelo Amato, representing Pope Francis. His liturgical feast is set for February 4, the day of his priestly ordination. In view of his canonization, a diocesan inquiry into a second alleged miracle was opened on April 22, 2024, in the Diocese of Coutances and Avranches. Closed on July 2, 2024, the inquiry was transmitted to Rome by the vice-postulator, Father Geoffroi Gardair, for examination by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.

The spirituality of Blessed Marie-Eugène is deeply Trinitarian, Marian, and centered on the Holy Spirit, whom he described as a friend. Defining himself as 'surrendered to the grace of God' (traditus gratiae Dei), he worked to make contemplation and holiness accessible to all the baptized in their ordinary lives, affirming that holiness is the strength of God in the weakness of man. His legacy endures through the Notre-Dame de Vie Institute, his spiritual writings distributed worldwide, and the influence of his spiritual center in Venasque.