Nearly a year after his arrival in Mayenne, Monsignor Matthieu Dupont still says “very touched by the welcome of the Mayennais”. Appointed bishop by Pope Francis on January 9, 2024, the man of the church from Yvelines very quickly met the Catholics of the department. 300 people awaited him at the vows ceremony, four days after his appointment. “Some may have wondered who this Parisian was, but they did not say so,” s’amuse Matthieu Dupont.
Mayenne, “land of innovation”
The start of the year was marked by a visit from the priests of Mayenne, particularly in the north of the department. “Parishes can have the feeling of being abandoned. I wanted to start with the north of the department », he recalls.
His view of Mayenne? “A land of innovation, with discreet, simple people, where we don’t blow our noses but we work”, summarizes the bishop. Matthieu Dupont was also “marked by the importance of Catholic education, with numerous small schools, sometimes the only one in the town”. “It says our responsibility to keep them alive,” he insists.
“I like towing”
Youth was discussed on the occasion of the very first Mayenne Youth Days organized in May, at the Saint-Jean-Baptiste-de-la-Salle college, in Laval. 600 teenagers were present. “They testified to their faith with dynamism, joy and simplicity,” appreciates the bishop.
Sainte-Suzanne, Saulges… Matthieu Dupont did not fail to visit Mayenne. “I really like the towpath in Laval, walking at Mont des Avaloirs, cycling. I would like to do a little more. »
As the end of year and Christmas holidays approach, the man of the church invites all Mayennais “to take care of our fraternal relationships, in our families, with our neighbors”. “It is important to listen to yourself, to take the time to do so, he adds. Let's think of the poorest, in terms of loneliness. Let's look out for those who are the most alone. »
