Initiating a bishop into the mystical life : Ven. John of St Samson’s mystagogical guidance to Mgr Antoine Révol in L’Aiguillon

Abstract

In the Cathedral of Saint-Samson, the ancient seat of the Bishop of Dol, a beautiful nineteenth-century stained glass window in the apsidal chapel portrays Mgr Antoine Révol, Bishop of Dol. The medallion beneath the hieratic portrait of the Archbishop depicts a critical incident in the life of Mgr Révol during his tenure. He is blessing roaring waves that threaten to engulf the Church while holding the Eucharistic host in one hand in the moment of consecration. Antoine Révol was at the helm of the Diocese for twenty-five years, from 1604 to 1629. He was appointed bishop on 5 November 1603, after the nomination by King Henry IV in 1602. Two months later, on 6 January 1604, he was consecrated in Saint Martin des Champs, in Paris, by the Archbishop of Aix Paul Hurault de l’Hospital.