The purpose of the Association des amis de Monseigneur Odin is to promote the story of Jean-Marie Odin,
first bishop of Texas and second archbishop of New Orleans, born in Ambierle in 1800 and
died in Ambierle in 1870, where he is buried.
Bishop Odin’s tomb is located in the chapelle de la Vierge of the prior church. His liturgical ornaments (mitres, chasubles and sandals) are preserved in the priory and have been restored under the supervision and with the financial support of the Association des amis de Monseigneur Odin. A permanent six-panel exhibition in the church traces its history.
Each year, for different occasions, the ornaments are displayed in the priorale among the panels.
The association has been in existence since 2020 and is chaired by Damien Thiriet. Since its creation, it has organized the following events:
European Heritage Days 2021, September 18 and 19, 2021
European Heritage Days 2021, September 18 and 19, 2021
Church exhibition “Un Ambierlois au Far West, Jean-Marie Odin Premier évêque du Texas” (An Ambierlois in the Far West, Jean-Marie Odin, First Bishop of Texas)
including six panels retracing the life of Mgr Odin and display cases, tables and a mannequin
displaying the liturgical vestments of the first bishop of Texas. The exhibition was preceded by a vernissage in the presence of the Conseiller départemental.
Jean-Marie Odin arrived in America on July 11, 1822, as a seminarian. This date was
chosen to commemorate the beginning of his American adventure.
The bicentenary commemoration took the form of three events in the Priorale church: a concert by the
concert by the Roanne vocal ensemble and the Paroles d’harmonie choir on Saturday July 9, a solemn mass
solemn mass with Bishop Colomb of La Rochelle and President of the OEuvres pontificales
missionnaires on Sunday, July 10, and a lecture by historian Yannick Essertel on Sunday, July 10.
A group of Texan priests and seminarians were also present.
Bicentenary of Jean-Marie Odin’s arrival in America
European Heritage Days 2022, September 18, 2022
Church exhibition “Un Ambierlois au Far West, Jean-Marie Odin Premier évêque du Texas” (An Ambierlois in the Far West, Jean-Marie Odin First Bishop of Texas)
including six panels retracing the life of Bishop Odin, and table display cases and a mannequin
displaying the liturgical vestments of the first bishop of Texas.
A Texas flag that flew over the Capitol in Austin was donated to the association des amis de Mgr Odin.
Lecture publique des lettres de Mgr Odin. 1er mai 2023
Church exhibition “Un Ambierlois au Far West, Jean-Marie Odin Premier évêque du Texas” (An Ambierlois in the Far West, Jean-Marie Odin First Bishop of Texas)
including six panels retracing the life of Mgr Odin and display cases, tables and a mannequin
displaying the liturgical vestments of the first bishop of Texas. The Texan flag that flew over the
Capitol in Austin, donated to the association by Texan pilgrims, was on display, along with the official
diploma attesting to its authenticity.
The Texan flag having flown over the Austin capitol, and Bishop Odin’s liturgical vestments.
Mentions légales
Association des amis de monseigneur Odin : MAIRIE D’AMBIERLE PRIEURE 42820 AMBIERLE
