Author Archives: franksantucci

I BELIEVE IN YOUR PIETY, REGULARITY, ZEAL, BUT I FEAR YOUR SEVERITY, YOUR DEMANDS.

Father Dassy was a talented missionary and also an intellectual scholar who liked to do research and and write – but had a difficult character. He had offered to take on the role of director of the formation of the … Continue reading

Posted in WRITINGS | Leave a comment

I AM CONVINCED THAT WHAT HAS CAUSED YOU THE MOST HARM IS THE ANXIETY WHICH YOU ALLOWED YOURSELF TO FALL PREY TO

A month later, Eugene wrote again to Fr. Viala to support and encourage him in his important and delicate mission in Limoges. There can be no question, my dear Father Viala, that the good you have accomplished since you have … Continue reading

Posted in WRITINGS | 1 Comment

LET’S JOIN THE MAZENODIAN FAMILY IN PRAYER ON SUNDAY MARCH 17

Go to: https://sites.google.com/view/mazenodianfamily/monthly-oraison/what-is-oraison/march-2024?authuser=0 

Posted in WRITINGS | Leave a comment

HAVE CONFIDENCE IN OUR GOOD FATHER FOR WHOSE SAKE WE HAVE SACRIFICED EVERYTHING ON THIS EARTH, EVEN OUR LIFE

Father Viala, who was complaining about his assignment, was reminded of his action of total self-giving to God through his oblation. So, my dear Father, be patient, do not ask for the impossible, have confidence in our good Father for … Continue reading

Posted in WRITINGS | 1 Comment

THEY ENTRUST THEIR HEALTH – AS ALL OF US HAVE DONE AND ALL OF US SHOULD DO – TO THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD WHO GOVERNS US

Father Viala was unhappy in Limoges and blamed it on the climate affecting his health. His presence, however, was necessary for the success of the new mission and thus Eugene encouraged him by telling him why it was important to … Continue reading

Posted in WRITINGS | 1 Comment

IN GOD’S NAME, CALM YOUR STATE OF MIND WITH THE HELP OF SUPERNATURAL THOUGHTS

We have seen how the Oblates had established a community of missionaries in Limoges. Fr Hippolyte Courtès, who knew the spirit of the Founder, had been sent temporarily to launch the project. A member of that community, Fr Jean Viala, … Continue reading

Posted in WRITINGS | 1 Comment

THIS SHIP NEEDS A GOOD COOL-HEADED PILOT

The situation in Limoges was tricky. As Eugene tried to find the right Oblates to respond to these challenges he was faced by the reality of human weakness. If the Bishop had been less urgent, less threatening, let us say, … Continue reading

Posted in WRITINGS | 1 Comment

I ADMIRE ALWAYS MORE YOUR ACTIVITY AND YOUR COURAGE

Dear Courtès, I admire always more (that does not mean that I am surprised) your activity and your courage. Your conduct since you have been entrusted with the difficult mission of Limoges is beyond all praise. You have shown what … Continue reading

Posted in WRITINGS | 1 Comment

THIS FATHER IS EVER MORE ADMIRABLE FOR ACTION AND COURAGE

Within the context of the disorder and fear caused by the 1848 Revolution Eugene wrote in his diary: Letter from Fr. Courtès. This Father is ever more admirable for action and courage. He returned to Limoges at the time of … Continue reading

Posted in WRITINGS | 1 Comment

AVOID APPEARING TO ACT LIKE A BOSS

Advice to Father Dassy, Superior of a large Oblate community: You must make it easy for everyone to carry out their duties, avoid appearing to act like a boss and therefore willingly consult those who have been chosen to be … Continue reading

Posted in WRITINGS | 1 Comment