Author Archives: franksantucci

The events of the previous few years have led him to understand that living “all for God” pushes him not into a monastic contemplative lifestyle, but into serving God in others: let me devote myself anew and forever to my … Continue reading →

On the eve of engaging myself in a great commitment for the rest of my days, I enter into myself… Thus begins Eugene’s journal for the day prayer in preparation for the oblation for life he was to make as … Continue reading →

The annual retreat of the whole group lasted several days more after the General Chapter meeting, and became a preparation for the step of making their oblation on 1 November 1818. The retreat conferences, given by the Superior-General himself, completed … Continue reading →

Basing himself on the official Acts of the Chapter and on the Memoires of Mariusz Suzanne, Rey describes the events: On Monday 26 October was held a second session of the First General Chapter of the Society of Missionaries of … Continue reading →

In all justice to Eugene, we would do him a disservice if we saw his action of bringing the scholastics to vote as a devious ploy to get his own way. The decision that was made with their help proved … Continue reading →

This was the only time in the history of the Missionary Oblates when men who were not in life-long commitment (perpetual vows) participated fully in a General Chapter, with the right to vote. Just how proper was the procedure on … Continue reading →

The future of the Missionaries hung in the balance. Eugene was convinced that the direction for the growth of the Society could only be via the route of religious life and professing the evangelical counsels by making vows. Four of … Continue reading →

Eugene used the annual retreat of the Missionaries as the opportunity to present to them the Rule that he had compiled. The retreat extended from October 23 to 31, 1818. As the events of this retreat, and of our first … Continue reading →

In the cold winter months, when pilgrims no longer came to the shrine, then the Missionaries would go out to the surrounding villages to preach the Gospel in prolonged parish missions. From there, after having preached repentance to these good … Continue reading →

Until now the Missionaries had gone out to preach missions, but here the pilgrims came to them and so the sanctuary became a place of permanent mission with the people coming to them. More than 20 000 souls flock there … Continue reading →