Author Archives: franksantucci

Eugene concluded his retreat by meditating on the symbols he would receive at his consecration. This cross, this crozier is given me as the sign of spiritual power for me to chase out vice with a severity tempered with gentleness, … Continue reading →

Episcopal consecration would give Eugene a particular relationship with the Church: No, may I never be dominated by an individualistic, proud or opinionated attitude, always simple in my faith, always united in doctrine, even opinion, and teaching with the Church … Continue reading →

That is enough reflecting on the past. The best thing is to abandon myself to God to apply myself specially to consider what is going to be done in me by virtue of the Most High, and the obligations I … Continue reading →

As I read Eugene’s retreat reflections, I constantly hear echoes of his Good Friday experience of his brokenness and his awareness of God’s healing love. It was a conviction that never left him and that was at the basis of … Continue reading →

Eugene’s retreat led him to look at his impending episcopacy with discomfort but with gentle trust in God. And even so it is in this state of affairs I am called suddenly to receive the plenitude of the priesthood, elevated … Continue reading →

Eugene’s retreat meditation led him to reflect on his stewardship – using the parable of the head of the household who entrusted talents to his stewards. Although he had managed well and efficiently, Eugene feels sad because he had not … Continue reading →

I have been a priest for 21 years. I cannot presume that there is as much time left me to live as I have spent in the priesthood. I must look and see what the grace communicated me by the … Continue reading →

Eugene recalls his personal salvation history: As I make myself more familiar with the idea of what I already am by my election and what I am to become by my consecration, it will be advantageous to examine attentively the … Continue reading →

Father Józef Cebula was born into a modest family of Polish origin on March 23, 1902, at Malnia in southern Poland. He suffered tuberculosis as a youth. After an unexpected recovery, he visited an Oblate shrine where he shared his story with … Continue reading →

In these first moments of my retreat, I come up against an altogether singular obstacle to devoting myself seriously before God to the great topic that calls for my complete attention, namely, an involuntary mental state that persists in seeing … Continue reading →