Author Archives: franksantucci

As these reflections will pause until 13 January, I wish each of you a Happy Feastday for December 8, a fruitful Advent and all the blessings of Christmas. We ask Mary Immaculate to accompany us during this period: 
Mary Immaculate … Continue reading →

We go back to 1822. In the midst of all his concerns for the survival of his newly-founded Missionary family, Eugene celebrated the feast of the Assumption. It was a day which was to leave a permanent impression on the … Continue reading →

Eugene would have liked to have dedicated the rest of his life to serving only the Oblates, but this was not God’s plan for him.  How often I have counted the blessings I would enjoy eventually in the solitude of … Continue reading →

Eugene had been happy to be of service to the diocese and to his uncle in an auxiliary role. He had looked forward to retiring from Marseilles to devote himself more fully to the Oblate Congregation once his 87-year-old uncle … Continue reading →

People began to congratulate Eugene on his appointment as Bishop of Marseilles. To his Oblate brothers, Eugene confided his true sentiments. My dear Courtès, it is a consolation for me, in my disappointment to see you pleased and satisfied at … Continue reading →

 “In the prolonged silent prayer we make each day, we let ourselves be molded by the Lord, and find in him the inspiration of our conduct” (OMI Rule of Life Constitution, 33). The practice of Oraison was an important part of St. Eugene’s daily prayer … Continue reading →

Visit from my uncle in my room in an extraordinary state of jubilation bearing in his hand the royal ordinance that names me Bishop of Marseilles consequent upon the resignation that this venerable old man has tendered of his Diocese. … Continue reading →

From our hymnals, certain ridiculous and out-of-place expressions of love must also be removed; verses that are significant and inspiring of piety are what is needed. Letter to Jean Baptiste Mille, 6 April 1837, EO IX n 611 He repeats … Continue reading →

During the preaching of parish missions the Oblates aimed at maximum involvement by the people. Singing was one of them, but with certain conditions: In the missions. I recommend you use hymns with a refrain, which the congregation can repeat. … Continue reading →

Zeal for the salvation of souls was a missionary quality which the Oblates had. Yet this same zeal could lead some of then to exaggerated efforts. In his journal Eugene expressed his concern to one of them: Letter to Father … Continue reading →