Author Archives: franksantucci

Father Courtès, had been confessor to a convent of religious sisters and the pupils of a school. At Eugene’s request, he had stopped this ministry which Eugene did not see as being part of our charism. Now that you have … Continue reading →

Eugene, as the father-figure of his Oblate family, suffered with his family in their suffering. Humanly he needed support – especially at the moment of the death of Father Pons. Here he responds to a letter of support from one … Continue reading →

You are invited to take part in this practice of Oraison on Sunday, October 20, 2019, which is World Mission Sunday.     Mission Sunday 1975 was the day when Pope Paul VI beatified Eugene de Mazenod, recognizing the workings … Continue reading →

Eugene advises the community of the edifying manner of the death of Father Pons. The Lord has just taken away our excellent Father Alexandre Marie Pons, at 28 years of age, in the 8th year since his call. He died … Continue reading →

The “difficulties of my position and my soul’s bitter distress” was caused by the imminent death of a trusted Oblate at the age of 28, and of the departure of another. A double blow for the Oblates. And now another … Continue reading →

We may fall into the danger of thinking that Eugene’s complaints in the preceding letters showed an Oblate congregation that was in a state of chaos. This was definitely not the case. The demands of the people for the ministry … Continue reading →

“Be” in order to “Do” meant a life of equilibrium. Zeal for mission in defiance of the needs of the body produces few results. Writing to the superior of the Aix community, Eugene insists on equilibrium. The obligation of seven … Continue reading →

Looking at potential leadership in the Oblates, Eugene identifies the qualities of “being” which result in “doing”: availability, regularity in living by the Rule of Life, detachment and generosity. But I’m easily upset when I’m faced with men who render … Continue reading →

The foundation of the Congregation in 1816 had begun a period of zealous inspiration and overflowing generosity among the founding generation. Twenty years later the we find Eugene frustrated by the cooling off of that initial passion. The second generation … Continue reading →

Writing to Father Casimir Aubert, the novice master, Eugene reviews the progress of the novices and concludes with advice regarding one in particular, from which he draws an important lesson for all communities. Try to bring your influence to bear … Continue reading →