Category Archives: WRITINGS

Within months of the beginning of the Oblates ministry at the sanctuary, they were able to see results with an increase in the number of pilgrims and a deepening of their devotion. Like you I have offered praise to the … Continue reading →

Every day Eleanor Rabnett , a member of the Mazenodian family in Ottawa, Canada, responds to the reflection of “St Eugene Speaks” by sharing her reactions (see http://www.eugenedemazenod.net). Yesterday I presented Bishop Bruno Guigues, who was basically the founder and … Continue reading →

We have been reading about Father Guigues in recent letters, so let us pause to find out more about this extraordinary Oblate missionary. Born in 1805, he was too young to make his oblation after his novitiate, and had to … Continue reading →

Father Guigues is entrusted with the responsibility of keeping everyone in the community focused on the spirit and letter of their God-given vocation, as expressed in the Rule. The only appropriate expression of the gratitude we owe God for this … Continue reading →

The Constitutions and Rules of a religious congregation are not a set of laws to be slavishly obeyed so as to maintain good order and perfect obedience in the congregation. Each founder lives her or his life according to a … Continue reading →

The only appropriate expression of the gratitude we owe God for this miracle is a firm resolution to walk always in his presence according to our vocation, in the exact observance of our Rules. Letter to Bruno Guigues, 3 September … Continue reading →

My dear Father Guigues, I have just left the altar where I offered the holy sacrifice in thanksgiving for the happy conclusion to the affair that means so much to us. Father Vincens is bringing you the copy of the … Continue reading →

Eugene was the one to whom the Holy Spirit had given the charism. As Founder and Superior General it was his duty to ensure that the Oblates lived and missioned according to his spirit. He was particularly insistent when it … Continue reading →

“Regularity” refers to following the Oblate Rule of Life (“regula” – hence “regularity” is following the Rule and guiding one’s life by it). A young and dynamic community would attract many people to the sanctuary devotions and sacraments, but also … Continue reading →

Eugene had placed great responsibility on the shoulder of the 29 year -old Fr Guigues: to assume responsibility for the Marian shrine and to work at increasing the number of pilgrims and to ensure that the Oblate community ran smoothly … Continue reading →