Monthly Archives: May 2010

LET US BE UNITED IN THE MEMORY OF A FATHER FOREVER BELOVED

Father Fabre’s first circular letter to the Oblates after the General Chapter which elected him to be Eugene’s successor contains the invitation: “Let us be united in spirit and in heart and we will be strong for doing what is … Continue reading

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OUR MUCH LOVED FOUNDER HAS NOT LEFT US

Joseph Fabre, who was elected to be Eugene’s successor, concluded the Chapter of 1861 by saying: “I feel the assistance of our much loved Founder; he has not left us! I was at his deathbed and said to him, “You … Continue reading

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HIS SPIRIT CONTINUES TO LIVE ALWAYS IN THE HEART OF HIS CHILDREN

After Eugene’s death a General Chapter was convoked. At the opening session two of the senior members of the Congregation spoke: Father Tempier and Bishop Guibert. Tempier opened the General Chapter by declaring his conviction regarding Eugene: “This Venerable Man … Continue reading

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HOW I WOULD LIKE TO SEE MYSELF DYING, SO AS TO WELL ACCEPT THE WILL OF THE GOOD GOD!

Father Fabre’s description of the last moments of Eugene’s life: From four o’clock in the evening until half past nine, Monseigneur prayed and made us pray; he asked that we pray the rosary, which he followed while holding his with … Continue reading

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I WILL HAVE THE CONSOLATION OF LEAVING BEHIND ME A PHALANX OF GOOD MISSIONARIES

When Eugene died there were 414 Oblates (6 Bishops, 267 priests, 88 brothers) spread around the world. In 1854 he had written about this: “I will have the consolation of leaving behind me a phalanx of good missionaries who spend … Continue reading

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ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY NINE YEARS AGO: 21 MAY 1861

When Father Fabre wrote to the Congregation to announce the death of Eugene, he described this conversation which had taken place the day before his death: Bishop, one of us asked him, give us some words to pass on to … Continue reading

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ANYTHING BUT A PLASTER STATUE

Reflecting on this self-presentation has shown me a flesh-and-blood saint – a person who, because of and even despite himself, was a powerful channel for the grace of God for others. His struggles to reconcile seemingly opposite aspects of his … Continue reading

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GRATITUDE CALLS ME TO LOVE THE PERSON TO WHOM I AM UNDER OBLIGATION

This is the last paragraph of the self-presentation. Eugene deals with another underlying motive in his relationship with others: what gratitude is for him. Far from being in my eyes, as it is for many people, an irksome burden, gratitude … Continue reading

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ANYONE WHO IS SUFFERING, OR NEEDS ME, CAN COUNT ON MY HELP

The 26 year old Eugene continues to reflect on his personality – with some interesting insights on his affectivity and how this is in the service of others: There is nothing carnal mixed up with these desires which issue from … Continue reading

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I LOVE WITH PASSION EVERYBODY I BELIEVE LOVES ME

Eugene was not afraid of expressing his feelings for others, and his strong need for friendship. Generally speaking I love with passion everybody I believe loves me, but theirs must be a passionate love too. So gratitude is the final … Continue reading

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