Monthly Archives: October 2010

THE MISSIONARY: MEMBER OF A FAMILY

 The next three points of our first Rule seem very dry and technical, but underneath them is a wealth of feeling. On entering the Society, the Missionaries must resolve to persevere in it until the end of their lives. The … Continue reading

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THE MISSIONARY : EQUILIBRIUM AND COMPLEMENTARITY

Equilibrium and complementarity summarize the next section of our first Rule: The Missionaries will divide their group in such a way that while some strive in community to acquire the virtues and knowledge proper to a good missionary, others are … Continue reading

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THE MISSIONARY: SHOW PEOPLE WHO JESUS IS AND BE A BRIDGE TO HELP THEM TO MEET HIM

A phrase that is almost in danger of passing unnoticed in the description of the life of the Missionaries is: “in preaching and in the direction of youth.” We came into existence for two clear missionary purposes: 1/ to preach … Continue reading

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THE MISSIONARY: NOT A CLANGING CYMBAL WITH NOTHING OF SUBSTANCE TO OFFER

In their Rule, the missionaries note their desire to live a life of equilibrium that includes the importance of prayer and study so as not to be empty vessels with nothing to give when they are on mission:  If they … Continue reading

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THE MISSIONARY: THE ALL OR NOTHING OF RELIGIOUS LIFE

 The undersigned priests … -have the honour of requesting from you the authorization to come together at Aix in the old house of the Carmelites which one of them has acquired; and to live there in community under a Rule … Continue reading

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THE MISSIONARY: WHAT’S IN IT FOR HIM?

Having outlined the major points of their vision statement, they continue: The undersigned priests: … -and wishing to accomplish it in a manner as useful to themselves as it is advantageous for the people whom they propose to evangelize… Request … Continue reading

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THE MISSIONARY: CALLED AND CONSECRATED FOR A TOUGH MINISTRY

 The missionaries make it clear that they did not come together only to DO a most necessary ministry merely as a workforce, but that they answer a call from God which demands a response of consecration. It is a call … Continue reading

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THE MISSIONARY: DARING TO USE SHOCK TREATMENT

In the pitiful religious state in which the people of Provence found themselves, the ordinary means provided by the Church structures were not enough. The people had been at the mercy of various currents of thought over the past 27 … Continue reading

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THE MISSIONARY: THE ORDINARY MEANS OF THE CHURCH STRUCTURES ARE INSUFFICIENT AND EVEN USELESS

“Deeply moved” by the situation of the abandoned people, the Missionaries of Provence continued explaining their vision: The undersigned priests: … -knowing from experience that the callousness or indifference of these people renders the ordinary help supplied by your concern … Continue reading

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THE MISSIONARY: DEEPLY MOVED BY THE SUFFERING OF ABANDONED PERSONS

 The letter written to the Diocesan authorities on 25 January 1816 is a foundational document for us who live according to the spirit and charism of Saint Eugene. In the days that follow I will explore various aspects of this … Continue reading

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