Monthly Archives: July 2011

A DOOR OPENS WITH THE RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DIOCESE OF MARSEILLE

After the failure of Eugene to obtain legal approbation from parliament and the king, the fact remained that the Missionaries still did not have a legal status and the security of some authority to protect them. An opportunity arrived, however, … Continue reading

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I WAS FLATTERED, BUT I REFUSED EVERYTHING THAT WOULD HAVE TAKEN ME AWAY FROM AIX

While in Paris trying to ensure the survival of the Missionaries, Eugene met the Cardinal who was responsible for the appointment of bishops in France. Several dioceses that had been suppressed by the Revolution were to be re-established and new … Continue reading

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AN ANONYMOUS LETTER BACKFIRES

While Eugene was dealing with the Minister, an anonymous letter arrived from Aix denouncing him. The letter gives every indication of having been written by one of the priests of the city who was antagonistic to Eugene. He narrates: You … Continue reading

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YOU CAN TELL THE WHOLE CITY

The Minister still thought that Eugene was asking too much in wanting a direct approval from the King, but gave him a face-saving substitute. “The Minister could not obtain this Ordinance but replied by declaring, in his own name: “You … Continue reading

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A REQUEST FOR DIRECT APPROVAL FROM THE KING

Eugene was not satisfied and not prepared to wait until the matter came before Parliament in the distant future (if ever it would have). By now everyone in Aix knew why he was in Paris, and he could not return … Continue reading

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CAUGHT UP IN POLITICAL DELAYING TACTICS

Eugene’s interview with the Minister was polite, but it was clear that the Minister was finding as many reasons as possible to delay asking a hostile parliament to vote on this issue. There is nothing to do at the moment … Continue reading

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APPEALING DIRECTLY TO THE MINISTER

Eugene travelled hurriedly to Paris, where he was to remain from July until November 1817. On his arrival he wrote to his community in Aix: I write only these two words, my dear and good brothers, to give you news … Continue reading

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OUR HOUSE WILL FALL TO THE GROUND, THE WIND AND TIDE ARE AGAINST THE MISSIONARIES

The priests were furious with Eugene’s reply and the matter was to go much further and eventually to reach the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Paris. The problem was not the Youth Congregation, but the existence of the community of … Continue reading

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A CLASH OF PROVENCAL TEMPERS

Having survived the confirmation saga, Eugene faced another one regarding the first communion of some of his congregants a couple of months later. As always, he wrote to the pastors asking for their permission to proceed with the first communion … Continue reading

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A FIERY CONFIRMATION SERVICE

When the Church of the Mission opened its doors to the general public, then the anger of some of the pastors came to the fore. This was particularly the case of the pastors who were Gallican in approach and disliked … Continue reading

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