Monthly Archives: August 2011

THE FOUNDATION OF COMMUNITY: A TENDER, AFFECTIONATE, AND SINCERE CHARITY

Reflecting on the blessing of being part of a community with a healthy family spirit, Eugene now underlines the values necessary to maintain this spirit and allow it to grow. For the love of God never cease to inculcate and … Continue reading

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NOTHING ON EARTH IS WORTH BEING PREVENTED FROM BEING WITH SUCH GOOD BROTHERS AS YOURSELVES

Eugene’s time in Paris turned out to be longer than he had expected. The government was not giving the Missionaries the desired approbation, so he was forced to pursue other means of ensuring the survival of the group. His absence … Continue reading

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LET US OFTEN UNITE WITH ONE ANOTHER IN OUR LOVEABLE MASTER

Having read about the importance for Eugene of his practice of oraison yesterday, today I go back to a text on the same topic, written while he was a seminarian. It was Eugene’s first Christmas away from home since he … Continue reading

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I AM WITH YOU BEFORE THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

Almost every evening I am with you before the Blessed Sacrament when you are saying your evening prayers. I delight in this thought in the chapel of M. Liautard where I go at that hour to adore our divine Master. … Continue reading

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TELL THEM THAT I THINK OF THEM AND THAT I LOVE THEM

Eugene and his Oblates have always been characterised as being close to the people. The Oblate Rule of life expresses it thus: Our communities seek to radiate the warmth of the Gospel to those around us                                                           (Constitution 41). The … Continue reading

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DEAR FRIEND, I LOVE YOU AS MYSELF

Eugene was not afraid to show his affective nature and express the importance of others. In his self-evaluation, written at the seminary when he was 26, he had said: I have always longed for a friend, but I have never … Continue reading

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COMMUNITY AND MISSION: LET US LOVE ONE ANOTHER IN GOD AND FOR GOD AND FOR EVER

Whenever Eugene was away from Aix he had the opportunity to reflect on his community from a distance and to write his reflections. His considerations give us precious insights into his founding vision and the spirit he wished to see … Continue reading

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