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Monthly Archives: September 2011
COMMUNICATING A SPIRIT OF GROWTH
The 30 year-old Father de Mazenod started his youth ministry with 7 young persons in 1813. With the numbers increasing rapidly it was necessary to produce statutes to formally express the ideals of the group and to give the body … Continue reading
THIS IS STILL THE WORK OF WORKS
Before beginning his venture with the young people of Aix, Eugene had written to his spiritual director, Father Duclaux, asking advice on his plans to gather young people on Sundays so as to instruct them. Duclaux’s reply of 23 February … Continue reading
A PRIEST WHO HAD CONSECRATED THE FIRST YEARS OF HIS MINISTRY ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY TO YOUNG PEOPLE
Looking back at the end of 1817 Eugene described himself as a priest who had consecrated the first years of his ministry almost exclusively to the sanctification of youth. Diary of the Youth Congregation, 1 November 1817, O.W. XVI It … Continue reading
A YOUNG MAN’S LIFE IS CHANGED NOT ENDED
Eugene writes about the life and death of one of the members of his Youth Congregation Death of Mr. Fortuné Sallier 18 years old. The merit of this young man was not known sufficiently. I take it on myself to … Continue reading
SEARCHING FOR GOD’S PRESENCE
Eugene’s desire to live “all for God,” led him to want to live in an awareness of the presence of his “beloved” throughout the day. The many demands and activities of each day made it necessary for him to have … Continue reading
LIVING EACH DAY AS A PRAYER
The spiritual tradition of the “practice of the presence of God” was an important element of Eugene’s lived relationship with God. He referred to it in this retreat of 1817 that we are examining and would do so regularly in … Continue reading
PRAY ALWAYS
Living “all for God” does not just happen simply because one wishes it. There is a certain discipline and effort involved in training oneself consciously to be aware of the presence of God. Ephesians 6:18 calls on Christians to “pray … Continue reading
I MUST BECOME INVISIBLE
Having reminded himself of the cardinal points of his spiritual practices, Eugene revises his daily timetable. To this end, there is absolutely no time to waste, and what is left over after the day’s business must be well used. I … Continue reading
SEEKING A BALANCE BETWEEN THEORY AND PRACTICE
As Eugene takes stock of his life, he makes some practical resolutions to keep himself focussed each day. I will make it an irrevocable rule of conduct that nothing on this earth shall constitute a habitual threat to my own … Continue reading
THE RESPONSIBILITY OF INVITING OTHERS TO SHARE HIS LIVED EXPERIENCE
Continuing the review of his life during his retreat, Eugene realized that he was tempted to get lost in work and think that all was okay. He needed to keep the spirit of his oblation in mind in his activities: … Continue reading