Monthly Archives: September 2011

CHECKING THE COMPASS IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM

The year 1817 had been a seesaw of events and emotions. The successful ministry of parish missions in the villages, the ministry of the community in Aix itself, and the ministry with the Youth Congregation was counterbalanced by the destructive … Continue reading

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THE SUPERIOR OF A COMMUNITY IS GOD’S INSTRUMENT

At this moment in Aix there were 5 Missionaries and 7 novice-seminarians and every indication that the group would continue growing. There were also some university students living in the house, but we do not have records to indicate how … Continue reading

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FORMATION: THE DISCIPLINE OF MAINTAINING THE SPIRIT OF THE UPPER ROOM

As the size of the group increased, it was necessary that there be a common Rule to capture the spirit of the group and how to live by this spirit. Eugene’s letters from Paris clearly indicate that he was preparing … Continue reading

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FORMATION: TO BE LIKE THE APOSTLES IN THE UPPER ROOM BEING PREPARED TO BE SENT ON MISSION

Eugene’s conception of the Missionaries was that they had to be an elite group at the service of the Church. He was not being snobbish (“better-than-thou”) in saying this, but wanted to underline that their vocation was to be specialists … Continue reading

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FORMATION: HANDING ON EUGENE’S GOD-GIVEN SPIRIT

 As the number of young people who belong to the house has increased, clarity and regularity must grow in proportion.  Apart from the Missionaries, there were now seven young people in the house who had begun the formation process to … Continue reading

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EUGENE’S AFFECTION FOR THE MEMBERS OF HIS COMMUNITY

Eugene wrote to Hippolyte Courtès who was a 19 year-old man from Aix, who had been a member of his Youth Congregation. There was a good relationship between them and for the rest of their lives they were to be … Continue reading

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THE QUALITY OF EVERYDAY COMMUNITY LIFE IS THE BEST REPLY THAT WE CAN MAKE TO THOSE WHO DO US EVIL

During Eugene’s absence from Aix, community and apostolic life continued as normal in the house of the Missionaries. There were the everyday preaching and sacramental activities of the Church of the Mission, the Youth Congregation met two days of the … Continue reading

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HE WHO KNOWS HE HAS ENOUGH IS RICH

The words of Jesus, “For wherever your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6: 21) are echoed by Eugene. Prompted by the criticism of some of the pastors of Aix that all that he was searching for … Continue reading

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IF THEY KNEW THE STRENGTH AND EXTENT OF THE AFFECTION I HAVE FOR YOURSELVES AND FOR THE SOULS OF THE YOUNG SO CRUELLY ABANDONED

As for the honours that it amuses them to say I am soliciting without being able to obtain them, they must know that I had only to stoop in order to make them mine;  It is not honours that Eugene … Continue reading

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IS IT POSSIBLE THAT OUR PATIENCE HAS FAILED TO SOFTEN THE ANGER OF THESE PARISH PRIESTS?

The cancellation of the Concordat between the Pope and the King of France meant that the arrival of the new Archbishop in Aix was delayed for another two years. In the meantime the Capitular Vicars continued their administration, and the … Continue reading

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