Monthly Archives: October 2011

AN INVITATION TO LIBERATION

In forming the Youth Congregation, Eugene’s aim was to help the young people to achieve a personal relationship with God, and to receive God’s gift of being set free in Jesus Christ – and consequently to lead other young people … Continue reading

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AN ELITE GROUP

The Youth Congregation was an “elite” group of youth, but not in the social snobbish sense of elite because it was open to all classes. Pielorz researched the membership of the Congregation and wrote/ On the social composition, he did … Continue reading

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RULES AS A COMPELLING FORCE

The Statuts were 82 pages long and were a very detailed guide to practically every aspect of the young man’s life. As demanding as they were, no one was obliged to remain a member of the Youth Congregation. The fact … Continue reading

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WHY HAVE RULES?

Within a short time of starting his youth work, Eugene became aware of the need for a Rule of life: With the Association purged of all its questionable members, and with a daily-growing fervour continuing to manifest itself, the Director … Continue reading

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DO NOT GIVE UP WHEN YOU FAIL

Having stressed the importance of avoiding sin at all costs, Eugene now encourages the young men of his Youth Congregation to be aware of God’s mercy when they do not live up to their ideals. To this end, they will … Continue reading

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CHOOSE LIFE

The 1813 Rule for the Youth Congregation stated as fundamental attitudes of this group: the choice of living in relationship with Jesus Christ, following his will and way of life, and doing this in communion with the Church. In the … Continue reading

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A MOTHER THAT GAVE THEM LIFE

The third section of the Rule life focused on the relationship of the young people with the Church: In the same way they will accept the teachings of the Holy Church. They will observe them with the full knowledge that … Continue reading

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MAKE TEACHING ATTRACTIVE BY EVERY POSSIBLE MEANS

The 1813 Rule of Life for the Youth Congregation was divided into four sections. The first section focused on Jesus Christ in their lives. The second section was on how to live this relationship:  The first condition that God requires … Continue reading

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PERHAPS I MIGHT BREATHE SOME LIFE INTO THIS AILING BODY

Eugene was no stranger to youth work. Four years earlier, while he was a seminarian in Paris, he had charge of a catechism class for difficult boys. What he had learnt through that experience was certainly to be a help … Continue reading

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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN EUGENE’S AIX?

Just for today I am giving Saint Eugene a break. Life has been so busy in Aix en Provence during these past days that I have not managed to prepare a proper entry on the writings of Eugene for today. … Continue reading

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