Monthly Archives: November 2011

RESTORING LIGHTNESS IN RELATIONSHIPS

The gatherings and interactions of the young persons were an opportunity for learning and for personal growth. In Eugene’s teaching on the topic of living with one another’s mistakes and weaknesses, we see an attempt to teach them sensitivity in … Continue reading

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HELPING EACH OTHER TO DESTROY THEIR FALSE SELF

Having spoken about personal growth and forgiveness through the sacrament of reconciliation, Eugene now refers to the responsibility of each member of the youth congregation for the growth of the other. He writes about the need for fraternal correction taking … Continue reading

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SELF-KNOWLEDGE FOR GROWTH

For the youth, the sacraments were to be instruments of human and Christian growth. Here Eugene stresses the importance of the sacrament of reconciliation. In his first rule of life for the youth, in 1813, he asked that they receive … Continue reading

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DIRECT EXPERIENCE

As we continue to explore the spirit and ministry of Saint Eugene with regard to his Youth Congregation, it is useful to keep in mind that his approach to the youth was the same as that operated in the preaching … Continue reading

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PRAYER CHANGES PEOPLE AND THEY CHANGE SITUATIONS

As we read the list of religious practices that the congregants had to commit themselves to, we may need to be reminded that they were not monks, but young scholars or students – mostly adolescents. The fact that nearly 300 … Continue reading

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AMONG THE POTS AND PANS

One of the greatest Christian mystics and contemplatives, Saint Teresa of Avila, lived in the awareness of God in her everyday activities and was able to proclaim: “The Lord walks among the pots and pans.” It is this same attitude … Continue reading

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FILLED WITH THE FULLNESS OF GOD

Eugene was not trying to make his young people into some form of disembodied monks. Rather, he was sharing with them what was a treasure for him: a positive God-related attitude that would lead them to a full life within … Continue reading

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