Monthly Archives: December 2011

CHRISTMAS

Posted on December 25, 2011 by franksantucci

Eugene will speak to us again on Monday 09 January. A reminder that all the previous entries (505 of them) can be consulted on this site. By using the search engine on the homepage you can find entries dealing with … Continue reading →

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200 YEARS AGO: CELEBRATING THE DIVINE MYSTERIES FOR THE FIRST TIME

Posted on December 24, 2011 by franksantucci

Dear mother, be one with me on Christmas Eve, join in the holy mysteries in Aix while I celebrate them for you in Amiens, in the most fervent of communities [ed. the Sisters of the Sacred Heart]; let each of … Continue reading →

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200 YEARS AGO: THERE IS ONLY LOVE IN MY HEART

Posted on December 23, 2011 by franksantucci

The day after his ordination to the priesthood, Eugene continued his reflections to his spiritual director. My letter could not go off yesterday. O my dear Father, there is only love in my heart. I am writing at a time … Continue reading →

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200 YEARS AGO: THE TRANSFORMING LIGHT OF ORDINATION

Posted on December 22, 2011 by franksantucci

After his priestly ordination Eugene wrote to Father Duclaux, his spiritual director, to share with him his feelings and reactions to what had just taken place. The tone that runs through the letter is one of awe at God’s immense … Continue reading →

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200 YEARS TODAY: I ANNOUNCE SUCH A HUGE MIRACLE

Posted on December 21, 2011 by franksantucci

Writing from Amiens during his retreat Eugene announces to his mother: I bid you now an affectionate farewell, dear mother, and hold you tenderly to my heart which is all yours after God. You know the ordination takes place on the … Continue reading →

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200 YEARS AGO: THE DAY BEFORE EUGENE’S PRIESTLY ORDINATION

Posted on December 20, 2011 by franksantucci

Today, exactly 200 years ago, we find the 29 year-old Eugene de Mazenod on retreat on the day before his priestly ordination. Reading though his retreat notes I am struck by the centrality of his desire to love God as … Continue reading →

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COMMUNION IN DEATH

Posted on December 19, 2011 by franksantucci

After the week of reflections on the Spanish martyrs, I pick up the thread that we have been following for many weeks on the Youth Congregation started by Eugene in Aix in 1813. We have seen the concern that the … Continue reading →

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THE SPANISH MARTYRS: MODELS OF FAITH AND INTERCESSORS FOR US

Posted on December 17, 2011 by franksantucci

“It is believed that they died professing their faith and forgiving their executioners. We do know that none of the 22 Oblates, despite the psychological torture during their cruel captivity, was an apostate, nor denied his faith, nor denied having … Continue reading →

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SPANISH MARTYRS – ALL FOR GOD

Posted on December 16, 2011 by franksantucci

Twenty days later it was time for thirteen more Oblates to hear their names shouted from a loudspeaker. On November 28, 1936, they were taken from their jail and led to Paracuellos de Jarama where they were executed. They were: … Continue reading →

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MARTYRDOM AS THE FULLNESS OF OBLATION

Posted on December 15, 2011 by franksantucci

A few hours after their seven companions had been taken away a truck of Assault Guards arrived with the order to take the religious to the General Directorate of Security in Madrid. Their militant captors were furious and made their … Continue reading →

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