Monthly Archives: May 2012

THE BE-ATTITUDES: THE QUALITIES NEEDED IN ORDER TO BE

Situations vacant! I conclude these reflections on the 1818 Rule with the picture that Eugene gives of the qualities required in a prospective candidate to the Missionaries. He has to have a great desire for his own perfection, an unlimited love … Continue reading

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THE BE-ATTITUDES: FINE FEATHERS DO NOT MAKE FINE BIRDS

It is said that the “habit does not make the monk” – but what Eugene is getting at in this article of the Rule is that our exterior appearance can be an indication of an inner attitude. The missionary will … Continue reading

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THE BE-ATTITUDES: BECOME THE SYMBOL

The cross of Jesus Christ is central to our mission… This is the focal point of the spirit of Eugene, handed on to the Mazenodian family today. Through the eyes of our crucified Saviour we see the world which he … Continue reading

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THE BE-ATTITUDES: THE ONLY POSSIBLE CREDENTIAL

When an ambassador comes to a new country to represent his Head of State, he presents his “credentials” to the president or monarch of the new country where he is. For Eugene the Cross is the “credential” that shows that … Continue reading

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THE BE-ATTITUDES: THE SYMBOL THAT TRANSFORMS

Can I forget the bitter tears that the sight of the Cross brought streaming from my eyes one Good Friday? Tears of sorrow because: I had looked for happiness outside of God and for too long with resulting unhappiness. Tears … Continue reading

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THE BE-ATTITUDES: LETTING THE STORY TAKE OVER

The author Margaret Mahy speaks of the necessity to retreat from everyday activity “so the life of the story can take me over.” She continues: “That is why a writer often needs space and time, so that he or she … Continue reading

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THE BE-ATTITUDES: PRAYING BACKWARDS THROUGH THE DAY

Twice a day they will all make the examination of conscience in common; that is to say in the morning before dinner, and in the evening before going to bed. 1818 Rule, Part Two, Chapter One. §5 On prayer and … Continue reading

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THE BE-ATTITUDES: CONTEMPLATING THE MYSTERY WITH MARY

“As for Mary, she treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19 It was the pattern of Mary’s warm relationship with Jesus and her contemplation of his “virtues and example” that would be the model for … Continue reading

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THE BE-ATTITUDES: LIKE MARY

Mary’s encounter with the plan of God’s love for her had changed her life – just as Eugene’s encounter with God’s love had done. The Gospel of Luke narrates the response of Mary to the actions and words of her … Continue reading

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THE BE-ATTITUDES: LIVING IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD

What worked for Eugene, he wanted to share so that it would work for others and lead them to the same quality of BEING. The Rule thus continued with Eugene inviting his Missionaries to share in the same exercise of … Continue reading

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