Monthly Archives: June 2012

I DO NOT KNOW A MORE DEMANDING PLACE

We have seen how much importance was given to the Sacrament of Reconciliation on the parish missions. This same concern was obvious wherever the Missionaries ministered on “permanent mission.” Henri Tempier had only been at Notre Dame du Laus for … Continue reading

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WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DEATH!

In 1819, Paulin Castellas, a member of Eugene’s Youth Congregation died. For a while he had lived with other Aix students in the house of the Missionaries. Eugene’s reflection on this young man’s life was written in the Diary of … Continue reading

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THE PRACTICE OF PEACE AND RECONCILIATION

Describing the mission at Eyguières, Eugene gives the reason for their being tired: Our work is endlessly demanding and without the least respite… So we have to go beyond our strength, we are in the confessional until a quarter to … Continue reading

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A SPIRIT OF SIMPLICITY AND JOYFULNESS

In February – March 1819 Eugene was one of the five Missionaries doing the parish mission at Eyguières. In this letter to the rest of the community in Aix we catch him in a moment of relaxation where he banters … Continue reading

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SLOW, SLOW PRAYING

Initially the community of Laus was made up of three persons: Henri Tempier, Bourrelier (a scholastic brother) and a prospective member (postulant). As the ministry of the shrine was re-established and grew, so were other Missionaries to join the community. … Continue reading

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HABITS BECOME YOUR CHARACTER

With the establishment of a second community, at a considerable distance from Aix, Eugene’s major concern was to ensure that the same God-given spirit was maintained in both communities. For this reason he appointed Henri Tempier as superior. He knew … Continue reading

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AN INTIMATE SHARING BETWEEN FRIENDS

The year 1819 saw the continuation of normal activities for Eugene: directing the ministry of the Missionaries, preaching parish missions, accompanying the Youth Congregation and the activities of the house and church in Aix. Added to this was the new … Continue reading

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THE IDENTITY OF THE MAZENODIAN FAMILY: A SHINING EXAMPLE OF A LIFE THAT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF

If we wish to achieve the same results as the Apostles and the first followers of the Gospel, we must use the same means as they, and this all the more because we do not have the power to perform … Continue reading

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THE IDENTITY OF THE MAZENODIAN FAMILY: MISSIONARIES NOT COUCH POTATOES

If we wish to achieve the same results as the Apostles and the first followers of the Gospel, we must use the same means as they… Letter to M. Arbaud, Vicar General of Digne, January 1819, O.W. XIII n.22 The … Continue reading

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THE IDENTITY OF THE MAZENODIAN FAMILY: SEE HOW THESE CHRISTIANS LOVE ONE ANOTHER

Eugene’s description of the Missionary vocation to a prospective member continued: We live in community under a mild Rule which fixes our duties and gives a very great value to the least of our actions. The spirit of charity and … Continue reading

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