Monthly Archives: August 2012

A COMMITMENT TO A NEW WORLD FREED FROM SELFISHNESS AND OPEN TO SHARING

Posted on August 31, 2012 by franksantucci

The young Missionary students who were preparing for the priesthood at Laus had fully understood the meaning of the spirit of oblation. They wanted their self-giving to God for mission to be as generous as possible. They had already expressed … Continue reading →

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LEARNING BY WATCHING A ROLE MODEL

Posted on August 30, 2012 by franksantucci

We learn by watching good role models. The young Missionaries of Provence, full of enthusiasm but with little experience, needed the example of someone who had successfully achieved what they were setting out to do. This model was Alphonsus of … Continue reading →

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PUTTING OUT THE LAMP

Posted on August 29, 2012 by franksantucci

From the time that Eugene was 9 he had been in exile outside of revolutionary France. Most of the ensuing eleven years had been spent with his father – seven of them without his mother who had left them to … Continue reading →

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WHERE THERE IS MOURNING, THERE IS DANCING

Posted on August 28, 2012 by franksantucci

After a few days of illness, Eugene’s father, President Charles Antoine de Mazenod died on the 10 October 1820. The biographer Rey recounts that “Father de Mazenod showed an admirable filial piety. He devoted himself with an infinite dedication to relieve … Continue reading →

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HOW CONVINCED ARE YOU THAT GOD IS ALIVE?

Posted on August 27, 2012 by franksantucci

A childhood friend of Eugene’s, Felix d’Albertas, had expressed difficulties about the quality of his faith. Eugene responded: One sentence of your last-but-one letter, dear Felix, really upset me. I cannot bear to think you are not perfectly happy and … Continue reading →

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EUGENE NOW SPEAKS TO US FROM OBLATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY

Posted on August 25, 2012 by franksantucci

As from today, the new home of “Eugene de Mazenod speaks to us” is the Oblate School of Theology, founded in San Antonio in 1903. You can find out more about this exciting Oblate missionary outreach at http://www.ost.edu/  “….Oblate School … Continue reading →

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HEADING FOR TEXAS!

Posted on August 24, 2012 by franksantucci

From tomorrow, the source of this daily reflection will be changing address from Provence to Texas. As I travel today to begin a new ministry in San Antonio I am grateful for the privilege of becoming part of this great … Continue reading →

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BEING PREPARED TO GIVE EVERYTHING FOR THE SALVATION OF ANOTHER

Posted on August 23, 2012 by franksantucci

Immediately after the first Mass of Hippolyte Courtès, Eugene wrote to the 20 year old Adrien Chappuis. He had been a member of the Youth Congregation and had wanted to become a Missionary as well. His behaviour as a law … Continue reading →

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HE WHO SEES TAKES OFF HIS SHOES

Posted on August 22, 2012 by franksantucci

Eugene had every reason to be proud of the ordination and first Mass of Hippolyte Courtès – he had been the mentor of this young man both in the Youth Congregation and later in his formation as a Missionary. The … Continue reading →

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THE JOY OF BEING WITH SOMEONE WHOSE HEART IS FULL

Posted on August 21, 2012 by franksantucci

Writing to a member of the Youth Congregation, Eugene shared with him something of the family joy experienced at Hippolyte Courtès’ first Mass. I have just come down from the altar where I assisted our good Courtès who offered the … Continue reading →

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