Monthly Archives: September 2012

THE COMMUNITY LEADER AS THE LIVING BOND OF UNITY

Eugene continues his reflection on maintaining unity in the small but growing group of Missionaries. His particular role as general superior was that of ensuring that each member live by the founding spirit. The local superiors of each community participated … Continue reading

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KEEPING THE COMMUNITIES IN UNITY WITH THE FOUNDING CHARISM

At a first glance these words, written to Henri Tempier who was the superior of the community of Laus, could appear to be those of an autocratic controlling superior who wanted the last word in everything. … You must not … Continue reading

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YOUTH MINISTRY IN MARSEILLE

The following Sunday, May 13, a second installation took place at the Providence orphanage where living quarters were set up for the community. Leflon Volume 2, p. 182-183 The establishment in Marseille followed the exact pattern of the permanent mission … Continue reading

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AN INVITATION TO TRANSFORMATION UNDER THE SIGN OF THE CROSS

Marius Suzanne described the ceremony thru which the Missionaries began what was to be an Oblate ministry that lasted for 161 years. The Calvaire became a place of permanent mission to the people of Marseille, continuing the evangelization that had … Continue reading

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ACCEPTING TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF THE PILGRIM POOR

Some background information on this new mission in Marseille: With the official, and laboriously written letter in his possession, Father de Mazenod left that same day with Brother Suzanne, followed closely after by Fathers Maunier and Moreau, since the installation … Continue reading

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A DOSE OF REALISM

Having agreed to send some of his Missionaries to Marseille to do youth ministry with the orphans, Eugene was surprised when the Archbishop began to insist that they also had to take over the responsibility for the ministry of the … Continue reading

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THE HILL OF CALVARY IN MARSEILLE

The fury of the French Revolution had destroyed the magnificent Gothic Church of Notre Dame des Accoules in 1794 which had served the people of Marseille since 1205 (and as a parish from the 10th century). All that remained standing … Continue reading

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COOPERATING WITH AND LEARNING FROM THE LAITY IN MINISTRY

I find it very significant for the Mazenodian Family that it was the youth who led us to take two important steps. Right at the beginning of our existence it was the youth ministry of Eugene that led him to … Continue reading

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A YOUTH PROJECT IN PERFECT HARMONY WITH THE SPIRIT OF THE MISSIONARIES

Eugene’s letter of acceptance of this project in Marseille shows the criteria the Missionaries used in accepting to begin a third house. He wrote to the Board of the Work of Divine Providence: Gentlemen, when one of your respected associates … Continue reading

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RESPONDING TO THE CALL OF THE MOST ABANDONED

Awareness of the religious situation of the orphans of Marseille became the awareness of God’s call to the service of a group that was abandoned. One of Eugene’s biographers gives us the background: The Divine Providence Orphanage needed chaplains for … Continue reading

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