Monthly Archives: September 2012

GOD CALLS THRU CONCRETE EVENTS

My uncle informed me about the proposal of the Members of the Work of Providence. If I understood it well, these men would want to know if we could undertake the direction of the poor people that their charity has … Continue reading

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THE GOOD GOD KNOWS OUR NEEDS, THAT IS WHAT CONSOLES ME

In March 1821 we find Eugene and the Missionaries involved in their third successive prolonged parish mission in five months. Eugene was physically exhausted and also had to handle one of his companions who was not coping with the level … Continue reading

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THE CALL OF JESUS CHRIST, HEARD WITHIN THE CHURCH

As the small Society of Missionaries of Provence grew in numbers and commitments, one can see the preoccupation of Eugene to establish a solid foundation that would ensure stability. From the beginning he saw the importance of a carefully-written Rule … Continue reading

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EACH MISSIONARY OUGHT TO DO THE WORK OF FOUR

After five years of existence we find the Missionaries gradually increasing in number and having to make decisions and adjust to new situations. Henri Tempier was at ND du Laus and finding life tough. He had written to Eugene to … Continue reading

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TAKE CARE OF ME IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD

Writing to his mother during the demanding parish mission in Brignoles, Eugene reminds her of his need to be supported in prayer by her. He needs to be taken care of by her in the presence of God. But, even … Continue reading

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THE MISSIONARY AS A CHANNEL THRU WHICH GOD BRINGS LIFE

Referring of the parish mission that they were involved in from 14 January to 25 February 1821 in the town of Brignoles, Eugene spoke of the responsibility involved in the ministry: it is no light matter to have the responsibility … Continue reading

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NON-CLERICAL CLOTHING

Writing to Henri Tempier, who was the one responsible for the formation of the novices at Laus, Eugene speaks about the dress of the Missionaries. The gesture of receiving the cassock (soutane) marked the official beginning of the novitiate period. … Continue reading

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IN COMMUNION WITH OUR ANCESTORS

Writing to Henri Tempier and the novices and young students at Laus: I have drawn up right away the list of our rooms and have chosen the guardian saints that I wish to give to each dweller in them. Our … Continue reading

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A FATHER’S CONCERN

Eugene’s joyful pride in the generosity of the young students and novices is tempered by the dreadful apostasy of the wretch who could not be brought back to his duty by the example of conduct as edifying as yours Yvon … Continue reading

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FATHER OF A LIVING COMMUNITY OF CONSECRATED PERSONS

In the centuries after Saint Paul, the spiritual concept of a ‘father’ was used for those who had administered baptism to the new Christians. With the rise of monasticism, and from the time of St Jerome onwards, the commitment to … Continue reading

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