Monthly Archives: September 2014

AS IF MISSIONARIES OUGHT TO LIVE ON AIR, SO SPIRITUAL THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO BE

Posted on September 30, 2014 by franksantucci

Jesus taught that “the worker is worthy of his hire” and that the missionary must trust in divine providence. This providence does not fall out of the skies, but comes through the generosity of benefactors. Fr. Courtès, in Aix, had … Continue reading →

Posted in LETTERS | Tagged , | 1 Comment

A HEART WHICH CANNOT BE OUTDONE BY ANYONE WHEN IT COMES TO LOVING

Posted on September 29, 2014 by franksantucci

Perturbed by the zealous frenetic activity of his missionary Oblates, Eugene writes to Fr Courtès, the superior of the Aix community, recommending that he watch over the health of those entrusted to his care in the community. … Adieu, be … Continue reading →

Posted in LETTERS | Tagged , | 1 Comment

DROP EVERYTHING AND GET HERE

Posted on September 26, 2014 by franksantucci

In vain I write to you to stop, to catch your breath, and you keep on just the same. Eugene’s frustration with Fr Mie is obvious! He then appeals to reason. I make known to you the difficulty I have … Continue reading →

Posted in LETTERS | Tagged | 1 Comment

THERE ARE ONLY TWO OF YOU AND YOU TAKE ON WORK ENOUGH FOR SIX

Posted on September 25, 2014 by franksantucci

Nine days after his previous instructions to Fr. Mie, Eugene’s patience with this missionary’s misplaced zeal begins to wear thin. I told you positively to do only one mission when you left Marseilles and I even fixed a limit, as I … Continue reading →

Posted in LETTERS | Tagged , | 1 Comment

MY CONSCIENCE REQUIRES THAT YOU REST YOURSELF WELL

Posted on September 24, 2014 by franksantucci

At the beginning of September Eugene had written to Father Mie insisting that he take a period of rest. A month later, not only had he not taken a rest but had become involved in another pastoral commitment that upset … Continue reading →

Posted in LETTERS | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

IN DEATH HE IS STILL USEFUL TO OUR WORK

Posted on September 23, 2014 by franksantucci

Rejoicing with Fathers Mie and Moreau in the successful parish mission among the poor in the mountains, he encourages them and compares their ministry to a battle campaign against the power of evil. I rejoice over all you and Fr. … Continue reading →

Posted in LETTERS | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

EXHAUSTED MISSIONARIES STARVED FOR THE SALVATION OF THE POOR

Posted on September 22, 2014 by franksantucci

The Oblates were conducting a mission among “poor abandoned mountain people,” and the team wanted to prolong their time with them. Acknowledging their generosity, he still demands that they not prolong the mission and take a period of necessary rest. … Continue reading →

Posted in LETTERS | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

EXHAUSTED PERSONS MAKE THEMSELVES POWERLESS

Posted on September 19, 2014 by franksantucci

The excessive zeal of the Oblate missionaries had a tendency to drain their physical energy – and to lead to disagreeable consequences. An exhausted missionary makes for a useless missionary. Once again, Eugene expresses his concern for the welfare of … Continue reading →

Posted in LETTERS | Tagged , | 2 Comments

OPENING ONESELF TO RECEIVE GOD’S GIFTS

Posted on September 18, 2014 by franksantucci

Sometimes, because of the work schedules of the people, the evening prayer for the public and the oraison for the Oblates would be at the same time. We have often seen the importance Eugene gave to this evening meditation before … Continue reading →

Posted in LETTERS | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

ENABLING PEOPLE TO EXPERIENCE THE PRESENCE OF GOD

Posted on September 17, 2014 by franksantucci

Each evening the Oblate communities would organize evening prayer in their public churches for the local people. Eugene reminds them that the aim of the exercise was not to give the people a sermon, but to give them reflections which … Continue reading →

Posted in LETTERS | Tagged , | 2 Comments