Monthly Archives: October 2014

SHARE THE BREAD OF FRIENDSHIP, FAITH, REFLECTION AND PRAYER

Posted on October 31, 2014 by franksantucci

Missionary zeal was not only exercised outside of the community in preaching and celebration of the sacraments, but also within the house when people came to spend time and to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation. … one must know when … Continue reading →

Posted in LETTERS | Tagged , | 1 Comment

ONE MUST KNOW WHEN IT IS TIME TO CLOSE ONE’S DOOR

Posted on October 30, 2014 by franksantucci

Most of us do not know how to reasonably close our doors and evaluate the requests made on our time and energy. After the exertions of a hard mission, is it abnormal that I demand that you rest and that … Continue reading →

Posted in LETTERS | Tagged , | 2 Comments

THE ESSENTIAL THING IS THAT YOU PRACTICE PATIENCE INTERIORLY AND THAT YOUR SPIRIT BE AT REST IN GOD

Posted on October 29, 2014 by franksantucci

During Eugene’s time, many young people died from various illnesses and infections. The Oblates, always guided more by missionary zeal than by good health sense, were prone to catching chest infections and illnesses like tuberculosis. Eugene encourages patience to those … Continue reading →

Posted in LETTERS | Tagged , | 1 Comment

WE OUGHT TO FIND OUR HAPPINESS WITHIN OUR COMMUNITIES

Posted on October 28, 2014 by franksantucci

Writing to Fr. Courtès, superior of the Aix community, about Marius Suzanne gives Eugene the opportunity to look at the role of community for an Oblate. How tempted we are today to give in to the temptation of only looking … Continue reading →

Posted in LETTERS | Tagged , | 2 Comments

EVEN IN ILLNESS ALL THINGS WORK FOR GOOD FOR THOSE WHO LOVE GOD

Posted on October 27, 2014 by franksantucci

As Marius Suzanne was convalescing and recovering from his illness, Eugene encourages him with the invitation to turn his enforced rest into a time of spiritual concentration and growth. How much consolation do we seek and recognize in our own … Continue reading →

Posted in LETTERS | Tagged , | 1 Comment

MISUNDERSTANDINGS AND MISTAKES

Posted on October 24, 2014 by franksantucci

Eugene’s affectivity led him to be impulsive at times. When he realized that his words or gestures had hurt someone, he would be upset himself and he would immediately make amends. Yvon Beaudoin explains one of these incidents: “It is … Continue reading →

Posted in LETTERS | Tagged , | 1 Comment

THE ONE WHOM YOU LOVE IS SICK

Posted on October 23, 2014 by franksantucci

The highly affective Eugene’s pain and concern over the illness of Marius Suzanne is obvious in this passage. The deep friendship between Lazarus and Jesus was an inspiration to Eugene and a model for his own loving relationship with Jesus. … Continue reading →

Posted in LETTERS | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

PRAYER AS AN ACT OF LOVE FOR OTHERS

Posted on October 22, 2014 by franksantucci

Until the time that the Oblates began to receive new members in the foreign missions in the late 1840’s, Eugene had a personal relationship with each of his missionary sons. In his correspondence we constantly see how he loved and … Continue reading →

Posted in LETTERS | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

MILESTONES ARE STARTING POINTS FOR THE NEXT LEAP FORWARD

Posted on October 21, 2014 by franksantucci

Exactly a year had passed since the approbation of our religious family and Rule by the Church in 1826. Eugene writes to the community in Aix to remind them of the day and of the need to give thanks. Celebrating … Continue reading →

Posted in LETTERS | Tagged , | 1 Comment

CENTER OF MISSION: EACH ONE FULFILS HIS TASK FOR THE GLORY OF GOD

Posted on October 20, 2014 by franksantucci

Six years after the establishment of the Oblate community in Marseille in 1821, the community at the Calvaire was a growing mission center. From this center of religious missionary life, the Oblates did pastoral work throughout the city, and went … Continue reading →

Posted in LETTERS | Tagged , | 1 Comment