Monthly Archives: October 2014

ACCOMMODATING ALL THIS FINE AFFECTION FOR RELATIVES WOULD OBLIGE ONE TO EMPTY A HOUSE IN ONE WEEK OR TO DISRUPT A MISSION OR SEVERAL MISSIONS

The request of Fr. Honorat to visit his aunt, became the occasion for Eugene to explain why he did not permit Oblates to visit their relatives indiscriminately. You are strong enough, my dear Honorat, to bear a refusal. That is … Continue reading

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A PREACHER WHO CONNECTED WITH THE POOR

During the jubilee preaching in Marseille, Rey describes a revealing incident: “An unexpected event provides a basis for comparison between the preaching of the missionary of the poor and a more elevated level of eloquence. Father Enfantin reappeared in Marseille … Continue reading

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DOING WHAT HE LOVED BEST

The year 1826 ended with Eugene and the Oblates participating in the special jubilee year renewal missions throughout the city of Marseille. We find him in full swing doing what he enjoyed most: preaching a mission and bringing people to … Continue reading

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NEVER COMPROMISE ON FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES

Shortly after the Oblate mission in Digne, Eugene writes about a confrontation with the Bishop of Gap, the neighboring diocese in which our sanctuary of Laus was situated. Clearly Eugene, whose life changed at the foot of the Cross when … Continue reading

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IN CRITICAL CIRCUMSTANCES PEOPLE ARE WON OVER THROUGH THE QUALITY OF OUR LIVES

The missionaries were preaching in Digne. It was in an area known for its Jansenist rigidity and for being critical of the Oblates whose preaching focused more on God’s mercy for sinners than on legalism and hellfire. Conscious that their … Continue reading

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TRANSPARENCY WITH MONEY

The Oblate missionaries seemingly wanted to take a collection for the poor. While being in favour of the principle, Eugene sounds a note of caution regarding clarity and transparency. The people who are giving money must be absolutely clear that … Continue reading

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FOCUS ON WHAT IS LIFE-GIVING

Hippolyte Guibert had been an Oblate priest for a year, and Jeancard for 3 years and were both in their mid-twenties. Eugene followed the missionary adventures of these young men with pride and interest. As they enjoyed successes and also … Continue reading

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CHALLENGING A MENTALITY THAT DESTROYS GOOD

Eugene’s examination of his life leads him to a situation that is peculiar to his time after the French Revolution. Many religious orders had been destroyed – and with them that particular spiritual and humanitarian contribution to society that was … Continue reading

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GOD ALWAYS READY TO WORK MIRACLES THROUGH OUR MINISTRY

Aware of the responsibility accompanying his vocation to seek perfection in religious life, Eugene invites me to examine my behavior to evaluate whether my ministry effectively aims at the salvation of others. When I do things for others, whose approval … Continue reading

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A SPECIFIC VOCATION THAT DEMANDS FULFILMENT

Next in the examination of his life, Eugene looked at the quality of his life as a religious missionary. Always conscious of God’s love in calling him to be an Oblate, he reflected on the central components of his religious … Continue reading

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