Monthly Archives: November 2014

A NEW OBLATE MISSIONARY THRUST: SEMINARY FORMATION

To respond to the need for clergy reform and formation, Eugene was about to send Father Charles-Dominique Albini to the major seminary of Marseille as professor and formator. He wrote about this to Fr. Honorat Be well aware that were … Continue reading

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HEALING THE DEPLORABLE DISASTER OF RECENT YEARS

Eugene’s awareness of the need for good priests had been a priority for him from the time he entered the seminary. Our first Rule as Missionaries in 1818 reflected this awareness and made it a part of our Oblate goals: … Continue reading

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A NECESSARY SYSTEM OF PURIFICATION

Evangelization of the people necessitated good priests to accompany them in their conversion and spiritual growth. Eugene was committed to this ideal both as an Oblate and as Vicar General of Bishop Fortuné in Marseille. We are pursuing our system … Continue reading

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ALLOW SICKNESS TO BE A SOURCE OF HOLINESS

One of Eugene’s constant concerns for his men was their health. They were so zealous as missionaries that they often sacrificed good sense when it came to looking after their physical wellbeing. He reminds the community superiors of their responsibility … Continue reading

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FOR THE SAKE OF PEACE

The Archbishop of Aix was also not cooperating in letting his men join the Oblates. Eugene pleads his case. Would you be good enough, Your Grace, to console this afflicted soul who is earnestly manifesting the desire to join our … Continue reading

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THE WISH THAT THE LORD MAY INSPIRE IN BOTH OF YOU WHATEVER WILL CONTRIBUTE MOST TO HIS GLORY

Convinced that the priest in question had a genuine vocation to Oblate missionary life, Eugene advises him to be patient and not be put off by opposition. God’s will would triumph in the long run. In your particular case, I … Continue reading

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ANXIOUS TO MAINTAIN THE GOODWILL OF OUR BISHOPS FOR THE GREATER GOOD OF THEIR FLOCKS

The Roman approbation of the Oblates meant that we were free to accept any candidates regardless of the opposition of the bishops. Yet, Eugene found it important to act in unity with the local bishop and to respect his wishes. … Continue reading

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A BISHOP’S REQUEST THAT DOES NOT CORRESPOND WITH OUR CHARISM

Marius Suzanne, convalescing from his serious illness, had been approached by the Bishop of Aix to become his secretary. Eugene felt strongly that this was not in keeping with the spirit of the Oblates, and so he wrote to Fr … Continue reading

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BISHOPS AND THE OBLATE CHARISM: CONFLICT OR COMMUNION?

Eugene founded the Oblates to serve in the Church and to be of service to the mission of the Church, with the charismatic vision particular to us. Our vocation becomes tangible around the person of the bishop, in communion with … Continue reading

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PROPERTY IS THE SUREST GUARANTEE OF STABILITY

While ensuring the zeal of the Oblate missionaries towards the most abandoned, Eugene also had to deal with the local bishops to safeguard the status and situation of the Oblates in the dioceses where they ministered. Yvon Beaudoin explains the … Continue reading

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