Monthly Archives: January 2015

MAKING SPACE FOR OUR GOD SHAPED VACUUM

Posted on January 29, 2015 by franksantucci

Eugene placed high importance on the period of novitiate formation of the young Oblates –it was an opportunity to make space for God and to learn and imbibe the values of Oblate religious life. The spirit of a “novitiate” period … Continue reading →

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FORMED TO RESPOND TO THE LORD’S CALL

Posted on January 28, 2015 by franksantucci

When someone wanted to join the Oblates, the first step was a time of postulancy followed by a time of intense formation, called a novitiate. It was the crucial period of the formation process of the future Oblate. We have … Continue reading →

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THE NEED TO BE REMINDED OVER AND OVER AGAIN

Posted on January 27, 2015 by franksantucci

In response to reading one of Eugene’s many calls to his zealous Oblates to look after their health, a lay associate wrote, 200 year later: “When I take care of myself then I will also be able to care for … Continue reading →

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199 YEARS AGO: THE FIRST DAY OF COMMUNITY LIFE – 25 JANUARY 1816

Posted on January 26, 2015 by franksantucci

25 January 1816 marked the first day of community life for the Missionaries, with the arrival of the first three members. Eugene had bought some of the Carmelite Convent, with an arrangement that the seller, Madame Gontier, could continue using … Continue reading →

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CEMETERIES ARE FULL OF INDISPENSABLE PEOPLE

Posted on January 23, 2015 by franksantucci

Fathers Honorat (28 years old), Martin (24) and Sumien (25) were conducting a parish mission in the village of Condoulet. These three young Oblates were full of zeal and enthusiasm, and Eugene was concerned about them burning themselves out. I … Continue reading →

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A MODEL WHO REFLECTS GOD’S COMPASSION AND LOVE

Posted on January 22, 2015 by franksantucci

Eugene’s admiration for Alphonsus Liguori was contagious. His moral theology which stressed the compassion and mercy of God became the guiding principle of the Oblate approach to people – especially in the confessional. (cf http://www.eugenedemazenod.net/?p=1651 and http://www.eugenedemazenod.net/?p=654 ) Eugene had … Continue reading →

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LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR THE SUCCESS OF OTHERS

Posted on January 21, 2015 by franksantucci

At the beginning of the new year, 1828, Eugene reflected on his situation of having been condemned to humdrum administration work in Marseille for a fifth year already. Realizing that the years were passing he shared some of his downheartedness … Continue reading →

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WE HAVE TO LIVE WITH THE CONSEQUENCES OF OUR CHOICES

Posted on January 20, 2015 by franksantucci

New year greetings to Fr. Courtès became the occasion for Eugene to lament about the situation in which he found himself. His passion for preaching and evangelization ran deep in his veins – and his example had brought many to … Continue reading →

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THERE IS NOT A SINGLE TASK THROUGHOUT THE DAY WHICH IS PLEASANT TO ME

Posted on January 19, 2015 by franksantucci

As the year 1827 drew to a close, Eugene found himself overburdened by the responsibilities and boredom of his desk-bound work as Vicar General of Marseille. One can touch his pain as he reads Fr Honorat’s description of the successes … Continue reading →

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A RULE OF LIFE AS A LANTERN IN THE DARK

Posted on January 16, 2015 by franksantucci

The Church’s approbation of our Rule of Life, on 17 February 1826, was a recognition and confirmation that our Oblate charism came from God, and that by following the Rule we were assured of walking on a secure road to … Continue reading →

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