Monthly Archives: January 2015

A REPRIMAND AND A HUG

Having corrected Fr Courtès above, the conclusion of this letter is typical of Eugene’s style. When he had to reprimand an Oblate, he would do it directly and did not pull his punches. Then he would be aware of a … Continue reading

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IT IS NOT JUST A MATTER OF STEERING THE SHIP PROPERLY, YOU MUST ALSO SHOW ME YOUR CHART

Writing to Father Courtès about the behavior one of the members of his community: I am sending to you, my dear Fr. Courtès, the letter for Fr. Sumien that I had no time to write yesterday. I perceive on rereading … Continue reading

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COUNTING GOD’S BLESSINGS – AND RECORDING THEM

Eugene had asked each Oblate to recall and write his memories of the life of the Society. Father Suzanne had written something on the history of the Oblates in Marseille. Reading what he had written, Eugene stressed the importance of … Continue reading

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EVERYTHING MUST FOCUS ON EVANGELIZATION

For Eugene the central focus for all Oblates had to be evangelization, and in particular the preaching of parish renewal missions. All time and energy had to be used for this purpose. Our vocation being the missions, only by obedience … Continue reading

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THE STRENGTH OF GOD THROUGH WHICH MIRACLES ARE OPERATED

Eugene, the preacher and founder of a society of missionaries, speaks strikingly from the depths of his heart about the power of the preached word. The grace of conversion is eminently attached to the word, it is the strength of … Continue reading

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ONE DOES NOT CONVERT WITH BOOKS

Marius Suzanne was writing a book on apologetics, entitled, “The Profession of Faith of a Priest of Provence.” Due to his illness it was never published. While not discouraging him, Eugene, a preacher at heart, was skeptical as to how … Continue reading

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FOCUSING ENERGY

Young Father Marius Suzanne was recuperating from a serious illness at Notre Dame du Laus. He occupied his time by writing a book on apologetics. Eugene invited him to be more focused on the aim of his missionary life. I … Continue reading

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