Monthly Archives: August 2015

A GRATEFUL HEART FOR A SPIRITUALITY FOUNDED ON THE EUCHARIST

Eugene’s first communion, at the College of Nobles in Turin, was concisely noted in his exile Diary: It seems his masters and in particular Father Scati were also happy with his good sense, for he was admitted to first communion … Continue reading

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SPIRITUALITY: THE IMPORTANCE OF LOOKING BACK

  While I am convinced that the focal point of Eugene’s spirituality is his understanding of the Cross as his life-long source of energy and mission, it is important to see this as part of a spiritual journey and not … Continue reading

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THE SOURCE OF ENERGY THAT POWERS MAZENODIAN SPIRITUALITY

When I speak of the central focus of a spirituality and refer to a defining experience or understanding of God, some respond by saying that they have never had an experience of God. By ‘experience’ I do not mean a … Continue reading

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SPIRITUALITY: GOD’S SAVING RAYS BROUGHT INTO FOCUS

A spirituality is the result of a precise focus that brings together a specific light and gives a particular meaning to a person or group. “Spirituality” then refers to the totality of the expression of the focus and of its … Continue reading

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SPIRITUALITY: ENGRAVING THE IMAGE OF JESUS IN OUR SPIRIT

In yesterday’s reflection on how to grow closer to  Jesus Crucified, Eugene gave this method: It is like the painter who copies a model. He places the model in the best light, studies him carefully, concentrates on him, tries to … Continue reading

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SPIRITUALITY IS LIKE AN ARTIST WHO STUDIES A MODEL

Eugene’s spirituality was always focused on Jesus the Savior – a vision that he worked at reproducing in his daily life. Using the image of a painter, he wrote when he was a seminarian: To make myself like Jesus Crucified … Continue reading

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SPIRITUALITY AS AN ONGOING ENCOUNTER WITH JESUS CHRIST THAT LEADS TO ENCOUNTER WITH OTHERS

The foundation of all Christian spirituality is a relationship with Jesus Christ. In Eugene’s life there was no doubt about this as he passionately committed himself: You, you alone will be the only object to which will tend all my … Continue reading

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THE MAP WE WILL USE TO EXPLORE OUR MAZENODIAN SPIRITUALITY

As we explore our understanding of Mazenodian spirituality, I need to pose the question: “What do I mean by using the word spirituality”? Eugene himself gave me the answer when he wrote: You, you alone will be the only object … Continue reading

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IS THERE SUCH A THING AS OBLATE/MAZENODIAN SPIRITUALITY?

For five years “St Eugene Speaks” has been working through the letters of Saint Eugene de Mazenod in a chronological manner. As we prepare for the bicentenary of our foundation, I have been asking myself how best to focus these … Continue reading

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2 AUGUST – ANNIVERSARY OF EUGENE’S BAPTISM

Eugene, writing in the third person, as the “Director”, for the official Diary of the Youth Congregation spoke about the importance of his baptism anniversary on 2 August. The Reverend Director reminded the congregants that the next day would be … Continue reading

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