Monthly Archives: December 2016

PAUSE FOR CHRISTMAS

I wish you a Blessed Christmas with this scene from our international nativity scene in the mission church in Aix en Provence, where Eugene used to celebrate, preach and pray. We will begin these reflections again on Monday 9 January

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CELEBRATING THE DELIGHTFUL NIGHT OUR LOVABLE SAVIOR IS BORN IN A STABLE

Eugene was ordained to the priesthood on 21 December 1811 and celebrated his “First Mass” on Christmas Eve. He invited his mother to be united with him in a special way. Dear mother, be one with me on Christmas Eve, … Continue reading

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PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS WITH SAINT EUGENE

One of the privileged moments of prayer for Eugene was to be able to unite himself with those he loved in the presence of God. In our Oblate tradition we have come to know this exercise as “oraison.” As a … Continue reading

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FACING DEATH

If I knew that I only had a few hours to live, what would my thoughts be? Eugene was at the bedside of the dying Hippolyte Courtès all the time, and records the sentiments of the man facing his death: … Continue reading

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A REQUEST FOR HELP FOR ST EUGENE SPEAKS

  Dear Reader of Saint Eugene Speaks, On this website you can see the writings of St Eugene in digitalized form (https://www.eugenedemazenod.net/?page_id=2362) put together in chronological order. All the letters published in Oblate Writings (Volumes 1- 16) are there. However, the … Continue reading

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I DO NOT FEEL THE PHYSICAL STRENGTH TO COPE

In seemingly-hopeless situations, where do I turn? Within three months of the death of Marius Suzanne, Hippolyte Courtès became seriously ill. Fr. Rey writes: “For the still lacerated heart of Fr. de Mazenod, this was truly a thunderbolt. He loved … Continue reading

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I AM AFFECTED, I AM TRULY ILL; I AM NO LONGER ABLE TO CONCENTRATE

Another intimate sharing in the face of bereavement that cannot fail to touch us as we recall times of personal mourning. Do not think, my dear friend, that it is through forgetfulness that I do not write to you. I … Continue reading

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YOUR TRAITS LIKE YOUR VIRTUES ARE ENGRAVED ON MY SOUL IN INDELIBLE CHARACTERS

Whose memory have I engraved in my heart and carry with me daily? After Eugene’s death in 1861, a card with the image of Mary was found in his breviary. On the reverse side, he had written: A precious picture … Continue reading

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I CARRY IN MY MIND MEMORIES GOING BACK OVER THIRTEEN YEARS

In a private journal entry, Eugene had put down his thoughts and feelings. What does this intimate glimpse awaken in me regarding the death of loved ones? These were so many words which were thrusts of the sword that I … Continue reading

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I AM OCCUPIED WITH MEDITATING ON THE HOLY VIRGIN’S SUFFERINGS AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS

In grief, who do I allow to stand by me as a support? Eugene describes the last hours of Marius Suzanne: I believe, dear friend, it has been a long time since last I wrote you. My hours, my days … Continue reading

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