Monthly Archives: December 2016

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

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 →

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 →

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 →

  Dear Reader of Saint Eugene Speaks, On this website you can see the writings of St Eugene in digitalized form (http://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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →