Monthly Archives: October 2017

Eugene’s advice regarding the formation of future Oblate missionaries in times of religious antagonism and persecution: In a word, at all costs candidates, be they who they may, must be ready to do everything required for the completion of their … Continue reading →

Writing to the young superior of the formation house in Switzerland, Eugene reminds him of the purpose of the stage of formation for the students: let them imbibe our spirit and learn to love the  Oblate family: … What I … Continue reading →

Eugene continues his description of the public honoring of the Cross in Marseilles, despite the opposition of the civil authorities. The only ones put out were the mayor and some members of a sect opposed to religion. Letter followed letter … Continue reading →

… It’s one long endless paper war against the powers of this world, big and small, far and near. It is a correspondence that centres repetitiously on the most minute details with all who must needs consult us so as … Continue reading →

In the climate of anti-religious thought and persecution, it was essential for the missionaries to be well-prepared. I would like some at least to prepare themselves for the polemics for which the enemies of the faith have such a facility … Continue reading →

It seems to me that the parish of Billens keeps you very busy, but also what a lot of good you are doing there! All I ask is that studies do not suffer because of it. We live in an … Continue reading →

Jean Baptiste Mille was 22 years old when he was made superior of the young Oblates in formation in the scholasticate of Billens. Eugene had had no choice but to appoint him because of the crisis in France that had … Continue reading →

I do not agree with Good Friday sermons that last two and a half hours. You went on for a good hour too long. Make no mistake, whatever flatterers may say, long discourses like that are hard for both listener … Continue reading →

In Marseilles the authorities had wanted the removal of the public crucifixes as part of the anti-religious harassment in France. They were met with opposition in what was regarded as a present-day continuation of the humiliation and passion of Jesus. … Continue reading →

Writing to the formation community in Switzerland, Eugene urges them to remember and constantly focus on the presence of the Savior among them – especially bearing in mind the profanations that were taking place in France against religious symbols and … Continue reading →