Monthly Archives: May 2018

JOIN FATHER RON ROLHEISER  LIVE AS HE SPEAKS ON “OBLATE CHARISM TODAY”

On Friday June 1 at 2pm, South African time, (7 am  US Central Daylight Time)  Father Ron Rolheiser will deliver the first Kusenberger Chair of Oblate Studies lecture at St. Joseph’s Theological Institute, Cedara, South Africa: “The Oblate Charism Today: … Continue reading

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SPIRITUAL CONSOLATION AND TRUE INTERIOR JOY IN SOLITUDE

Finally, the episcopal appointment was made by the Pope. The day before yesterday in the evening the Pope made the nomination; yesterday the minute was placed before him and he signed it; this morning the two briefs were transcribed on … Continue reading

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I HAVE ONLY THIS GOOD MASTER TO CONFIDE IN

Eugene had been summoned to Rome to be ordained bishop and had arrived on 15 August. Now six weeks later, he was still waiting for the official appointment to be finalized by the Pope. He was frustrated by his inactivity … Continue reading

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BLESSED JOSEPH GÉRARD OMI, THE “APOSTLE OF LESOTHO,” MEMORIAL: MAY 29

Blessed Joseph Gérard was born near Nancy, France, in the village of Bouxières-aux-Chénes on March l2, 1831. He spent his childhood on the family farm but, with the help of the parish priest, was able to commence studies for the … Continue reading

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THE POPE AGREES WITH THE PLAN TO MAKE EUGENE DE MAZENOD A BISHOP

As we have seen, Bishop Fortuné’s tactic to save the pastoral life of the Marseille diocese – when the government’s threat to suppress the diocese would go into effect – was to have his nephew Eugene made a bishop so … Continue reading

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IMPOSSIBLE TO PROHIBIT THE RELIGIOUS FERVOR OF PEOPLE

It was customary in Marseilles to have a public procession in honor of the Sacred Heart. This year the local government had prohibited all public religious processions I stood in need of your consolation in my distress over the arbitrary … Continue reading

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NOW EVERYTHING IS IN A TURMOIL, MUTUAL SUSPICIONS DISRUPT THE PEACE.

A letter to Henri Tempier, who was in Rome, in which Eugene gives an idea of the political turmoil in Marseilles – and the delicate position he found himself in as Vicar general of the diocese . … Now everything … Continue reading

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A LIFE-CHANGING LETTER

Perhaps you are surprised to see how short the text of St Eugene is today. Yet, behind these words is a reality that was to make a life-changing difference for Eugene until his death 29 years later. The request was … Continue reading

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THE LIVING MEMBERS OF CHRIST HAVE PREFERENCE OVER THE BRICKS OF A CHURCH

Following the lead of the King and his government, the municipality of Marseilles was also hostile to the Church.  In 1832 they removed the stipend and the premises of the Christian Brothers who ran a school for the poor. Eugene, … Continue reading

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21 MAY 1861 – COMMEMORATING THE DEATH OF OUR FOUNDER

The day before his death Eugene entrusted this message to his Oblate family: Be sure to tell them that I die happy… that I die happy that God was so good as to choose me to found the Congregation of … Continue reading

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