Monthly Archives: October 2018

In 1818 there were only priests, and within a few years the Congregation expanded to being brothers and priests. Today, our Rule of Life expresses the foundational pillars in this way: The call of Jesus Christ, heard within the Church … Continue reading →

The first article of the Constitution of any group is always the one which defines the purpose and juridical nature of the group. Eugene’s first paragraph does exactly this. The purpose of the Institute of the Missionaries of Provence Until … Continue reading →

Becoming fully what the eight points of the “identikit”of the opening paragraph hold out is the aim and result of living fully according to the Rule. Not only individually, but the Rule gives clear identity, unity and strength to the … Continue reading →

The vocation and life of the Missionary was presented in glowing terms in the first paragraph of the Foreword, and the members were exhorted to allow themselves to be totally transformed by these great ideals. Now Eugene continues to show … Continue reading →

In writing the Rule in 1818 Eugene wanted to put down in writing the spirit of how the Missionaries had experienced themselves for three years. His aim was that others would be transformed by the same spirit through following this … Continue reading →

The formula used by Eugene was: In the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the presence of the Most Holy Trinity, the Blessed Virgin Mary, all the Angels and all the Saints, all my brothers here assembled, I, Charles … Continue reading →

All Saints’ Day has arrived: from three in the morning, those who made up the Chapter are awake; before four o’clock they are all in the chapel praying in front of the altar, preparing themselves for the most beautiful, the … Continue reading →

In his prayer, Eugene now turns to Mary, asking her to accompany him as he lives his new responsibilities. Virgin Mary, my good Mother, had I invoked you more often, I would not have so much cause for lament. Be … Continue reading →

The nature of the commitment that Eugene and the Missionaries were about to take on was changed by their vows and oblation. It was no longer a temporary membership that could be ended when they tired of it – they … Continue reading →

The events of the previous few years have led him to understand that living “all for God” pushes him not into a monastic contemplative lifestyle, but into serving God in others: let me devote myself anew and forever to my … Continue reading →