Monthly Archives: June 2019

JOSEPH HIPPOLYTE GUIBERT OMI, 1802 – 1886

Let’s pause in the narrative to study the figure of Father Guibert more closely. He was born in Aix-en-Provence, December 13, 1802 and entered the major seminary in Aix in 1819. Four years later he joined the Missionaries of Provence … Continue reading

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I ACCEPT WITH ZEAL AND EAGERNESS THE MISSION YOU ASSIGN ME.

Eugene writes to Hippolyte Guibert to appoint him to the mission of Corsica as Superior of the Oblate community and of the seminary But who shall we send to found this important establishment? Professors are needed, above all a very … Continue reading

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THE FIELD SEEMS SO VAST AND FERTILE TO ME, THOUGH COVERED WITH THORNS

Once a decision had been reached, Eugene wrote to the Bishop of Ajaccio to communicate this. I do not at all retract the promise that I made to support you with all my strength in the great mission that you … Continue reading

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I FEEL A NEED TO HELP OUT MY OWN JUDGMENT WITH THEIR IDEAS AND HELPFUL ADVICE

Eugene never took major decisions for the Congregation without a process of consultation. In regard to the invitation to send Oblates to Corsica, he shares the process with Father Guibert , who was one of his most trusted councilors. My … Continue reading

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A VAST HORIZON OPENS UP BEFORE US

By the middle of 1834 there were around 26 Oblates and 10 scholasticates in 5 communities: Aix en Provence, Marseilles, Laus, L’Osier in France and Billens in Switzerland. At this time, the newly-appointed Bishop of Ajaccio, Corsica, Casanelli d’Istria, visited … Continue reading

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SEMINARIES: WE WILL DEVOTE OURSELVES GENEROUSLY HEART AND SOUL TO SUCH A NOBLE AND IMPORTANT MINISTRY

The first request of the Bishop of Ajaccio was that the Oblates establish a major seminary for the education and formation of priests in Corsica. Because of the quality men that you need, it will cost me a lot to … Continue reading

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THE CARE WHICH URGES YOU TO RESPOND TO YOUR UNFORTUNATE FLOCK, SO LONG-ABANDONED

By the middle of 1834 there were around 26 Oblates and 10 scholasticates in 5 communities: Aix en Provence, Marseilles, Laus, L’Osier in France and Billens in Switzerland. At this time, the newly-appointed Bishop of Ajaccio, Corsica, Casanelli d’Istria, visited … Continue reading

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SO THAT HE MAY BECOME A GOOD PRIEST OF THE KIND THE CHURCH NEEDS

My dear Son, my intention is to ordain Brother Kotterer at the first ordination in Lent… I am sending him to Aix, my intention being that he enter the novitiate and spend the whole time there in profound retreat under … Continue reading

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THE PRACTICE OF THE DUTIES THAT YOU ONCE VOWED FREELY AND FOR EVER TO THE LORD

Eugene continues his letter to Father Rossi, in which he tries to be a mirror to his conscience to wake him up to the responsibilities to which he has publicly committed himself. While waiting for more ample information, which you … Continue reading

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ONE DOESN’T PLAY WITH OBLIGATIONS THAT YOU HAVE CONTRACTED WITH FREEDOM

Father Joseph Rossi had been authorized to live outside of the Oblate community for a while in order to be of assistance to his parents. He was meant to maintain contact with his superior and his religious community during this … Continue reading

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