Monthly Archives: July 2019

IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO NARRATE THE HEROISM OF THE DEVOTEDNESS OF THE NOVICES AND SCHOLASTICS

The entire clergy of Marseilles, including our missionaries, acquitted themselves marvellously. At Aix, it is a scandal. They left it all to be done by our Fathers, who did wonders, but in addition people gave them due credit, pending divine … Continue reading

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WE HAVE HAD SOME TERRIBLE DAYS TO THE POINT WHERE 400 DIED IN ONE DAY

Since Eugene was away, Henri Tempier wrote to Eugene’s mother to give her an update on the horror of the situation in Marseilles Madame, I understand that you will be less anxious if you know what is happening here. That … Continue reading

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WE WERE PUTTING IN A PLACE OF SAFETY MEN WHO COULDN’T RENDER THEM ANY SPIRITUAL HELP

As our brother novices aren’t yet in a position to offer their ministry to the unfortunate members of the faithful who are struck by the epidemic, my intention was to withdraw them from the danger-zone, having them leave Aix and … Continue reading

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WHAT GOOD IS IT TO EXPOSE THEM WITHOUT BENEFIT FOR ANYONE

Eugene’s and the Oblates’ care for the victims of cholera was of a pastoral sacramental nature. The novices were unable to provide this type priestly ministry, and so Eugene want them out of harm’s way so that they can stay … Continue reading

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YOU OWE IT TO YOUR FAMILY WHICH REQUIRES THIS FROM YOUR TENDER LOVE FOR IT

Eugene wrote to his mother asking her to leave Aix and the danger of infection immediately. I don’t doubt, dear mother, that you have obeyed Tempier’s urgent request without hesitation: he tells me that he had urged you to go … Continue reading

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I GIVE MY UNRESERVED APPROVAL FOR OUR PRIESTS TO SACRIFICE THEMSELVES FOR THEIR BROTHERS’ SALVATION

All the Oblates gave themselves unreservedly to serving the victims of cholera. This brief text illustrates the meaning of “oblation.” May God bless all our Fathers for their admirable though indispensable devotedness. Could one expect anything less from religious consecrated … Continue reading

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AT EACH HOUR OF THE DAY AND NIGHT OUR FATHERS ARE EXPOSED TO INFECTION FROM THIS CRUEL EVIL THAT GIVES NO WARNING OF ITS COMING

Eugene’s anguish was not only for the victims of the cholera and their suffering families, but for all the members of his Oblate family who endangered themselves by ministering to those infected with this contagious disease. He thus wrote to … Continue reading

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I’M NOT AFRAID TO DIE WHILE FULFILLING THE DUTIES OF MY MINISTRY TO THE SICK

God is my witness that I’m not afraid to die of cholera, typhus, or the plague, granted that it is while fulfilling the duties of my ministry to the sick that I contract one of these evils. Eugene first expressed … Continue reading

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THE MISFORTUNE OF SO MANY FAMILIES TOUCHES ME DEEPLY

Eugene was no longer in Marseilles and his first instinct was to rush back to the city because the cholera had spread from Toulon and Aix to the city. Father Tempier wrote: “The Bishop [Fortuné] really would like you to … Continue reading

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I AM IN SUCH ANGUISH TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE ONCE AGAIN IN THE DANGER-ZONE

The cholera epidemic ended suddenly in Marseilles in April 1835 after having ravaged the city for 111 days. Three months later it broke out in the nearby harbor city of Toulon with multiple deaths each day. Two Oblates in Aix … Continue reading

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