Monthly Archives: July 2019

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →