Monthly Archives: August 2019

In the coming entries we focus again on the long-standing difficulties that Eugene had been living through, not only with the government but also with some clergy in the diocese. We have noted that in Marseilles, as the Vicar General … Continue reading →

Sending the newly-ordained priest Calixte Kotterer, who seemed to have a reputation for being difficult, Eugene gives the community superior an indication of his strengths and weakness. What strikes me is the spirit of fraternal warmth and friendship that Eugene … Continue reading →

Eugene had hoped to reinforce the small community at the newly-established sanctuary of l’Osier with two more Oblates, but events had forced him to alter this Along with Kotterer I had earmarked Bernard for you, the wonder-worker of Switzerland, but … Continue reading →

Initially the Missionaries had been founded as a society of priests to evangelize though preaching and sacraments. Two years later, when we became religious with vows, the element of religious life became an essential component of our vocation. This opened … Continue reading →

At this stage the communities were generally composed of young Oblates. Eugene as the Founder was always conscious that the foundation of the Missionaries had come from God with a specific mission and spirit (charism). It was his responsibility to … Continue reading →

A week later, Eugene wrote again to the young community superior to repeat and underline the same guiding themes: Don’t be unfaithful to the theological conferences prescribed by the Rule. I have no intention of giving anyone in any house … Continue reading →

In our hectic multimedia and multi-tasking lifestyle, we need to hear the call of Eugene to an equilibrium activity and spirituality. It disturbs me to see you overloading yourself with engagements; I don’t at all approve of that way of … Continue reading →

Although I have spent numerous entries above focusing exclusively on the two cholera epidemics, we need to remember that Eugene’s role as Superior General constantly involved him in the overall guidance of the spirit and mission of the Oblates. In … Continue reading →

While the Oblates and those in Marseilles were in the thick of ministering to the cholera victims, Eugene was away at the community of Osier and then Laus. As we have seen above he had had to leave Marseilles as … Continue reading →

Eugene continues to marvel at what the Oblates achieved for those most in need. At Aix especially it has been really wonderful. Words will never be able to express what our good Fathers achieved both at the hospital and in … Continue reading →