Monthly Archives: September 2019

THE MEMORY OF INTIMATE COMMUNICATIONS OF GRACE IS A SUSTAINING FORCE

When we are in periods of darkness, our light and strength comes from remembering our experiences of God. When I hear what you say about the workings of grace in yourself. I am filled with an almost tangible joy; that … Continue reading

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WHAT I CAN’T BEAR IS HAVING IN MY HANDS THE FATE OF SOMEONE DEVOTED TO ME, HAVING IT IN MY POWER TO MAKE HIM HAPPY OR UNHAPPY

Two weeks later, Eugene continues to oppose the suggestion that his servant be fired because it would cause that man sorrow and misfortune. I don’t, strictly speaking, need this man’s services, nor anybody else’s. What I can’t bear is having … Continue reading

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BUT I DO IT SO THAT THE CAUSE OF HIS WRONGDOING WILL BE UNDERSTOOD AND TO RAISE THE HOPE THAT HE WON’T REPEAT THEM AGAIN

The message that Eugene and the Oblates always preached was that of God’s mercy and the possibility of a wrongdoer to convert and start again on a better path. Eugene lived this approach in his personal life too, and not … Continue reading

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YOU KNOW ME WELL ENOUGH TO UNDERSTAND HOW I FELT WITH THIS DAGGER PLUNGED DEEP INTO MY SOUL

Communication was slow in Eugene’s time and he had heard a rumor that his closest companion, Henri Tempier, had been dangerously ill. This letter shows how badly Eugene had taken the news and the sensitivity of his heart. A few … Continue reading

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GRACE FLOWED FROM THE FATHER OVER HIS CHILDREN

Eugene, as father of the Oblate family, rejoices when he can express this paternity in the special moment of ordaining Etienne Semeria to the priesthood. The ordination of Father Semeria was a real family feastday which gave a special character … Continue reading

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OBLATES ARE MORE THAN A GROUP OF PRIESTS LIVING UNDER THE SAME ROOF, AS PASTORS FROM THE SURROUNDING NEIGHBORHOOD MIGHT DO

If one can find in your house no more than a group of priests living under the same roof, as pastors from the surrounding neighbourhood might do, you will be guilty before me, before the Congregation and before God; and … Continue reading

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BE FLEXIBLE AS TO FORMALITIES BUT RIGID REGARDING THE OBLATE RULE AND SPIRIT

The Oblate community at Notre Dame de l’Osier ranged in age from 27 to 32 years of age and with minimal years of experience of priestly ministry. For this reason, Eugene kept a watchful eye over them and guided them … Continue reading

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AT THE SERVICE OF THIS SANCTUARY SO AS TO GIVE A BETTER DIRECTION TO PEOPLE’S DEVOTION

The missionaries in charge of the Shrine of Our Lady of Osier are reminded: As to matters outside the house, remember that Providence has put you at the service of this sanctuary so as to give a better direction to … Continue reading

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THE MOST EFFECTIVE MEANS OF BEING HEARD IS FOR US TO BE EVERYTHING WE ARE CALLED TO BE

Writing to the superior of this Marian shrine that had been in the care of a group of young Oblates for a short time, Eugene referred to one of the aims of the Oblates when we were founded: to work … Continue reading

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NOW I AM PROPERLY AND LEGALLY A FRENCH PRELATE AND NO LONGER NEED TO FEAR EXPULSION FROM THE BORDERS OF FRANCE

Five days later, on  January 25, Eugene came to the Tuilleries to take the oath to the king, which would officially prove his reconciliation with the July regime. He wrote to Father Courtès. My dear Father Courtès, although Tempier is … Continue reading

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