Monthly Archives: October 2019

Let us never forget that the Missionary Oblates were founded primarily to preach missions to those who were considered the most abandoned by the ministry of the local church. We were founded to be on the move, searching for ways … Continue reading →

Eugene’s primary work as a young priest had been his youth ministry with the almost 300-strong youth congregation he had started and nurtured in Aix en Provence. (See “MY BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN YOUTH CONGREGATION” at http://www.eugenedemazenod.net/?p=1228 ) Many of them kept … Continue reading →

In his personal journal, Eugene reveals the depth of his anguish at the sudden tragic death of the 32 year-old Father Joseph Richaud, and his reliance on God to cope with the blow. The details of that catastrophe are heart-rending. … Continue reading →

In 1836 and early 1837 some Oblates had either left or had had to be expelled from the small Congregation. Each one was a cause of suffering for Eugene and the Oblates In the midst of the consolations I experience … Continue reading →

Another example of Eugene’s predicament in the personnel crisis. Father Guigues, at Osier, was desperately needing more Oblates. Eugene’s response: I’m only too aware of the picture you paint for me of your situation but I can only repeat that … Continue reading →

In the crisis of personnel, Eugene was forced to make changes and assign Oblates to different places. Father Casimir Aubert, the novice master, had had to leave Laus to go to Aix. Now he was being asked to change yet … Continue reading →

The small Oblate congregation had been hit by the loss of two men. The existing missionary commitments had thus to be re-evaluated and decisions made to maintain only those works more in keeping with our charism and vocation. As for … Continue reading →

Father Courtès, had been confessor to a convent of religious sisters and the pupils of a school. At Eugene’s request, he had stopped this ministry which Eugene did not see as being part of our charism. Now that you have … Continue reading →

Eugene, as the father-figure of his Oblate family, suffered with his family in their suffering. Humanly he needed support – especially at the moment of the death of Father Pons. Here he responds to a letter of support from one … Continue reading →

You are invited to take part in this practice of Oraison on Sunday, October 20, 2019, which is World Mission Sunday.     Mission Sunday 1975 was the day when Pope Paul VI beatified Eugene de Mazenod, recognizing the workings … Continue reading →