Monthly Archives: February 2020

THE STRENGTH OF MY TEMPERAMENT HAS FURNISHED ME WITH VITAL RESOURCES

On his birthday Eugene looked back on 56 years of life, and focused on 26 years of priestly service, seeing them as part of a journey which he began at a sprint but was now reduced to little steps. At … Continue reading

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WITHOUT THIS HELP FROM ON HIGH, THIS BIRTHDAY WOULD HAVE BEEN THE LAST DAY OF MY LIFE

On his 56th birthday, Eugene was spending a few days at his sister’s summer home at St Martin de Pallières. Out on an excursion in a horse-drawn carriage he narrated: Coming back to St. Martin, my brother-in-law and I tipped … Continue reading

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TO MY EYES HE WAS TO BE ADMIRED, A PRIVILEGED PERSON FOR WHOM THE LORD HAD WORKED MARVELS

Eugene narrates the moving experience of ministering to the prisoner condemned to death: All the prisoners and some other people took part in it. Fathers Lagier and Mille served at the altar. We obtained permission for the condemned man to … Continue reading

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HE WOULD HAVE UNDERGONE THAT ATROCIOUS INJUSTICE IF THE GOOD LORD HAD NOT SENT ME

Eugene had gone to the city of Gap to perform an ordination, but it was cancelled at the last moment. But the good God had not brought me to Gap for that reason. In the depths of a jail cell … Continue reading

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GOD’S GRACE MADE A HERO OF VIRTUE OUT OF A WOMAN CONDEMNED TO DEATH

Eugene’s willingness to give the sacraments to a prisoner condemned to death went against the attitudes of many of the local priests and authorities who were still entrenched in the principles of Jansenism. That good Father Lagier, all entrenched in … Continue reading

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“Eugene de Mazenod 101” – an online course

“COME AND I WILL SHOW YOU WHO YOU ARE IN THE EYES OF GOD” These words come from the first recorded sermon of Eugene de Mazenod as a young priest as he began his ministry to the most abandoned in … Continue reading

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I HOPE THAT THE POOR SUFFERER WILL RECEIVE ALL THE HELP HE NEEDS AND TO WHICH HE HAS A RIGHT

A prisoner condemned to death wished to receive the sacraments, but many clergy followed the Jansenistic practice of not doing this. Eugene was visiting the Diocese of Gap. In the absence of the local bishop, he wanted to bring God’s … Continue reading

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THE CHARISM OF ST EUGENE BELONGS TO THE WHOLE CHURCH AND IS BIGGER THAN THE MISSIONARY OBLATES

Eugene was in Switzerland to close down the Oblate community. Today and every preceding day, whether here or at Fribourg, I have not ceased to hear repeated to me how much people regret to see our Fathers depart. After seven … Continue reading

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AFTER FIRST ALLOWING NATURE TO EXPRESS ITSELF, ONE MUST LEARN TO CALM ONESELF AND SEE THINGS ULTIMATELY WITH THE EYES OF FAITH, IN A SUPERNATURAL WAY

A letter from my mother in desolation over her grandson. A letter from my sister filled with resignation. A letter from Father Flayol telling me how edified he was with the piety of my nephew, Eugene de Boigelin… Eugene de … Continue reading

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WE OUGHT TO THANK THE LORD FOR THUS PERPETUATING THE PRIESTLY ORDER IN OUR FAMILY

Letter from my nephew Louis de Boisgelin who informs me of his decision to become a Jesuit. I am not surprised by that resolution, knowing the piety and exemplary life of that young man. I will not oppose his vocation … Continue reading

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