Eugene’s own experience as a young priest was assumed into the practice of the missionary Congregation he founded. The Rule that he wrote for its members could almost be seen as an autobiographical description of his own ministry. He writes:
4. Prisons
Art. 1. We are never to forget that one of the principal ends of our Institute is to help the most neglected souls. For this reason, the unfortunate inmates of prisons have a rightful claim upon the charity of the Society.
Art. 2. We will, therefore, assist prisoners in so far as circumstances permit, by frequently visiting them, at least on Sundays, and by teaching them their religious duties.
Art. 3. Above all, we will endeavour by the gentlest exhortations to bring them often to confession and also to receive from time to time Holy Communion.
Art. 4. In accordance with all the resources of Christian charity we will use every means in our power to dispose for a holy death those who have been condemned to pay the supreme penalty.
Art. 5. The missionaries will accompany them even to the scaffold, and will not leave them until they have breathed their last, since it is their duty to strengthen them in their final moments against the assaults of the devil, the anguish of death, and the danger of despair.
Rule of 1825
I had a great conversation this morning with a Daughter of Charity. The Daughters are meeting here in Belleville to unite four Provinces into one! One of these Daughters has been a Prision Minister in San Antonio. In addition Sister is doing some continuing education in Oblate School of Theology and Father Arthur Flores, O.M.I. celebrates Mass for the Daughters. Finally, Sister spoke of the very motto of the Vincentian Family and Oblate Family: God has sent me to evangelize the poor. Thanks for this great material on Saint Eugee. John Madigan, O.M.I.