COMMITMENT TO HOLISTIC PERSONAL GROWTH

The young man had to undergo a trial period (postulancy) that lasted a minimum of six months. During this period he was personally accompanied in his human and spiritual development by other young men who were specifically designated for this, called “zealots.”

Art 30. Applicants are under the immediate direction of the zealots who are specifically charged to instruct them on the purpose of the Congregation, and who are duty-bound in charity to correct their faults. They will receive all the corrections given to them by the zealots with utmost docility and will submit fully in a spirit of humility.

Statuts, Chapitre III –Conditions pour être admis à postuler dans la Congrégation.

After a period of six months to a year the postulant could apply to be admitted as a probationer. There was a special ceremony and prayers to mark this step of commitment. This period lasted for six months and aimed at assessing the suitability of the person for the Congregation. The zealots continued to be responsible for the formation of these probationers.

 

“Create the kind of climate in your organization where personal growth is expected, recognized and rewarded.” Author Unknown

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3 Responses to COMMITMENT TO HOLISTIC PERSONAL GROWTH

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Oblate Associate says:

    Wow talk about trust! My whole body wants to cringe a little and I want to say Thank You Lord for this time that I have been born in. And yet when I look at the people I surround myself with (translate who God puts into my life) I do trust when they tell me things about myself that I just might not want to look at on my own. I do subject myself to that even down to who I have as a Spiritual Director. And with some friends I actively seek their comments, advise and thoughts. So in life today I guess it works – it just doesn’t sound so risky or hard.

  2. Jack Lau, OMI says:

    As I read this, yes there are parts that raise up a red flag of warning. But I am looking at it in 2012 and not the early 1800s post revolution.
    Yes as I look at boys developing into men are we not all guided by those who have gone before us. We always look up to the senior in High School or the athlete who excels and then gives us some encouragement or critic. And in formation, I would look look up to those preparing for vows or ordination.
    Maybe Eugene just codified it as he would like to do.
    But maybe also we as Associates and Vowed Oblates need to take on the responsibly of walking with those who are interested in seeing if they too embrace and are embraced by the charism of St. Eugene.

  3. franksantucci says:

    It is always so good to have reactions to these entries. Thank you! It encouragtes me to see that there is some collaborative interest; and stimulates me to think along different categories. I wish that more people would interact because it adds salt, pepper and spice.

    Yes, the Rule for the youth was written 200 years ago in a world and society totally different to ours. Today it is relatively easy to have a spiritual director, life coach, psychological accompanier etc. Those young guys didn’t have the same opportunities, so the structure of Eugene’s Youth Congregation tried to provide something of this. It makes me realize how blessed we are today with all that is available for our holistic growth.

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