One of Eugene’s earliest ministries had been with the prisoners of Aix, and he wanted this to continue as one of the ministries of the Oblates, as he wrote in the Rule:
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 endeavor by the gentlest exhortations to bring them often to confession and also to receive from time to time Holy Communion.
Rule of 1825
Eugene’s biographer, Rey, writes:
The ministry of the house of Aix was growing. It was in the early months of 1821 that the Missionaries of Provence took responsibility for the care of prisons. Until that time they had been voluntary chaplains and now they became the official chaplains. Fr Moreau was the first to do this ministry and he wrote to Fr. de Mazenod:
“I am so happy to take care of the unfortunate prisoners. I would be envious of the one who would want to replace me. If you want to give me further proof of your care, you would only have to confirm me in this sublime occupation. I go every day to the prison. Today I spent three and a half hours there. A large number are willing to follow my recommendations for their salvation. I know that I should not be dazzled by the beautiful externals, but I am moved by tears of joy at seeing the cooperation of the majority of them.”
Letter of Noel Francois Moreau to Eugene de Mazenod, 3 August 1821 in Rey 1
“The more I think about the human suffering in our world and my desire to offer a healing response, the more I realize how crucial it is not to allow myself to become paralyzed by feelings of impotence and guilt. More important than ever is to be very faithful to my vocation to do well the few things I am called to do and hold on to the joy and peace they bring me. I must resist the temptation to let the forces of darkness pull me into despair and make me one more of their many victims.” Henri J. M. Nouwen
This morning is packed full. This past week has been a struggle of seeking and letting go, one day following another. I found this morning that before being able to really look at today’s posting I needed to go back to the Oblate Dictionary of Values and read that ever-so-long piece on obedience. Hidden in it towards the end I found Demers giving voice to my reasons for obedience, to the church, to God, to love. Certainly not blind and although profound in a way no onerous. I believe it does involve trust and giving of our all to God (whether we are vowed or not). I feel like I have been struggling with myself and my question to God of “why do I struggle and fight with you in this way?” is a rueful one.
Feel like shouting “I get it!” and wanting to somehow share my joy in this little wee discovery with everyone. I find myself laughing – at and with myself.
I love what Henri Nouwen said about “…the more I realize how crucial it is not to allow myself to become paralyzed by feelings of impotence and guilt. More important than ever is to be very faithful to my vocation to do well the few things I am called to do and hold on to the joy and peace they bring me.” I need to make sure that I don’t get hung up on a few words and walk away because I can’t reconcile with them, while at the same time looking at them and bringing whatever the wounds are into the light.
Is it not amazing how God brings all of this together to bring each one of us to where we need to be? Our connectedness through God, touching each other’s lives and loving each other, all through God. Now today begins as a celebration of joy and gratitude. I find myself filled with ‘immense hope’. Today Lord give me the grace to do the small things exceedingly well for love of You.
At the end of a week and the beginning of a day I am grateful for this place and the invitation to learn, reflect and share. This is also community and bringing together.
As many of our provinces are looking at the question, how are we present to the most abandoned in our community? Const 5. This correspondence from history reminds us again that we are not diocesan priest but religious who are able to see the unmet needs and respond to them quickly.
Nowen reminds us not to be overwhelmed with “feelings of impotence and guilt” and that is important while at the same time we are “effective” because we come out of our own brokenness or lack of freedom. It is from our healing through Christ that our words and presence find it validity.