In the references that we have to Eugene’s birthday, we see them as occasions for reflection on his life and its direction. Two examples from his diary:
August 1, 1841. Nothing special today, except that I am ending my 59th year. Thus a person draws near to the end almost without being aware f it. We grow old only one day at a time; but then your anniversary comes to remind you that you are one year older. Each year the number increases and the result is astonishment…
Journal, le 1 aout 1841, EO XX
Then ten years later:
August 1, 1851. Today I begin my 70th year. How many and how great the graces since the day of my birth…
Journal, le 1 aout 1851, EO XXI
“God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well.” Voltaire
This morning I awoke to find myself singing “Oh Happy Day” – not a song that is a part of my everyday life but it is somehow appropriate – it is a song of gratitude. It seems to echo the sentiments of Eugene’s writing in 1851 “How many and how great the graces since the day of my birth…”
His life was not easy, not as a child, not as a young man, not growing older and yet he was thankful as he began his 70th year for all that he had received from God. There seems to be within him a peace and acceptance that is coming to the forefront. When I visited the Czech Republic I was given a picture of St. Eugene when he was older, the picture is in sepia tones but it is the picture of him that was used on Franks book. It is my favorite image of Eugene and it is thus that I think of him this morning.
Happy Birthday Eugene. Thank you for the inspiration and guidance you have shown me in my life. Thank you for the invitation to follow and walk with you and the Oblates. a way of living that you have shown and shared with the world. Oh happy day!