Having presented the Pope with a picture of what was being achieved by the Oblates in the first ten years of our existence, Eugene underlined the importance of our Rule of Life. The local bishops of southern France had already expressed their approval, and now it was important to receive a global and permanent approval from the head of the Church.
The experience of almost ten years proves that these Rules are suitable for helping the members of the Society achieve the goals they have set for themselves. The approval of seven noteworthy bishops such as the Archbishop of Aix and the Bishops of Marseilles, Gap, Digne, Fréjus, Nimes and Nice are a second guarantee, equally certain, that the Missionaries dare to present to Your Holiness.
Most Holy Father, deign to affix the final seal and consolidate for ever such an important work by fortifying it with pontifical approval and your apostolic blessing.
Petition for approbation to Pope Leo XII, 8 December 1825, EO XIII n.48
“The Constitutions and Rules set out a privileged means for each Oblate to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. They are inspired by the charism lived by the Founder and his first companions; also, they have received the approval of the Church. Thus, they allow each Oblate to evaluate the quality of his response to his vocation and to become a saint.” CC&RR, Constitution 163
“Live your life as though your every act were to become a universal law.” Immanuel Kant
Wow – there is much here to reflect on and I have spent my time really with the words from the Constitution and Rules.
“…a privileged means for each Oblate to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.” Is there an opening here for me to walk with these men, or is it for a very select few? “They are inspired by the charism lived by the Founder and his first companions; also, they have received the approval of the Church. ” This too is where many of us ordinary persons find our inspiration – in the charism lived by Eugene, those very early Oblates and those of today. The approval of the Church – well that is a loaded statement. I believe that we have that as I think back to what I have learned about what came out of Vatican II and my own baptism.
I have found myself this morning thinking of the many here who wish to become take a more active part in relationship with the Oblates, to join with them in their community days and retreats, in their prayer – more than just sharing in their work and good deeds. I think of Eugene and his giving of his all, to God, to the Church, to his sons and to all that he ministered with and to. Very real. How are we called to do that, even though it may look different in some ways.
Who do I walk with and what does that mean? Who do I allow to walk with me and do I set conditions on that? How do I become a saint? More importantly, how do I help others to become saints? I believe that the only way that I shall attain such lofty status [if I can use that word] will be in how I help others to attain what I so long for. I suspect it may well be the case with all of us.