WHO IS SAINT EUGENE? BISHOP OF MARSEILLE

1837 – nomination as Bishop of Marseille, the second-largest city of France

Here I am in fact pastor and chief pastor of a diocese which, whatever one says of it, is not inhabited by saints. It was given me, I would not have chosen it. However, I must attach myself to this people as a father to his children. My existence, my life, all my being must be consecrated to it, I must have no thought but for its good, no fears other than I have not done enough for its welfare and sanctification, no other solicitude than that which must include all its spiritual interests and even in a certain way its temporal welfare. I must in a word consume myself for it, be ready to sacrifice my leisure, my desire, rest, life itself for it.

Retreat in preparation for taking possession of the Diocese of Marseille, May 1837, E.O. XV n.185

From the first day I can be canonically instituted, that is to say, placed by Jesus Christ to watch over the fold, charged to instruct it, feed it, edify it … to become pastor and father, invested with the very authority of Jesus Christ whom I must represent in the midst of that portion of his flock that will become thus my own flock for which I shall have to render an account to the Sovereign Pastor of our souls who will have given them to me to save them in sacrificing myself for them.

Retreat in preparation for taking possession of the Diocese of Marseille, May 1837, E.O. XV n.185

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1 Response to WHO IS SAINT EUGENE? BISHOP OF MARSEILLE

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Oblate Associate says:

    Oblation. Deus meus et omnia. This is the portrait of a man giving his all for God. Not written to impress anyone, simply written to try to give voice, to express his heart, his being. “I must in a word consume myself for it, be ready to sacrifice my leisure, my desire, rest, life itself for it.” “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you.… ” Fire and passion. Which of us has not secretly dreamed and whispered of this in our hearts? Yet afraid to let the words come to the fullness of our lives. I was taught that this was the stuff of saints (indeed), of only those holy men and women who dedicated and consecrated themselves to religious life. But I believe it to be the call of God to each and every one of us, no matter the status the Church confers upon us. If my heart dreams, if it whispers of love to the nth degree, it is because God has created and given me such desire. Oblation, perfect oblation. Deus, meus et omnia. What does this look like in my life today? How do I model myself, my life, on that of Jesus, of Eugene? How do I live out such awesome love?

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