Eugene shares the details of his papal audience with Henri Tempier.
But how is it I have come to tell you all that, without preparing you with my usual historical narration? It just so happened that the matter escaped me. Now you know the result, the preceding details will interest you no longer, but I will be compensated in thinking that you have enjoyed this happy outcome a few moments sooner. I will not pass over the rest in silence, however, because you will wish to know my operation down to the least detail and that, for my part, I am pleased to share with you…
On the stroke of noon, the Prelates who were before me had gone through, my turn comes because the Pope is good enough to call me. Mgr. the Chamberlain opens the door of the Pope’s study makes his genuflection, announces me by my name and titles, and withdraws. Behold me for the second time at the feet of the Head of the Church; but, this time, what new entitlements he had acquired to my heart and to my gratitude! It is the first thing I spoke about to him and he cut me short there and then with the graciousness which enhances still more his benefactions, and he kept me for more than a half hour while conversing on the most interesting things. As on the first occasion in spite of his insistence, I kept myself at his knees all during this precious audience. The Pope was all smiles and disposed to grant me everything I asked.
I had noted sixteen articles and I began by begging him to permit me to be indiscreet for the last time that I had the happiness of seeing him. The audience settled into a very animated conversation, in the sense that there was not a moment of time lost. It would be too long to relate to you all that was said on either side; there are even things that I would refrain from writing, although there might arise therefrom evident proof of the confidence that the Holy Father wished to show me. I was completely at ease and was not afraid to speak to him most openly about a host of items; I would have to begin my letter all over again, if I were to say everything.
Be satisfied, for the moment, to know that he has kindly consented to be the protector of the Congregation, that he has authorized me to declare that he extended ad perpetuum all the graces and indulgences that he had accorded us ad septennium in the rescript of the month of December; that he authorized all the members of the Congregation to celebrate [Mass] two hours after noon, on the occasion of travelling, etc., that he dispenses them from the Divine Office on the busiest days during the missions, that he authorizes them once a year and at the time of death to be absolved by their own confessor from all censures and irregularities, etc.
But all these favours were mingled with precious words that must never be forgotten. He handed me a letter for my uncle and bade me greet him affectionately, he promised me a rosary for him, and gave us both his apostolic blessing de rore coeli, said he, with the most tender expression. Finally he did not wish me to kiss his foot but twice presented me his hand.
Letter to Henri Tempier, 16 April 1826, EO VII n 237
“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.” Denis Waitley
I have no doubt that Eugene remembered every word said to him by the Pope during his farewell audience and that he would go over their conversation many times throughout his life. He was in the presence of a man who he considered to be very great and holy, in his words the head of the Church and yet who seemed to be conversing with Eugene as an equal, a friend, a loved-one. He was not holding Eugene at an arm’s length, but rather it was like two close and old friends talking together, being together.
I have had the grace of being in the presence of many great and holy people (some well known and others who are not so famous but no less great and holy), all of them teachers and leaders in some way. Even Eugene who I have come to know in many ways from his writings and his Oblates and there is a very real joy, love and gratitude for all of that. I have the picture in my mind of God with open arms that I run to, into an embrace.
Today is the 35th anniversary of my sobriety, a birthday almost more important than my birth day. I cannot but be filled with joy and love and immeasurable gratitude to God for giving me so much. I still remember my first day of sobriety and the good people who helped me to be alive today, the good and great people throughout the years who have given me so much. Were I to go into details I would, like Eugene, have to start this all over again. God has given me much, not demanding that I stand well back in removed adoration, but rather who invites me into an embrace of infinite tenderness and mercy. Could there be any better way to celebrate and give thanks!