Writing to Fr Courtès, the superior of the Aix community, about transferring the dying Jacques Marcou to the Aix community from the Nimes community, he expressed his paternal concern.
But how much the happiness that I promise myself on seeing you again is going to be marred by the state in which our dear Father Marcou is at present. Therein lies a sorrow which nothing can console. The fear of losing this child saddens me excessively. I would wish to precede you all, which is only right since age would qualify me, although not old, to be the father of all of you.
I need not urge you, if Fr. Marcou comes to Aix, to give him more care than he could have in his family home, even if you have to sell linen and chalices. I do not think the climate of Marseilles suits his health, the air of Aix will be better for him, only you will need to designate a place to use as infirmary.
Letter to Hippolyte Courtès, 31 May 1826. EO VII n 247
“Love begins by taking care of the closest ones – the ones at home.” Mother Teresa
I hear Eugene saying “do whatever it takes” to take care of Jacques Marcou, don’t measure, don’t limit. I would imagine that perhaps some of those linens and chalices were gifts when some of them were ordained. They would be very dear and yet we have Eugene saying to sell them if necessary. Eugene is giving yet another example, a small lesson on what it means to live and be members of a community, this family.
His letter here begs me to look at my own life, to look more closely and deeply. Not to focus on others around me and what they ‘could or should’ be doing, but at myself. What do I need to let go of (physically, emotionally, spiritually)? Do I measure? Are there ‘degrees’ or limits and what are they? It is too easy for me to say that ‘I have given my all to God’, or more accurately I am giving my all. But it has to be more than just words, than a title or what I wear around my neck, what I have and own or where I live. Am I ready to give it all to my brothers and sisters, to my community(s)? What do I try to grab on to or grasp tightly? How much do I hold back?
So many ways of ‘letting-go’. Eugene expresses his emotions – he is on his way home but not there yet and he still has stops to make on his way. “Therein lies a sorrow which nothing can console. The fear of losing this child saddens me excessively.” He must let go of Jacques Marcou who he truly loves so very much. He is on his way home to celebrate their new status within the Church, while at the same time the Cross seems to beckon.
These are important insights into the life of Eugene and the spirit of the society.