Eugene’s intuitive and loving personality is expressed in these letters as he reflects on the health of his Oblate sons who were ruining their health through their missionary zeal.
I commiserate with our dear Suzanne; these pains are a sore trial. Tell him to obtain a flannel waistcoat, or at least a sleeve. But let him rest, although at Marseilles he may be tempted to do the contrary. This is not just advice that I give him. If such a thing is too difficult at Marseilles, let him go elsewhere, provided that he rests… The ailment of our poor Suzanne concerns me. What I have found good is rubbing with oil of sweet almonds, mixed with a certain drug, and very smelly. I embrace once more our dear patient whom I love too much not to feel all his ills.
Letter to Henri Tempier, 24 May 1826, EO VII n 242
I am worried about the persistence of the pain of Fr. Suzanne; recommend to him to take the waters that they have ordered for him, as is necessary. As for Fr. Marcou, I do not cease to recommend his health to the good God. I have had him prayed for by the Religious of the house where I am. You must not be in a hurry to have him travel; there are examples that, with extraordinary care, a person who has vomited blood can be restored….
You have not told me if Fr. Dupuy no longer suffers from his former tiredness. Give him my best greetings, as well as to Fr. Jeancard, who also must need rest. I embrace him very tenderly, as well as all of you.
Letter to Henri Tempier, 30 May 1826, EO VII n 246
“Treasure the love you receive above all. It will survive long after your good health has vanished.” Og Mandino
For me this morning start has been all about love.
It sounds like many in the small family are tired and worn out. Eugene, whose zeal more than matched that each of them, knows all to well how easy it is to push yourself too far. And Eugene loves them all. I have spent my time reflecting on his great love, looking at how I am loved and how I love. It is all more than I would ever have dared to dream possible – both my being loved so and then in turn my being able to love others. Recently at daily Mass we have been hearing various parables about seeds being sown and some our nourished and bloom to give life (on so many levels). We are like those seeds, and with a foundation of love, when we are nourished with love we bloom and grow and in turn give life in one way or another. We become the wheat that gives life by being crushed and refined. The line ‘bread broken and shared for each other’ comes to mind.
I am only realised in love, in my community(s). I have the image of different circles which still share the same foundational base, the same centre. The wonder that is life! My God I give thanks.