TOMORROW I CELEBRATE THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE DAY, SIXTEEN YEARS AGO, I LEFT MY MOTHER’S HOUSE TO GO AND SET UP HOUSE AT THE MISSION

In the midst of religious persecution and all the disappointments and losses that Eugene had experienced for two years, he recalls one of the most important events of our Oblate life. It was the day when the Oblate adventure began – in the midst of great simplicity and poverty – and with much joy because they had discovered God’s way for them!

Tomorrow I celebrate the anniversary of the day, sixteen years ago, I left my mother’s house to go and set up house at the Mission. Father Tempier had taken possession of it some days before. Our lodging had none of the splendour of the mansion at Billens, and whatever deprivations you may be subject to, ours were greater still. My camp-bed was placed in the small passageway which leads to the library: it was then a large room used as a bedroom for Father Tempier and for one other whose name we no longer mention amongst us. It was also our community room. One lamp was all our lighting and, when it was time for bed, it was placed in the doorway to give light to all three of us.

Letter to Jean Baptiste Mille, 24 January 1831, EO VIII n 383

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3 Responses to TOMORROW I CELEBRATE THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE DAY, SIXTEEN YEARS AGO, I LEFT MY MOTHER’S HOUSE TO GO AND SET UP HOUSE AT THE MISSION

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Oblate Associate says:

    Celebrate – to mark and observe, to honour, remember, commemorate. How wonderful that Eugene was able to look back to their beginnings and recall the joy of those first days together as community. I have before me on my desk a small “Oblate Calendar” with many of the dates we celebrate including that of the “Foundation of the Missionaries of Provence”, the humble beginnings of our Mazenodian Family.

    In my studies we have been learning and going deeper into Eugene’s life. Each day there is new information about him and his life. And in that there is excitement which turns to gratitude and to celebration, Celebration of him and his life; of God bringing me here to where Eugene is a part of my life, my model, my inspiration; of going deeper into Eugene’s conversion journey, into his discernment and the beginnings of his priesthood – this is always an invitation to celebrate Eugene’s life, the lives of the Oblates and also my own and the lives of those around me. This place here, where Eugene speaks to us – also an invitation to reflect and give thanks, to celebrate.

    Perhaps I should begin a small calendar of my life, from the beginning and including those who play such a vital part of my life. What would it look like to celebrate my own beginnings and life along with those who I love. Even as I think of it a smile moves from my heart to my face and I begin to think of the many small occasions that I want to give thanks for and celebrate.

  2. Peg Hanafin says:

    Wonderful and congratulations. Thank you for all your inspiring words Nd@tipperarystar.ie reminiscing about St Eugene fantastic opportunity for so many to learn his history.

  3. Susan and Raleigh Brotherman says:

    As I read this passage of Eugene’s, I feel the excitement, the humility of this man and those who were with him as they make their new home, bare as it was. Visiting Aix last year was the gift that brought me and so many of us on the pilgrimage closer to this man we honor each day. It helped us picture his life, his accomplishments, his struggles. Eugene became my friend, and I feel him with me daily.

    Thank you heartily, Fr. Frank, for your time in developing these pages we can share daily. You help us in our commitment in our prayer and work as Oblate Associates. I pray for you and all OAs daily. Susan T. Brotherman

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