THE RULE SHOULD BE FOLLOWED IN ALL ITS DETAILS AND BY EVERYONE.

Eugene had placed great responsibility on the shoulder of the 29 year -old Fr Guigues: to assume responsibility for the Marian shrine and to work at increasing the number of pilgrims and to ensure that the Oblate community ran smoothly in accordance with the Oblate Rule. 

I want Father Guigues to have a thorough grasp of all the obligations incumbent upon him.
If he fails to institute perfect regularity in his community, he will have to answer for it to God and the Society. I permit no re-interpretation.
The Rule should be followed in all its details and by everyone.

Letter to Fathers Guigues and Dassy, 18 August 1834, EO VIII n 484

To make up for his inexperience he was to ensure that the three young Oblates lived according to all the prescriptions of the Constitutions and Rules. Thus it would be the Rule of Life that would be the guide, and not the whims and ideas of the superior. Good advice that is still pertinent today in our communities.

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1 Response to THE RULE SHOULD BE FOLLOWED IN ALL ITS DETAILS AND BY EVERYONE.

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Oblate Associate says:

    I read Eugene’s words: “…I permit no re-interpretation. The Rule should be followed in all its details and by everyone.” I am just one of those who begin with the Preface, in the vernacular of Eugene and his time, written by him and it touches something deep within me. It is from this point of contact that it resonates and that I respond as I learn the Constitutions and Rules in such a way that they become a part of me.

    I admit that I have been tempted to change some of the wording – to make it more palatable and convenient for myself; they are though not mine to change. A small voice within me reminds me to simply take them in as written and like seeds planted in the ground they will bloom within me. It is the Spirit who guides me in this way so that I might use them as my own Rule of Life.

    I look at how over the years the congregation has become, like a mother who shares herself with all of us who are her sons and daughters in this family started by Eugene. The Charism – the charism has not changed. The Mission – the mission has not changed.

    And so this morning I begin by giving thanks for all that has been shared with me. It is true that in the Rule of Life I find within what I need. I have only to open them up and I am inspired, nourished and led.

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