Eugene was the one to whom the Holy Spirit had given the charism. As Founder and Superior General it was his duty to ensure that the Oblates lived and missioned according to his spirit. He was particularly insistent when it came to the communities made up of very young Oblates:
Keep me up to date in everything and consult with me often.
The Superior would be assisted in his task:
Father Dassy will make the superior’s task easier by his obedience and his zeal for regularity. He will be his cooperator in laying the firm foundations of an institution that can prosper and bring honour to our Congregation only in so far as it is instituted on this basis.
They need to be aware of the needs of the newest addition to the community:
Keep in mind furthermore that Father Vincens whom I am going to send you has been with us only a year; slackness will either scandalize him or lead him astray down a path diametrically opposed to what he has been taught is the only one by which the Society’s goals can be attained.
He concludes with words of encouragement:
You see my concern, my dear children;
in God’s name, carry out my wishes;
you have the ability,
you have the will;
set to work.
Notwithstanding our poverty, as soon as we get more priests. I will send you another one.
Letter to Fathers Guigues and Dassy, 18 August 1834, EO VIII n 484
“Eugene was the one to whom the Holy Spirit had given the charism.” Frank’s statement has cleared away any lingering whispers of sleep.
“As Founder and Superior General it was his duty to ensure that the Oblates lived and missioned according to his spirit.” I remind myself that Eugene is in the middle of what was one of the most difficult and painful times of his life; yet even then he did not abdicate the responsibilities of his ‘Society’. He was looking at it from a much bigger view than just that of Notre Dame de l’Osier and Frs. Guigues and Dassy.
“He will be his cooperator in laying the firm foundations of an institution that can prosper and bring honour to our Congregation only in so far as it is instituted on this basis.” The words ‘surrender’ and ‘oblation’ come to mind. I think of what it was like when these two young Oblates made their Final Vows to and before our beloved Founder and the congregation (or in later cases before a designated Superior). Even I as a lay Oblate Associate make my own commitment to God and the Oblate congregation – through whichever Province I am associated with.
I am reminded that the ‘why’ must never be just about ‘me’ – it must always reflect back to that which is much bigger than myself.
The words that I repeat at the end of my daily morning prayer come to mind: “Our life in all its dimensions is a prayer that, in us, and through us, God’s kingdom come.” (C32)