On the necessity of preaching in the language of the poorer people, Eugene noted in his Diary in 1837:
Letter of Father Honorat of the mission of Maussanne. He tells me that the Pastor is delighted that our fathers are giving the instructions in Provençal, however with his agreement and to condescend to the desire of five or six bourgeois people who had demanded that the talks be in French, he gave way to preaching in the evening alternatively in the two languages. I cannot complain about this weakness enough…
It is tantamount to sacrificing the instruction that would attract the people through sermons in the language they speak. It is acknowledged that they are not able to follow reasoning made in French. The poor people hear just words that do not tie up with any of ideas when one preaches in French. It is something beyond doubt, it has been tried, and it is to go directly against the end of our institute to imitate the example of only too many priests who have delusions about this…
The method we adopted from the beginning, after mature reflection, and which the experience of many years has confirmed, must be preserved among us; I am opposed to any change in this regard and I write it here for all to know.
Diary, 26 February 1837, O.W. XVIII
Gaudete Sunday: REJOICE
The last two days I have been hearing confessions at two country parishes west of Ottawa and North of Toronto and very mindful of the founder and the meditations/reflections that you have been sharing with us Frank. The call to be present and to be compassionate.
Regarding todays reflection I asks us once again to be clear with our mission and then to pour ourselves into it.
Blessing as we celebrate the feast of St. Lucy Monday and may we be the light of Christ!