“In the prolonged silent prayer we make each day, we let ourselves be molded by the Lord, and find in him the inspiration of our conduct” (OMI Rule of Life, 33).
The practice of Oraison was an important part of St. Eugene’s daily prayer during which he entered into communion with the members of his missionary family. While they were all in France it was easy for them to gather in prayer at approximately the same time. When Oblate missionaries started to be sent to different continents it was no longer possible to pray at the same time, yet each day there was a time when they stopped and prayed in union with one another – even though not at the same time.
This is a practice that Eugene wanted the members of his religious family to maintain. This is why you are invited to take part in this practice of Oraison on Sunday, June 21, 2020, as we commemorate the feast of Blessed Józef Cebula, O.M.I. on June 12th.
John 12:24-25
Jesus said: “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life.
Matthew 20:22-23
Jesus said to them: “Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” He replied, “My cup you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”
Texts from witnesses:
“Father Cebula was in no way a worldly man He was not brilliant. He led a simple, ordinary life, but in a spirit of faith. … He lived his priestly and religious life in a profound way. He got along well with others even though he did not have a winning manner nor was he outgoing.” (Jan Geneja O.M.I., May 29, 1992)
His words were simple but penetrated to the very depths of one´s heart. They would lead us to reflect on the meaning of life. … Father Cebula was also much sought. Long lines would form up outside his confessional.” (Mrs. Franciszka Koloch, 1993)
In 1939, when the Nazis occupied Poland, they declared loyalty to the Church illegal. On May 4, 1940, the Oblate novices at Markowice were arrested by the Nazis and sent to the concentration camp at Dachau, Germany. However, Father Cebula continued to minister as a priest in secret, despite the ban on it, until he was arrested on April 2, 1941.
“During the days of his house arrest, Father Cebula´s life was difficult. It became even more difficult after the deportation of the [novices]… During the day, he worked as a simple laborer; in the course of the night he celebrated Mass; in secrecy and disguised, be brought consolation to the dying… and baptized the newly born.” (Jan Nawrat O.M.I., December 29, 1948)
Sixteen days later, he was taken to a concentration camp at Mauthausen in Austria and was harassed and forced to work hard. Three weeks later, on May 9, Father Cebula suddenly summoned up his strength and said, “It is not you who are in charge. God will judge you.” The Nazis ordered him to run, with a rock on his back, towards the camp’s barbed wire fence, where a guard shot him to death with a submachine gun and declared that Father Cebula “was shot while trying to escape”. His body was taken to a crematorium and burned to ashes. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on June 13, 1999 as one of the 108 Martyrs of World War II.
(See also: https://www.eugenedemazenod.net/?p=3716)
Did the guards think that by humiliating Jozef Cebula that they would be able to escape their own fears and emptiness? That treating him with such great disregard for life would make themselves feel good or better about themselves? To be so terrified of God and Jozef that they shot him dead and then tried to eradicate every part of him by burning his poor body. I am reminded of Jesus who was hung on the cross by those who were afraid of him.
But I do not want to make today about them, about the inhumanity of the Nazis or others of the same ilk. Today I want to think about Blessed Jozef Cebula, OMI; to celebrate him and see him for the man his was. To ask him to pray for me that I might have that pure and profound depth of heart that he shared; to live out my oblation as did he.
He looked quite ordinary and one would not expect his depths. One of his own Oblate brothers described him saying: “He lived his priestly and religious life in a profound way. He got along well with others even though he did not have a winning manner nor was he outgoing.” Hidden depths that concealed his heart, his courage and his truth. “…in secrecy and disguised, he brought consolation to the dying… and baptized the new born.”
“Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?” Jesus asked him and I believe that quiet and unassuming Jozef replied by asking the Lord to give him the courage and strength to do just that.
“His words were simple but penetrated to the very depths of one´s heart. They would lead us to reflect on the meaning of life.” An extraordinary man. Yes – a saint. This morning I seem able only to repeat what I have read about him. There are no great insights to share.
I seem only able to sit with Blessed Jozef and my Beloved. And ask that I might breathe in that sweet fragrance of love, and oblation.