I MUST THANK GOD FOR THE HEALTH THAT HE MAINTAINS IN ME AND ASK HIS PARDON FOR THE BAD USE OF 61 YEARS OF LIFE.

Eugene never gave importance to celebrating his birthday.

Patience! Still another year. I must thank God for the health that he maintains in me and ask his pardon for the bad use of 61 years of life.

Rather, he put the focus on the anniversary of his baptism, the next day. It was his custom to celebrate this important day each year with the Capuchin Sisters in their contemplative monastery.

Customary stopover with the Capuchins where I am going to say community Mass on the occasion of the pardon of Saint Francis.[ed: Allusion to the indulgence of the Portiuncula granted by Pope Honorius III to the faithful who would be visiting, on August 2, 1221, the sanctuary of the Portiuncula, first house of the Order of Saint Francis near Assissi. This indulgence was subsequently made perpetual.]

I always begin my new year in this fashion surrounded by the fervent prayers of these angels in this world who have so much charity, so great an attachment for me. Their church has been filled all morning, so edifying is their assistance.

Eugene de Mazenod’s Diary, 2 August 1843, EO XXI

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1 Response to I MUST THANK GOD FOR THE HEALTH THAT HE MAINTAINS IN ME AND ASK HIS PARDON FOR THE BAD USE OF 61 YEARS OF LIFE.

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Oblate Associate says:

    Although I was not brought up with any celebrations of my baptism, I am able to recognize God in my life in a hidden yet distinct way in my life. And as I sit here with all of you and Eugene de Mazenod, I am keenly aware of how the baptism of Eugene and how he lived that out has touched and changed my life as he continues to share his charism, his gift of the Spirit with me, one of his daughters.

    I tend to thank God more for the day that I began my journey of sobriety and freedom from addictions. Even more important and foundational was the day that I heard Jesus say my name: “Eleanor, I love you. I have called you by name and you are mine.” And with that the universe was transformed. I remember and celebrate my meeting with and getting to know the Mazenodian Family; then another important anniversary being the day of my Commitment as an Oblate Associate of OMI Lacombe Province (another baptism of sorts). These anniversaries that are celebrated always with prayers of thanksgiving for the wonders that God has done within me, those who have been and are a part of my life.

    This morning as I have sat here looking at the fruits of my baptism, I think of the song titled “Baptism” by Anne Mortifee. This is my never-ending baptismal journey through life. The fruits of this sacrament are the people who I touch and all who touch me; they have been and are a part of my breathing in and my breathing out – the beating of my heart.

    Look now dear Eugene to see how your baptism has brought about not just in your life but in the lives of your many sons and daughters throughout the world.

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