PARISH MISSIONS: IN THE PENITENTIAL PROCESSION THE SUPERIOR TAKES ON HIMSELF THE SINS OF THE PEOPLE, IN IMITATION OF JESUS CHRIST. WHOM HE REPRESENTS IN THEIR MIDST

Eugene had understood the power of the Cross from the time of his youth, and was therefore able to lead others to open themselves to the same experience of the healing power of the Saviour. For him it was essential that it be the superior of the mission who always carried the Cross:

I repeat, it is the norm that the superior carry the cross during the penitential procession, after he has given a short exhortation from the pulpit to prepare the people for this public act of reparation. This is no entertainment, but an act very much in conformity with the spirit of the Church and perfectly suited to the occasion. The superior has just preached to a people that has gone astray. He gives them the hope of pardon. Reparation, however, is necessary. He takes on himself the sins of the people, in imitation of J.C. whom he represents in their midst, and following the example of a Saint Leo for Rome, a Saint Charles for Milan. a Belzunce for Marseilles, etc.. he offers himself to God as a victim. Are these the grandiose thoughts? Come on! let us not waste our time and let us send back to the bush anyone who does not understand them or remains insensitive to them. What is not the norm and should be done only with permission is to carry the cross barefooted and with the cord around the neck. I have done it very often, but not always.

Letter to Eugene Guigues, 5 November 1837, O.W. IX, n. 652.

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