We continue to explore the ceremonies of the missions, and the focus on the renewal of baptismal commitment. Today when we read the reactions of the listeners to the activities of the missionaries, we may be tempted to dismiss the accounts of the loud sobs, copious tears and emotional expressions of conversion and to brush them aside as being exaggerated and of the literary genre of a romantic past. Yet the reaction of the people is not surprising when one reflects on how starved they were for truth, solid direction and meaning in their lives after years of spiritual emptiness.
The Superior went on with his talk, and after an introduction he had the faithful renew their baptismal promises out loud and as a responsory, and this led into an invitation to repentance that was very touching in the circumstances, and during which the sobbing almost drowned the preacher’s voice and it required an effort on his part to make himself heard.
Human nature demands a presentation of the Gospel that appeals to every aspect of the person, and not just to one’s head and guilt feelings. I am sure that St Eugene continues to challenge us today to allow our perception of the Gospel to appeal to every aspect of our lives, and particularly our heart and emotions. Eugene, however, also invites people to reflect on the consequences of their actions and to ensure that their emotions don’t get in the way of their heads. What received the most prominence, the sacrament received or the party afterwards? Times don’t seem to have changed much!
Benediction was given and then, after prayer, some very lively notices followed concerning a flagrant abuse that has crept in among the other abominations the devil has introduced into the town: namely, that at baptisms the numerous crowd of young girls and boys who accompany the godfather hug each other shamelessly and go on to dance the whole day through.
Diary of the Marignane Mission, 12 December 1816, O.W. XVI