Tag Archives: church

OBLATION FOR LOVE OF THE CHURCH

The first couple of years of Eugene’s presence in Marseille as Vicar General were demanding because there was so much to be done to re-establish the diocese after the absence of a bishop on the spot for over 20 years. … Continue reading

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17 FEBRUARY 1826: IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR A RELIGIOUS FAMILY TO BE RECOGNIZED BY THE CHURCH

Fr. Fernand Jetté, Oblate Superior General from 1974 -1986, reflects on the meaning of this anniversary of the Church’s approval for us. It is essential for a religious family to be recognized by the Church, for it is the Church … Continue reading

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I WILL FAITHFULLY KEEP MY VOWS WHILE TRYING TO CONFORM MY EXTERIOR CONDUCT TO WHAT THE BISHOP PRESCRIBES IN ORDER NOT TO DISTURB THE PUBLIC ORDER.

As Eugene reflects on the conflict with the surrounding bishops regarding the status of the Oblates in their dioceses, it becomes the opportunity for him to clarify his thoughts of the meaning of their vows. Firstly he points out that … Continue reading

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REMEMBER THAT AFTER GOD YOU ARE MY GUIDE AND RIGHT ARM

The nomination of Fortuné de Mazenod as Bishop of Marseille, in January 1823, meant that he had to go to Paris immediately to fulfill the necessary ecclesiastical and civil processes required by this appointment. Eugene accompanied him on this journey, … Continue reading

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THE CALL OF JESUS CHRIST, HEARD WITHIN THE CHURCH

As the small Society of Missionaries of Provence grew in numbers and commitments, one can see the preoccupation of Eugene to establish a solid foundation that would ensure stability. From the beginning he saw the importance of a carefully-written Rule … Continue reading

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NOTA BENE: A HOSPITAL FOR SINNERS

The Rule was written in 1818 as an attempt to review the experiences that the Missionaries had lived for nearly three years and to draw out basic principles for the future. The Nota Bene continues Eugene’s description of the post-revolution … Continue reading

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NOTA BENE: A PAINFUL BETRAYAL

In her distress, the Church, portrayed as a mother, calls out for help. Who can the Church confidently turn to for help? Surely, the very persons that she can obviously rely on with unfailing confidence are her priests. In this … Continue reading

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NOTA BENE: TWO SIDES OF THE PICTURE

One can touch the intensity of Eugene’s emotions! As he reflected on the situation of the Church in France he expressed his horror at the behavior of some of the priests who were not living up to the demands of … Continue reading

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AN EIGHT-POINT IDENTIKIT

In writing the Rule in 1818 Eugene wanted to put down in writing the spirit of how the Missionaries had experienced themselves for three years. His aim was that others would be transformed by the same spirit through following this … Continue reading

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YOU DID IT TO ME

The Youth Congregation was centred on the welfare of each young member. Continuing to develop the concept of the Congregation as a caring mother, Eugene explains what the young person has the right to expect when he becomes a member … Continue reading

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