Tag Archives: death

SAINT EUGENE, A COMPANION AND GUIDE IN ILLNESS AND DEATH

After a long pause, Saint Eugene speaks to us again. My involvement in the illness and death of a close relative led to a much longer than expected interruption of these reflections. Throughout this period I experienced the presence and … Continue reading

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IN DEATH HE IS STILL USEFUL TO OUR WORK

Rejoicing with Fathers Mie and Moreau in the successful parish mission among the poor in the mountains, he encourages them and compares their ministry to a battle campaign against the power of evil. I rejoice over all you and Fr. … Continue reading

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HOW HAPPY I AM TO DIE IN THE CONGREGATION

On the anniversary of Father Marcou’s death, Eugene’s reminiscences led him to recall his exemplary last days. Fr. Marcou lived only for a few more months, gradually fading away and resigned to being the victim who made his sacrifice to … Continue reading

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THE LAST IMPORTANT ACT OF THIS LIFE IN WHICH HE SEALED THE OFFERING OF HIS WHOLE BEING WHICH HE HAD MADE THROUGHOUT MANY YEARS

On the anniversary of Father Marcou’s death, Eugene’s reminiscences led him to recall his dedication and zeal in spite of his illness Fr. Marcou still had the strength to come back to Marseilles where I found him on my return … Continue reading

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COMMUNITY: WE WILL KEEP ALIVE THE MEMORY OF OUR DECEASED

After the death of Father Marcou, Eugene contacted all the Oblates to remind them of their community obligation to pray for the peaceful repose of their deceased brother. I will give you some day more circumstantial details. You know that … Continue reading

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I WEEP FOR A BROTHER SO PRECIOUS TO OUR SOCIETY

I weep for a brother so precious to our Society, to which he was so attached, but I do reproach myself for my tears in a way, as if I dared regret his happiness. He will be our protector beside … Continue reading

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THE INSPIRING DEPARTURE OF A PURE SOUL WHO IS GOING TO BE UNITED TO HIS GOD FOR ALL ETERNITY

Eugene writes to Fr Honorat, at Notre Dame du Laus, to announce the death of the 26 year-old Oblate, Jacques Marcou. The good God has just taken from us, my very dear Father, one of our most saintly missionaries. Yesterday … Continue reading

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PERHAPS IT IS NECESSARY IN HEAVEN THAT THERE BE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LAMB REPRESENTATIVES OF ALL THE FAMILIES WHO COMBAT ON EARTH FOR THE GLORY OF HIS NAME

Two young Oblates, from Gap, were preparing for their priestly ordinations on 30 July 1826: Joseph Alphonse Martin and Victor Arnoux. The latter was young and needed a dispensation from the Bishop in order to be ordained. I hope that … Continue reading

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DEATH AS A TIME OF NEW COMMUNION

My morning has been employed in having young ladies of the French convent of Saint Denis make their first communion; think of my sorrow when I had to speak to these young people of the age of our poor Caroline … Continue reading

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THAT IS WHAT MY HEART IS LIKE, IT CANNOT FORGET ANYONE IT LOVES, LIVING OR DEAD

Another personal reflection from Eugene’s Roman Diary: Today again I fulfilled what is prescribed to gain the jubilee indulgence for the holy souls in purgatory, according to the indult granted to this effect by the Supreme Pontiff. I visited the … Continue reading

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