Tag Archives: Eugene’s family

FROM A BROKEN FAMILY A DEEP APPRECIATION FOR THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY

In 1795, Eugene had the opportunity to take a short journey into Tuscany to accompany his mother, whom family interests were summoning back to France. Already the Marchioness de Dons, her sister, had returned with her son; Eugene’s mother would … Continue reading

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A SON AND HIS MOTHER

Like all mothers, Eugene’s fussed over him. In this letter to his mother, Eugene responds and then refers to a specific situation where she was helping an Oblate. She was generous in using her time, her advice and her considerable … 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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WHO IS SAINT EUGENE? EUGENE THE CHILD

(On the occasion of the Oblate novena – May 21 to May 29 – I am going to re-publish the entries that I had prepared two years ago on various aspects of the life of Eugene de Mazenod. This daily reflection has a much larger … 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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GOD KNOWS WITH WHAT CONSOLATION I BAPTIZED THIS CHILD, SO JUDGE WHAT MUST HAVE BEEN MY SORROW TO BURY HER

Writing to Henri Tempier about, his niece, Caroline de Boisgelin’s death and funeral, Eugene confides his feelings: … God knows with what consolation I baptized this child, so judge what must have been my sorrow to bury her. However, that … Continue reading

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WE GIVE THANKS TO GOD FOR HAVING CHOSEN FROM OUR FAMILY A PRIVILEGED SOUL

Our angel flew off to heaven, last night at three o’clock. Letter to Marius Suzanne, 26 June 1825, EO VI n188 Writing to his mother about, his niece, Caroline de Boisgelin’s illness and death, Eugene said: She always spoke of … Continue reading

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IT IS DISTRESSING AND BEYOND MY STRENGTH TO SEE HER SLOWLY DYING

Writing to Marius Suzanne, Eugene described his personal suffering as he accompanied his 12 year-old niece towards her death. Oh! I would wish you to be beside me in the sadness in which I find myself! It grows every day … Continue reading

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WATCHING AND PRAYING AS HOPE DIMINISHES

The day before leaving for Rheims was Pentecost Sunday, and Eugene wrote to his mother: The holy day of Pentecost was too appropriate a day not to take the opportunity to give the Holy Spirit to Caroline. My uncle celebrated … Continue reading

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I HAVE ALWAYS REGARDED MY SISTER’S CHILDREN AS IF THEY WERE MY OWN CHILDREN

The visit of Eugene and Fortuné to Paris and Rheims for the coronation of the king was prolonged for family reasons. The twelve-year old Caroline de Boisgelin, second daughter of Eugene’s sister Ninette, was at boarding school in Paris and … Continue reading

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