Tag Archives: illness

A SPIRITUALITY TO BE BUILT ON THE SUPERNATURAL STRENGTH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Written in the third person, Eugene’s exile Diary shows the foundation of his lifelong relationship with the Holy Spirit in his spirituality: In the interval between his first communion and his confirmation, namely, between Holy Thursday and Trinity 1792, Eugene … Continue reading

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SOLIDARITY AND STABILITY PROVIDED BY A CARING PRESENCE

Father Victor-Antoine Arnoux, 24 years old, was dying in Aix after less than two years after his priestly ordination. Here we are then menaced by another misfortune; we will lose this angelic Fr. Arnoux. Why have you consented to their … Continue reading

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WITH COMPASSION YOU CAN DIE FOR OTHER PEOPLE

An epidemic of smallpox had just broken out in Marseille, brought by a ship arriving from the Middle East. Eugene was at Laus at the time of writing. I would wish to be at Marseilles to arrange everything with the … Continue reading

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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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ALLOW SICKNESS TO BE A SOURCE OF HOLINESS

One of Eugene’s constant concerns for his men was their health. They were so zealous as missionaries that they often sacrificed good sense when it came to looking after their physical wellbeing. He reminds the community superiors of their responsibility … Continue reading

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THE ESSENTIAL THING IS THAT YOU PRACTICE PATIENCE INTERIORLY AND THAT YOUR SPIRIT BE AT REST IN GOD

During Eugene’s time, many young people died from various illnesses and infections. The Oblates, always guided more by missionary zeal than by good health sense, were prone to catching chest infections and illnesses like tuberculosis. Eugene encourages patience to those … Continue reading

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WE OUGHT TO FIND OUR HAPPINESS WITHIN OUR COMMUNITIES

Writing to Fr. Courtès, superior of the Aix community, about Marius Suzanne gives Eugene the opportunity to look at the role of community for an Oblate. How tempted we are today to give in to the temptation of only looking … Continue reading

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EVEN IN ILLNESS ALL THINGS WORK FOR GOOD FOR THOSE WHO LOVE GOD

As Marius Suzanne was convalescing and recovering from his illness, Eugene encourages him with the invitation to turn his enforced rest into a time of spiritual concentration and growth. How much consolation do we seek and recognize in our own … Continue reading

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THE ONE WHOM YOU LOVE IS SICK

The highly affective Eugene’s pain and concern over the illness of Marius Suzanne is obvious in this passage. The deep friendship between Lazarus and Jesus was an inspiration to Eugene and a model for his own loving relationship with Jesus. … Continue reading

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PRAYER AS AN ACT OF LOVE FOR OTHERS

Until the time that the Oblates began to receive new members in the foreign missions in the late 1840’s, Eugene had a personal relationship with each of his missionary sons. In his correspondence we constantly see how he loved and … Continue reading

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