Tag Archives: illness

THE CONSOLATION OF DYING IN THE ARMS OF THEIR BROTHERS IS CERTAINLY SOMETHING FOR A GOOD RELIGIOUS WHO KNOWS THE VALUE OF SUPERNATURAL AIDS

While looking forward to Victor Arnoux’s ordination, Eugene received the news that this young man had become seriously ill. I will speak first of what concerns me most, this being the state of our holy Bro. Arnoux. I cannot console … Continue reading

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THE CONCERN OF THE FATHER FOR THE HEALTH OF HIS OBLATE FAMILY

Eugene’s intuitive and loving personality is expressed in these letters as he reflects on the health of his Oblate sons who were ruining their health through their missionary zeal. I commiserate with our dear Suzanne; these pains are a sore … Continue reading

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GIVE HIM MORE CARE THAN HE COULD HAVE IN HIS FAMILY HOME, EVEN IF YOU HAVE TO SELL LINEN AND CHALICES

Writing to Fr Courtès, the superior of the Aix community, about transferring the dying Jacques Marcou to the Aix community from the Nimes community, he expressed his paternal concern. But how much the happiness that I promise myself on seeing … Continue reading

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EVEN IF WE HAVE TO SELL EVERYTHING DOWN TO OUR SHOES, LET NOTHING BE SPARED TO LOOK AFTER HIM

Arriving in Turin, Eugene found mail from Marseille, containing news of the serious illness of Jacques Marcou. He had been one of the first members of Eugene’s youth congregation in Aix in 1813 and had joined the Oblates in 1821. … Continue reading

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COURAGE IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF FEAR, BUT THE TRIUMPH OVER IT

Continuing the narrative from Eugene’s diary on his school days in Turin, we read: In the interval between his first communion and his confirmation, namely, between Holy Thursday and Trinity 1792, Eugene gave fresh proof of the delicacy of his … Continue reading

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GOD DOES NOT WANT THE DREGS OF OUR EXHAUSTION

Eugene’s concern for his Oblates was holistic – it included every aspect of their lives. He wanted then to be all for God, great saints, dedicated community members and zealous missionaries prepared to give their lives for their ideals. In … Continue reading

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HAVING TO ACCEPT A BODY WITH A WILL OF ITS OWN

As we have seen in previous entries, Eugene’s dynamism and generous zeal had led him to periods of exhaustion and illness. His journal shows how ill-health had been a teacher regarding his way of doing things. Now at Barjols, it … Continue reading

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LIMITATIONS: CONVERTING LEMONS INTO LEMONADE

Illness and loss of voice made Eugene unable to participate fully in the Barjols mission and he had no choice but to accept and make the best of the situation: One must be patient, since the good God wishes this … Continue reading

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THE FRUSTRATION OF FACING LIMITATIONS

By temperament Eugene was a talented leader who was used to being involved in everything – today we could use the expression of tending towards “micromanagement” to describe this. Having arrived in Barjols, full of enthusiasm, ready to preach and … Continue reading

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ALWAYS CLOSE TO THE PEOPLE AROUND THEM – ESPECIALLY IN SICKNESS AND DEATH

The church of the Oblate Mission house in Aix was never a parish. The community was young, dynamic and obviously attracted many people to their services –either in the church or in the various ministries of the Missionaries in the … Continue reading

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