Author Archives: franksantucci

The last step before his ordination to the priesthood was ordination as a deacon. In his time of prayer before receiving diaconate, mindful of his unworthiness, he invited Mary to accompany him and intercede for him. As far as possible, … Continue reading →

On 23 December 1809 Eugene made a definitive commitment towards the priesthood by being being ordained to the sub-diaconate. In a conference on that day he linked the commitment to give himself totally to the service of the People of … Continue reading →

After a year as seminarian in St Sulpice in Paris, Eugene reflects in his journal on the place of Mary in his spirituality: But devotion to the Blessed Virgin must excel all others; for the glorious Mother of God is … Continue reading →

After his conversion journey and discernment that God was calling him to become a priest, the 26 year-old Eugene went to the Seminary of Saint Sulpice in Paris. On the first page of his study notes at the seminary, he … Continue reading →

Within days of arriving at the seminary to begin his studies for the priesthood, Eugene wrote to his grandmother: Up to now I can only speak of the life we are leading during the retreat, which is now unfortunately coming … Continue reading →

On Eugene’s spiritual formation, Lubowicki writes: Jean-Jacques Olier, the founder of the seminary, developed a spirituality in which he stressed the fact that the priest is an alter Christus [ed. anotherChrist},and therefore someone who follows Christ in everything, including his … Continue reading →

Academic demands and Congregational commitments since the passing of Fr David Muñoz have multiplied and I am finding it difficult to keep up with new entries of St Eugene Speaks. To give me some catch-up time of a few weeks, … Continue reading →

Writing to Bishop Guigues, Eugene shared his optimism about the Oblate presence in England, and its chances of expansion. We are making giant strides. Apart from the novitiate which we are soon to have in England, as well as a … Continue reading →

For Eugene the establishment and growth of the Oblates in England and Ireland was important because Oblate missions were opening in several of the British colonies, where knowledge of the English language was important. A novitiate and house of theological … Continue reading →

The Founder wanted the Oblates in Britain to establish themselves in an independent mission in an urban setting. At first it seemed this setting would be in Manchester  but the success of the Oblate mission there in 1849 induced the … Continue reading →