Author Archives: franksantucci

Eugene’s petition to the Pope included a summary of the work and achievements of the Oblates since their foundation ten years before: They have devoted themselves mainly to the missions, which is the principal end of their Institute and this … Continue reading →

In his petition to Pope Leo XII for approbation, Eugene continued by marveling at the results of their ministry. It was ony possible for God to work through the Oblates if they themselves lived on the presence of the God … Continue reading →

During the day, I was busy preparing the petition to present to the Pope on the day he grants me an audience. Eugene’s Roman Diary, 8 December 1825, EO XVII As this document gives a good description of the state … Continue reading →

Preparing the way to present his request for approbation of the OMI Rule to the Pope involved requests to various persons. Visit to Bishop Caprano, secretary of the Propaganda, to alert him of the favours I must ask and dispose … Continue reading →

During his time as a seminarian in Paris, Napoleon had imprisoned the Pope and had brought all the Cardinals to Paris. As Eugene was fluent in Italian, and the Cardinals did not know French, he served them as an interpreter … Continue reading →

Eugene describes his joy at finding the tomb of his former Venetian teacher and mentor, Father Bartolo Zinelli. And have I not found the memory, the bust and even the body interred in the church of this holy priest, of … Continue reading →

All is holy here for him who comes as a true Christian pilgrim. As for me, I only see the apostles, the martyrs, the holy confessors of all ages. There is not a corner of Rome which is not a … Continue reading →

Eugene was constantly amazed and edified by the reminders in Rome of the martyrs. Perhaps his arithmetic is a bit exaggerated when he speaks of their numbers, but his awe is not. He describes how the Christian slaves had to … Continue reading →

Eugene visited many churches in Rome and each one left him with a sense of wonder and admiration. I am not resisting the desire to write to you and to date my epistle from the capital of the Christian world. … Continue reading →