Author Archives: franksantucci

IN THREE DAYS JESUS CHRIST HAD TO COME BACK TO LIFE – OUR GRIEF MUST LAST AS LONG AS OUR PITIFUL LIFE

Eugene describes his last visit to his dying nephew. Not being able to prolong my stay in Avignon, I had to part from Louis, my heart distressed and without hope of seeing him return to health. This blessed infant wanted … Continue reading

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SUNDAY MARCH 21 – JOIN US IN PRAYER AS A MAZENODIAN FAMILY

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ORAISON: JOIN THE MAZENODIAN FAMILY IN PRAYER ON MARCH 21

For the text:  https://sites.google.com/view/mazenodianfamily/monthly-oraison/march-21-2021

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I RESIGN MYSELF TO AND EMBRACE THE PLANS OF GOD, WHO CALLS TO HIMSELF A YOUNG SOUL READY FOR HEAVEN

Louis de Boisgelin, son of Eugene’s sister had been training to become a Jesuit for four years. In 1841, at the age of 26, he became seriously ill. When Eugene learnt about this, he wrote in his diary: I resign … Continue reading

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I HAVE ALIENATED HIS HEART – I OFFER THIS PAIN TO THE LORD

Dealing with some of the Oblates as their superior, was sometimes tricky for Eugene de Mazenod, especially if the person was difficult and sensitive. He confides in his diary: Who could foretell the sensitivities of this Father?  He complains practically … Continue reading

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YOU WOULD NOT IMAGINE THE HAPPINESS I EXPERIENCE WHEN I HEAR ABOUT THE UNITY AND CORDIALITY THAT EXISTS AMONG YOU.

The father of the missionary family’s deepest wish was that the members would live in a spirit of unity. We recall our Founder’s dying words: “Among yourselves, charity, charity, charity” as we read about his delight at the spirit of … Continue reading

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“GOD SPACE” AND “GOD TIME”

Eugene wrote to the Novice Master: I see a great disadvantage in not having the Blessed Sacrament within easy access of the novices. It is to Jesus Christ that they should go to be filled with fervour. It is not … Continue reading

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IF FERVOR IS LACKING WE ARE NOT FORMING PEOPLE OF GOD

Writing to the Novice Master, Eugene says that each novice must: yield cheerfully to the indispensable observances of the Rule. He must make it a point to delve deeply into the spirit of the Institute he wishes to join and … Continue reading

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CAN WE SEND THEM BEFORE THEY KNOW WELL AND APPRECIATE THE CONGREGATION, AND HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ATTACH THEMSELVES TO IT?

The question raised by Eugene, as Oblate Superior General, continues to be very relevant in the formation process of Oblates and Associates today. Three men had come from Ireland to do the novitiate in France – in a new country … Continue reading

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OBLATION THIS CONSECRATION CANNOT BE REVOKED – IT IS PERPETUAL

Father Vincens, the new novice-master was about to receive a new group of novices, for whose formation he was responsible. Eugene reminds him that the purpose of the novitiate is to make their oblation for life as religious and as … Continue reading

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