Author Archives: franksantucci

Father Fernand Jetté OMI (Superior General 1974-1986) wrote: It is essential for a religious family to be recognized by the Church, for it is the Church who “constitutes” us, as the Founder put it; it is the Church who gives … Continue reading →

The proposal advanced by His Excellency the bishop of Usula and Apostolic Vicar of Colombo, undoubtedly inspired by Bishop Bravi, merits our gratitude. The Oblate Congregation will consider itself fortunate indeed if it is called to that Vicariate to do … Continue reading →

The Vatican had divided the diocese of Jaffna into two and appointed Bishop Bravi to Colombo. Eugene wrote to Propaganda Fide: While the Christians in the vicariate of Colombo are more numerous, much richer, and more generous, the schools in … Continue reading →

After three years of Oblate presence, Eugene wrote I cannot see that you are doing much there, that you are still only beginning… and up till now you have not told me of a single conversion. Letter to Fr. Étienne … Continue reading →

Eugene had great dreams for the missionary outreach of the Oblates in Ceylon, and was impatient for results I shall try to send you two missionaries, although I am less favourably disposed towards your Ceylon mission. I cannot see that … Continue reading →

Turning our attention to Ceylon (Sri Lanka today), we recall how the first four Oblates had arrived there in 1847, with the charge of reviving the faith of the Catholics who had abandoned it and converting over a million people … Continue reading →

In Canada the Oblate missions were expanding, as we see in this report that Eugene sent to Rome to Cardinal Fransoni, Prefect of the Sacred  Congregation of Propaganda Fide. In Canada, we have two communities in the diocese of Montreal … Continue reading →

After his arrival, D’Herbomez was amazed to see the “renowned missionaries of Oregon at his first encounter with them. Brother Verney was dressed in a French cap, goatskin leggings, and moccasins, covered by a green cloth under an old blue … Continue reading →

In writing to the Society of the Propagation of the Faith requesting financial assistance for the foreign missions, Eugene gave some details of the Oregon and Red River missions. I wish to begin this letter by expressing my thanks to … Continue reading →

In the meantime, this is what the first group of Oblates had been doing in Oregon before the arrival of this second group of three missionaries. Eugene had surmised: I do not know if we can count on establishing Christian … Continue reading →