Author Archives: franksantucci

Poor Father Viala had become totally discouraged by the hostile and negative situation in Algeria and had wanted the mission to be abandoned. Viala has been ill over this. If I had listened to him, he would have returned with … Continue reading →

Despite the lack of cooperation and hostility by the Bishop of Algiers, it was the salvation of souls that was paramount in the mind of Eugene, and for this reason he advised the Oblates to remain. Now what must we … Continue reading →

The agreement made with the Bishop of Algiers was that the Oblates would live in community, minister to the abandoned Christian population and evangelize the Arab population. The Bishop, however, had gone against this agreement and did not want the … Continue reading →

The Bishop of Algiers did not understand the particular charismatic mission of the Oblates. Worried about the situation in which the Oblates found themselves, Eugene encouraged them again a few days later. Keep me in touch with everything, calmly and … Continue reading →

Eugene was informed that he had been unjustly criticized by the Bishop of Algiers and this is how he responded: As for the personal offences which you told me of, five minutes of prayer at the foot of my crucifix … Continue reading →

By early March the Oblates had arrived in Algeria. The agreement with the Bishop was that they live in community with the responsibility of caring for the parish in Blida as their base for missionary outreach and to care for … Continue reading →

The Superior of the new mission to Algeria was Fr Viala, and he was busy preaching a successful mission in France just weeks before his departure. Eugene wrote to him: I can understand that you have extended your mission by … Continue reading →

In 1848 Eugene made an agreement with Bishop Pavy of Algiers to establish a community Oblates in Algeria. Father Tempier had gone to Algiers to meet the bishop and to negotiate the terms of the Oblate mission with him. Eugene … Continue reading →

Eugene’s instruction to every missionary: Insist on making Jesus Christ known and loved. Speak often of this divine saviour and of all he has done to save mankind. Make them resolve never to spend a day without praying. Letter to … Continue reading →

Father Jean Viala had been part of the community preaching a parish mission in Greasque, France. Eugene was overjoyed by the news he was receiving of its success. One of the tangible signs of the success of any mission was … Continue reading →