Author Archives: franksantucci

The system in the communities at the time of the Founder was that the superior had a community member known as his admonitor who would help the superior by giving him advice and pointing out mistakes. In Eugene’s life, Fr … Continue reading →

The demanding Fr Dassy was superior of a community of young priests. The novice master, Eugene Dorey was 27 and the members of the missionary community were Francois Xavier Michelier who was 25, César Depetro who was 24. All three … Continue reading →

Eugene admired the talented Fr Toussaint Dassy but was also aware of his complex personality and sometimes unattainable expectations of others. He was the superior of the missionary community in Nancy which was also the novitiate. The novice master was … Continue reading →

At this moment the Oblates were in North America and Ceylon, both of which required a knowledge of the English language. One of the priests in Nancy was entrusted with teaching English to the novices. I will not close my … Continue reading →

As more and more invitations for the foreign missions were being offered, more Oblate missionaries were needed. Among Father Dassy’s preaching occupations was a retreat he had given to a group of young men in the hope of awakening a … Continue reading →

From the moment that the missionaries had embraced the Oblate charism, they were filled with zeal to evangelize. Fr Dassy certainly was no exception: It is true, my dear Father Dassy, that it is a long time since you have … Continue reading →

Father Vincens had just finished preaching the annual retreat for the diocesan priests of Marseilles. The pastoral retreat has been given by our Fr. Vincens who worked wonders. It has been among the most edifying. The priests said that they … Continue reading →

“When Father de Mazenod left for Marseilles in 1823, Father Courtès was appointed superior of the house in Aix, a post he held until his death… The only break in Father Courtès’ stay in Aix was the founding of the … Continue reading →

Eugene, as the founder of a religious family, was an affectionate father for each of its members. The joy of having given a new priest  to the Church and to the congregation did not make me forget that on the … Continue reading →

Today I ordained good Father Dorey. On this same day, some 22 years ago, one of our men entered into glory. Father Dorey is worthy to replace him here below. He has just obliged me to stop my letter by … Continue reading →