Author Archives: franksantucci

What can I say of our men in Oregon and on the shores of the Red River? For food they have a little bacon, they have no bed but the bare ground, and with that they are content and happy … Continue reading →

Eugene encourages his Oblates in Oregon in their disappointment at being so coldly received by the bishop. He invites them to focus on what is the unchanging ideal of their vocation: oblation for the salvation of souls as is expressed … Continue reading →

In 1847, Eugene had responded to the invitation of the local bishops to send Oblates to work in present-day Oregon and Washington states. He had chosen Father Pascal Ricard, one Oblate Brother and three scholastics for this new mission. It … Continue reading →

Fr. Telmon was being sent to Pittsburgh USA, and was hesitating because of his poor knowledge of English. Eugene’s reaction was to be the same towards all the Oblates who were sent to mission: learn the local language of the … Continue reading →

I have received a letter from Fr. … [ed. name not given in the text] with which I am not pleased. Obedience is little or badly known to our Fathers in Canada. They know not how to submit themselves without … Continue reading →

And I thank the Lord doubly because I am more than ever convinced that in what has come to pass, divine Providence not only has your good in mind but that of the Congregation which you are called to direct … Continue reading →

On the subject of being at the service of the Catholics of Bytown, we know it is quite repugnant to our Fathers to serve in a manner too similar to the parish ministry. They have been known to say on … Continue reading →

Eugene clarifies that even though Bruno Guigues was the diocesan bishop, he was living the Oblate charism and was to rely on this identity and spirituality to fulfil his new role. The diocese which has been confided to you and … Continue reading →

The father of the Oblate family recalled with emotion his 27 years of association with the newly-orained Bishop Bruno Guigues since his admission to the novitiate in 1821. Oh, how I would have pressed you to my heart, my dear … Continue reading →

Bruno Eugene Guigues was consecrated as the first bishop of Bytown (later Ottawa) in July 1848. It is upon descending from the altar, very dear son, brother and friend, where I have just offered the Holy Sacrifice in union with … Continue reading →