Author Archives: franksantucci

Eugene had always been a promotor of youth ministry and this continued when he was Bishop of Marseille. He noted in his diary an event concerning three of his diocesan priests who consecrated themselves to youth ministry in his diocese. … Continue reading →

The OMI’s usually renewed their vows on November 1 during the Founder’s lifetime. Because there were 30 Oblate seminarians at the Major Seminary (studying and living with the diocesan students) the ceremony was held at the Seminary. Customary attendance at … Continue reading →

With the tense situation around the welfare of Pope Pius IX, in exile in Gaeta, France sent an emissary of the government to invite him to take refuge in Marseilles. Eugene narrated: In short, the Pope was infinitely touched by … Continue reading →

In November 1848 the situation deteriorated and the Pope had been forced to leave Rome. Eugene and the people of Marseilles renewed their invitation to him to take shelter in their city and many were convinced of his imminent arrival. … Continue reading →

The aftermath of the 1848 Revolution had dramatic consequences for Pope Pius IX who was threatened by violent upheavals. Eugene wrote to him: If I could only ease for an instant the burden of the Church’s sorrows which press so … Continue reading →

In earlier entries we reflected on the effects of the 1848 Revolution in France and in Marseilles in particular. It was a revolution that had far-reaching consequences throughout Europe and especially for the Church, as Eugene noted in his diary: … Continue reading →

“St Eugene Speaks” is going silent until early June. [There are, however, 3115 reflections dating back to May 2010 that you can access in the “Archives” section of the home page.] May is the end of the academic year at … Continue reading →

Father Lavigne, who was part of the mission community at the sanctuary of Osier,  had written to Eugene, formally refusing to obey his instruction. Eugene was horrified as this was the first time that he had experienced something like this … Continue reading →

Father Lavigne had been complaining about his superior, and Eugene responded: Beware of a secret enemy who imperceptibly invades a person, almost without being noticed, and troubles the soul and confuses the mind, namely, self-love. As a beloved member of … Continue reading →

Father Joseph Henri Lavigne had been at Notre Dame de L’Osier since his ordination six years earlier. He was an accomplished mission preacher in the area, but had problems with authority. He had written to Eugene to complain about his … Continue reading →