Author Archives: franksantucci

“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” Francis of Assisi “Léon de Saboulin was born in Aix-en-Provence on September 14, 1801… He made his secondary studies at the college of Aix … Continue reading →

“God proved His love on the Cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, ‘I love you.” (Billy Graham) From the earliest days of the Missionary Oblates, Eugene started the beautiful custom of … Continue reading →

“God never said that the journey would be easy, but God did say that the arrival would be worthwhile” (Max Lucado) Eugene’s charge to the Oblate novice master refers to the spirit of oblation, not only for the vowed Oblates, … Continue reading →

“Mystery creates wonder and wonder is the basis of man’s desire to understand.”  Neil Armstrong Eugene de Mazenod’s advice to the Oblate Novice Master focused on what is essential in our formation process: imbibing the God-given spirit of the Family … Continue reading →

“The fear of death follows fromt he fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” Mark Twain Joseph Bernet had been Archbishop of Aix from 1836 to 1846. In 1846 he had been … Continue reading →

” Grief is the price we pay for love.” Queen Elizabeth II Continuing to reminisce about the death of Father Moreau in Corsica, Eugene expresses the warmth of his affection for him. He was a deacon in 1816, when the … Continue reading →

“What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.” Albert Pike In his Diary, Bishop Eugene grieves at the receipt of the shocking news of the … Continue reading →

“Mary was the first person to take the ‘way’ to enter the Kingdom of God that Christ opened, a way which is accessible to the humble, to all who trust in the ord of God and endeavor to put it … Continue reading →

” I must in a word consume myself for it, be ready to sacrifice my leisure, my desire, rest, life itself for it.” (Bishop Eugene de Mazenod) In July, the Archbishop of Aix en Provence had died and some rumors … Continue reading →

“And I will give you shepherds according to my heart, who shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” Jeremiah 3:15. Bishop Eugene had also instituted the practice of regular preached parish missions in the parishes of his diocese. He always … Continue reading →