Author Archives: franksantucci

Father Magnan had been sent to participate in a mission and was expecting the more experienced Father Courtès to be with him. When the latter fell ill and could not come, the young Oblate panicked. My dear Father Magnan, this … Continue reading →

Apostolic community was always a non-negotiable condition of Oblate life for Eugene. When he sent the first Missionaries to Canada it was with the intention of their living in a community from which they would do their missions. Once there, … Continue reading →

The Oblates had made an impact in Eastern Canada in the three years since their arrival and multiple requests were coming for missionaries in various places. In his haste to respond to these invitations, Eugene was pressed to send new … Continue reading →

In the preaching of parish missions, Eugene had always insisted on the paramount importance of the witness of the lifestyle of the missionaries as the primary means of conversion of the people. A program of regular prayer is the only … Continue reading →

Young Fabre, the best subject of the seminary, has been received as a novice. Eugene de Mazenod’s Diary, 17 February 1844, EO XXI This simple sentence in Eugene’s journal introduces us to the 20 year-old Joseph Fabre, who had been … Continue reading →

Come and join us for these four short sessions on St Eugene. They aim to help us to dare to come closer to God through Saint Eugene accompanying us. Four short videos and some reflection questions. They are specially prepared … Continue reading →

Reflecting on the powerful effects of the parish mission that had just concluded, Bishop Eugene marveled at the conversion of the men who usually never came near a church, and were often militantly against it.. What power has been able … Continue reading →

Bishop Eugene continues to describe the awe-filled experience of the power of God at work to convert people at the conclusion of the parish mission. Yes, a thousand men made the vaults of this church resound with hymns most touching … Continue reading →

The closure of the parish missions in Marseilles was one of the greatest consolations for Bishop Eugene as this journal entry testifies. It’s not for nothing that I did not want to permit a physician to be called; the doctor … Continue reading →

The main evangelizing activity of the Oblates in their early years of existence was the preaching of parish missions. It is not surprising then to see how important these were for Bishop de Mazenod in his diocese. It was a … Continue reading →