Category Archives: WRITINGS

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED – THE SOLID FOUNDATION OF THE MISSIONARY ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE OBLATE FAMILY

After nearly four months of hectic activity, Eugene could announce that the text of the brief of approval was ready to be signed by the Pope! Mission accomplished! APOSTOLIC LETTER OF APPROBATION GIVEN TO THE INSTITUTE, RULES AND CONSTITUTIONS OF … Continue reading

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ALL ABANDONED SOULS, WHEREVER THEY MIGHT BE, WILL ALWAYS BE THE OBJECT OF OUR ZEAL

The Vatican authorities were under the impression that Eugene was asking approbation only for France. They had not understood that Eugene’s missionary heart was as big the world. At first, they thought that we were only asking for France, and … Continue reading

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THE MORE I THINK ABOUT OUR CASE, THE MORE I RECOGNIZE THE HAND OF GOD IN IT

During the weeks leading up to the papal approbation, Eugene had prayed constantly and fervently for God’s will to be accomplished through the various people involved. Now, looking back, he affirms with gratitude that God was present throughout: The more … Continue reading

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IT IS A SIGN OF PREDESTINATION TO BEAR THE NAME OF OBLATES OF MARY, THAT IS, CONSECRATED TO GOD UNDER THE PATRONAGES OF MARY

Apart from the grace of the recognition of the Oblates and the Rule, the approbation event also confirmed us in our new name. Eugene had arrived in Rome to ask for the approbation of the “Oblates of St Charles” (see: … Continue reading

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YOU ARE QUITE RIGHT TO SAY THAT IT SEEMED TO ALL OF YOU THAT YOU HAVE BECOME NEW MEN

For weeks after the approbation, Eugene continued to express his awe at how God had controlled the events to act in our favor. Oh yes, we must admit it, we have received a great blessing! The more I consider it … Continue reading

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INSTEAD OF OTHER PENANCES, I OFFER THIS TO THE GOOD GOD.

While waiting for the Papal Brief to be signed and handed over, Eugene confided to Henri Tempier his difficulties with the Lenten diet in the house where he was staying. The text is a reminder to us that all saints … Continue reading

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IS IT POSSIBLE THAT ICE-CREAM CAN BE CONSIDERED A LIQUID WHICH DOES NOT BREAK THE FAST

Frustrated with the long wait for the Brief to be approved – which was the last thing holding him back in Rome he wrote in his personal diary:  The usual outings, as useless as yesterday, with the exception that I … Continue reading

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WHO GAVE ME THE ABILITY TO INSPIRE SUCH STRONG, REAL, AND CONSTANT INTEREST IN THE POPE?

Awestruck by the events, Eugene constantly returned to the almost-miraculous way in which everything had happened. Each time he thought about it, he was moved to praise God. Here, one sometimes waits six months for a “yes” or a “no,” … Continue reading

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IF WE REALLY UNDERSTOOD WHAT THE APPROBATION MEANT, WE WOULD JUMP FOR JOY

The Pope had given his verbal approbation on 17th February, but the official written confirmation, called the brief of approbation, had to be composed, approved by some of the officials, and finally signed by the Pope. Eugene was the main … Continue reading

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WHEN WILL I END BEING A SCRIBE? WHEN WILL MY TRIPS EVER END?

The verbal approval had been granted on 17 February, but the matter did not end there as Eugene had to go through a lot of bureaucratic procedures before concluding everything. Firstly, he had to make a hand-written copy of the … Continue reading

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