Category Archives: WRITINGS

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 →

Eugene’s words, initially addressed to his Oblate Family, apply today to his charism Mazenodian Family. You must inspire a great love for our divine Saviour Jesus Christ, which is manifested especially in the Sacrament of the Eucharist which we must … Continue reading →

 Eugene’s fatherly advice to the 27 year-old Master of Novices, Fr. Dorey: Even though you are as young as you are, you must, nevertheless, be a father to your novices, you must be close to them in their difficulties and … Continue reading →

Young Father Eugene Dorey had been appointed Master of Novices the day after his ordination to the priesthood. Eugene followed his progress closely and encouraged and guided him. There you are, installed in your lovely task! What more beautiful ministry … Continue reading →

The system in the communities at the time of the Founder was that the superior had a community member known as his admonitor who would help the superior by giving him advice and pointing out mistakes. In Eugene’s life, Fr … Continue reading →

The demanding Fr Dassy was superior of a community of young priests. The novice master, Eugene Dorey was 27 and the members of the missionary community were Francois Xavier Michelier who was 25, César Depetro who was 24. All three … Continue reading →

Eugene admired the talented Fr Toussaint Dassy but was also aware of his complex personality and sometimes unattainable expectations of others. He was the superior of the missionary community in Nancy which was also the novitiate. The novice master was … Continue reading →

At this moment the Oblates were in North America and Ceylon, both of which required a knowledge of the English language. One of the priests in Nancy was entrusted with teaching English to the novices. I will not close my … Continue reading →

As more and more invitations for the foreign missions were being offered, more Oblate missionaries were needed. Among Father Dassy’s preaching occupations was a retreat he had given to a group of young men in the hope of awakening a … Continue reading →

From the moment that the missionaries had embraced the Oblate charism, they were filled with zeal to evangelize. Fr Dassy certainly was no exception: It is true, my dear Father Dassy, that it is a long time since you have … Continue reading →