Category Archives: WRITINGS

THE TRANSFORMATION THAT OUR OUTLOOK UNDERGOES WHEN IT IS IN CONTACT WITH THE MYSTERY OF THE CROSS

Reflecting on this pivotal constitution of our Mazenodian spirituality, former Oblate Superior General, Fernand Jetté wrote that it : “expresses the purification and transformation that our outlook undergoes when it is in contact with the mystery of the cross: Through … Continue reading

Posted in WRITINGS | 1 Comment

TODAY LET US HELP  ONE ANOTHER TO SEE EVENTS THROUGH THE EYES OF THE CRUCIFIED AND RISEN SAVIOR

The cross of Jesus Christ is central to our mission. Like the apostle Paul, we “preach Christ and him crucified” (1 Cor 2: 2). If we bear in our body the death of Jesus, it is with the hope that … Continue reading

Posted in WRITINGS | 1 Comment

I WENT TO PLACE ALL UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN

While assisting those who were suffering so greatly from the cholera epidemic, Eugene and his uncle, Bishop Fortuné, arranged to focus the attention of the people of Marseilles on concentrated prayer. The population had a special devotion to the small … Continue reading

Posted in WRITINGS | 1 Comment

TODAY LET US HELP ONE ANOTHER TO FOCUS ON THE CROSS AND RESURRECTION

The cross of Jesus Christ is central to our mission. Like the apostle Paul, we “preach Christ and him crucified” (1 Cor 2: 2). If we bear in our body the death of Jesus, it is with the hope that … Continue reading

Posted in WRITINGS | 1 Comment

IN THE UNCERTAINTY AND PAIN OF THESE DAYS, SAINT EUGENE DE MAZENOD HELPS US TO FOCUS.

In the darkness and insecurity we are living through, we recall a 25 year-old in Aix en Provence whose life was insecure because he had no clear sense of direction. I looked for happiness outside of God and for too … Continue reading

Posted in WRITINGS | 1 Comment

WHEN WE CANNOT GO INTO A CHURCH BUILT OF STONES …

The current pandemic has not made it possible to attend Mass in our churches. I share this  text from Ciara Lubich which reminds us of the promise of Jesus: “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am … Continue reading

Posted in WRITINGS | 1 Comment

I FOCUSED ON THE IMMENSE GOODNESS OF GOD AND OUR LORD TOWARDS US

Reflecting on the children in the rural parishes to whom Bishop Eugene was administering the sacrament of confirmation, he exclaimed: However, how does it happen that, when I speak to them in the style in which I think we should … Continue reading

Posted in WRITINGS | 1 Comment

THEY DRYLY TEACH THEM THE LETTER OF THE CATECHISM… BUT DO NOT TRY TO BRING OUT GOD’S GOODNESS, THE INFINITE LOVE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

On a pastoral visit to some rural parishes for confirmation, Bishop Eugene commented on the knowledge of the children. A visit to Caillols where the parishes of Saint Julien, Camoins and Chateau-Gombert had come together… I was very pleased with … Continue reading

Posted in WRITINGS | 1 Comment

THERE YOU MUST BE EVERYTHING TO EVERYONE, AS WAS THE DIVINE MASTER WHOM WE SERVE AND THE HOLY APOSTLES IN WHOSE FOOTSTEPS WE FOLLOW

Eugene, as Superior General, gave Fr Hermitte a new missionary assignment to serve the spiritually needy. I am directing you to leave for N.D. du Laus so that you may give good service in this shrine to which so many … Continue reading

Posted in WRITINGS | 1 Comment

IF THEY UNDERSTOOD THE TRUE MEANING OF WHAT A BISHOP IS, THEY WOULD BE LESS ASTONISHED TO SEE HIM APPROACHING HIS SHEEP WHEN THEY ARE SUFFERING

Eugene records two of his pastoral visits to comfort those who were suffering. Coming back to the city, I went to visit Father Fissiaux who is sick with grief, seeing that the plague of cholera had taken seven little girls … Continue reading

Posted in WRITINGS | 1 Comment