Category Archives: WRITINGS

On November 20 the five Oblates, destined for Texas, reached New Orleans, where they remained for a few days. All the correspondence between the Oblates in Texas and Eugene have been lost, so we are lacking in details. A priest, … Continue reading →

Eugene’s diary was a personal document in which he noted some of the happenings of the day and often expressed his sentiments in a way that he could not in public. On this day he had received two letters, each … Continue reading →

I couldn’t resist sharing this snippet from Eugene’s letter to the novice master in England. Keep firm control lest the abuse of tobacco be introduced into your novitiate. Be quite sure that it is only a mania. The human species … Continue reading →

An insight into the daily life of Bishop de Mazenod, Bishop of the second-largest diocese in France, Superior General of a missionary Congregation in four continents. He writes to Fr Casimir Aubert, who had been his secretary for Oblate affairs … Continue reading →

We are busy preparing for the departure of Fr. d’Herbomez, Bro. Surel and Bro. Gaspard for Oregon. What a mission that is! You would not believe what our dear Fathers suffer there, as cheerfully as anybody in the world. The … Continue reading →

Fr. Jolivet was ordained priest on the Sunday preceding Ascension and said his first mass on Ascension Day, the delay no doubt being on account of not knowing how to say it well. He will set out shortly for England … Continue reading →

Not everyone who came to join the Oblates had a missionary zeal to go to the foreign missions. Eugene quotes one: Here is a masterpiece from Palle, quite a model of holy indifference! “Oh, my Father, let me tell you … Continue reading →

Eugene was careful in the choice of Oblates that he judged capable of being good missionaries in the trying conditions of evangelization in North America, Africa and Asia. Some of the men struggled initially but eventually settled down as good … Continue reading →

Having sent his Oblate missionaries so far away, Eugene longed to hear from them and their missionary successes among the most abandoned. You do not give me enough details on your way of life, where you live, and your ministry. … Continue reading →

In sending more missionaries to Ceylon, Eugene wrote to the superior of that mission. I have no doubt that you will be very happy with the Fathers whom I am sending you… As for Fr. Mouchel, I do not think … Continue reading →