Category Archives: WRITINGS

The arrival and work of the Oblates was not met with joy by some of the Canadian clergy. It had been the same in France when Eugene had founded the Oblates. Writing to Bishop Bourget of Montreal, Eugene quoted some … Continue reading →

In February 1849, Pope Pius IX had consulted all the bishops of the world asking their opinion on possibly proclaiming the dogma of the Immaculate Conception What do you have to say about the beautiful decision to be taken concerning … Continue reading →

Oh no! my dear friend, you could not make your letters long enough nor enter into too many details on the subject of your painfully difficult mission. You cannot imagine the anxiety which I feel about you all. Not to … Continue reading →

Give me plenty of details about your missions, the places and the persons. I do not know your situation at Saint Boniface. Take time to trace the history of this mission in the moments that you are free. Letter to … Continue reading →

The Founder longed to receive letters from the Oblates around the world narrating their missionary experiences. Yet what a lot of things you could tell me about the neighbourhood of St. Pierre and the ministry which you exercise amongst these … Continue reading →

The Oblates in Canada lived far away from the Founder, in Marseilles. The Canadian Oblate superior was Bishop Guigues who was very occupied in the process of establishing a new diocese. The missionaries were scattered in many distant places with … Continue reading →

Father Leonard Bavette, had conducted a successful visit in France to promote Oblate vocations (see: https://www.eugenedemazenod.net/?p=5497 and related entries) and Eugene knew him well. In his return to Canada he had been appointed to establish the first Oblate community in … Continue reading →

It is quite a long time since anyone in Canada has sent me an account of the personnel. It has reached the point where I could forget their names were the memory of each of my children not engraved in … Continue reading →

Father Viala’s health could not withstand the difficult relationship he had with the Bishop of Algiers and he was recalled to France. In November two more Oblates were sent to Algeria. Despite the difficulties, the evangelization of the Arabs always … Continue reading →

The Bishop of Algiers, who gave the Oblates no encouragement, had accompanied Fr. Jean Baptiste Bellanger to one of the places of mission. I am delighted that you accompanied Bishop Pavy to Philippeville; by seeing you at close quarters he … Continue reading →