Category Archives: WRITINGS

And I thank the Lord doubly because I am more than ever convinced that in what has come to pass, divine Providence not only has your good in mind but that of the Congregation which you are called to direct … Continue reading →

On the subject of being at the service of the Catholics of Bytown, we know it is quite repugnant to our Fathers to serve in a manner too similar to the parish ministry. They have been known to say on … Continue reading →

Eugene clarifies that even though Bruno Guigues was the diocesan bishop, he was living the Oblate charism and was to rely on this identity and spirituality to fulfil his new role. The diocese which has been confided to you and … Continue reading →

The father of the Oblate family recalled with emotion his 27 years of association with the newly-orained Bishop Bruno Guigues since his admission to the novitiate in 1821. Oh, how I would have pressed you to my heart, my dear … Continue reading →

Bruno Eugene Guigues was consecrated as the first bishop of Bytown (later Ottawa) in July 1848. It is upon descending from the altar, very dear son, brother and friend, where I have just offered the Holy Sacrifice in union with … Continue reading →

Continuing his fatherly letter to Fr. Henri Faraud, he asks for his news and establishes a tradition that he expected each Oblate in the foreign missions to follow faithfully: to write a letter to him every six months. Why then, … Continue reading →

My dear Fr. Faraud, there is a father beyond the great lake whom you must not forget; know that you are always present to him, whatever the distance which separates you from him, not only at the holy altar where … Continue reading →

The Oblates had been in Canada for 7 years and were zealous in responding to the challenges of preaching the Gospel to as many people as possible. This meant that they were not living a regular community lifestyle as they … Continue reading →

The foreign missions were a challenge for Eugene. The Oblates who went to Canada and Ceylon were very young and had not received sufficient years of human and missionary formation and needed guidance. Letters from Marseilles took months to reach … Continue reading →

Writing to Fr Augustin Gaudet in Canada, who was 26 and had been ordained a couple of days before setting out for his mission, Eugene exclaimed: I am so glad to see that you are happy. I conclude from this … Continue reading →