Category Archives: WRITINGS

WHAT HE WOULD HAVE DONE FOR ME IF I HAD SO WISHED

During his 1817 visit to Paris, Eugene himself was also offered the post of Vicar General of Chartres by Bishop Latil, which would certainly have led to the episcopacy. I was well aware of this and this is what I … Continue reading

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I TRAMPLE HONOURS UNDER FOOT; YOU ARE MY ALL, REPLACING ALL ELSE

Continuing to vent his annoyance at being accused of seeking personal honors and dignities, Eugene expressed his reactions in his personal journal. Referring to his visit to Paris in 1817 he wrote about the possibility of restarting his friendship with … Continue reading

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IN REGARD TO WEALTH, I DID NOT HAVE ANY NEED OF IT, IN REGARD TO GLORY, I DID NOT WANT IT.

A couple of days before his priestly ordination in 1811, Eugene had written: You, you alone will be the sole object to which will tend all my affections and my every action. To please you, act for your glory, will … Continue reading

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ACCUSED OF BEING AMBITIOUS BECAUSE CERTAIN DIGNITIES FELL UPON ME WITHOUT MY SEEKING THEM

As Bishop of Marseilles, Eugene became aware of some criticism to the effect that he was ambitious and looking for honors. In his private journal, which he never intended others to see, he reflects on moments when he was offered … Continue reading

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PRAYER WORKS

Worried about the effects of typhus on his Oblate family in Canada, Eugene notes in his diary: September 2: Letter from Fr. Guigues, from Fr. Telmon, from Fr. Aubert and from Fr. Bermond. Fr. Molloy is feeling better. Upon the … Continue reading

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IT WAS PRAYER WHICH SNATCHED ME FROM DEATH

Eugene was no stranger to epidemics of typhus and cholera. Knowing their destructive effects, he was concerned for the Oblates in Canada who were living through a typhus outbreak I was waiting, my dear son, with an impatience stemming from … Continue reading

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THE MAZENODIAN FAMILY IS CHARISM-CENTERED NOT PARISH-CENTERED

I must not keep to myself my intention that our missionaries be not reduced to the status of parish clergy. I would wish to found in England a real community of our Oblates, living according to their Rule within their … Continue reading

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WE FULFILL OURSELVES TO THE EXTENT WE HAVE THE COURAGE TO GIVE OF OURSELVES

In 1822, Eugene had written to Fr. Henri Tempier: “First companion of mine, you have from the first day we came together grasped the spirit which must animate us and which we must communicate to others… everyone knows this in … Continue reading

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UNPREPARED PREACHING COMPROMISES THE LORD’S WORK

You tell me good things about Father Rey. I am glad to hear that, but do not lose sight of the fact that he must be helped through particular care and supervision. Insist that he devote himself to the composition … Continue reading

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HIS WILL IS TOO CLEARLY MANIFEST FOR US NOT TO BE OBLIGED TO GO FORWARD WITH BLIND CONFIDENCE.

The Oblates were on the crest of a wave of missionary zeal and expansion. They were also receiving recruits at the novitiate. His will is too clearly manifest for us not to be obliged to go forward with blind confidence. … Continue reading

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