Category Archives: WRITINGS

Eugene concluded the correspondence on the contentious issue of the appointment of Fr. Guigues to establish a diocese in Bytown with fatherly words of encouragement. He begins by recalling how he had known him since his childhood: [The Church and … Continue reading →

The proposed appointment of Fr Bruno Guigues to the episcopacy caused agitation among some of the Canadian Oblates who appreciated his gifts and administrative abilities and did not want to lose his active presence in his role as the Oblate … Continue reading →

After chiding Fr Allard for exaggerating in his critical expressions, Eugene gives him fatherly advice. What then must be done? Let us believe we were mistaken and put all our efforts into deriving all possible benefit from the position in … Continue reading →

Father Allard, in Canada, had been very critical of the possible appointment of Fr Guigues to Bytown and had expressed his opposition very strongly. Eugene could not let this pass without comment and advice. It is quite a long time, … Continue reading →

It was Eugene’s confidence in Divine Providence that made him survive the disapproval of the Canadian Oblates at the nomination of Fr Guigues to the new episcopal see of Bytown. He described each letter that he received from them as … Continue reading →

Eugene’s closeness to God was such that he placed his major administrative decisions into God’s guiding hands. This is clearly shown when he writes to Fr Guigues about his episcopal appointment to Bytown: I have placed the matter in God’s … Continue reading →

A month later, after intense prayer and consultations, Eugene came to a peaceful conclusion to stop worrying about the nomination of Fr Guigues to be the first bishop of Bytown, and to leave it all in God’s hands. Writing to … Continue reading →

In his concern for the welfare of his Oblates in North America and their fear of losing the highly effective leadership of Bruno Guigues, Eugene pleads with the Bishop of Montreal to reconsider the situation of requesting the Pope to … Continue reading →

A few weeks later, a troubled Eugene wrote to Bishop Bourget of Montreal, revoking his permission to proceed with the application to the Vatican for Fr Guigues to be appointed bishop. It was the result of a letter from the … Continue reading →

The news of the possible appointment of Bruno Guigues as the first Bishop of Bytown (today the city of Ottawa) caused a quandary for Eugene. At first this news plunged me into great perplexity. If I saw on the one … Continue reading →