Category Archives: LETTERS

COMMUNITY: GIVE BACK AS MUCH AS YOU CAN IN RETURN

Continuing our reflection on Eugene’s attempts to bring the young Nicolas Riccardi to his senses, we see how he tried to inspire him to see the importance of a mutally-supportive community in his life. You rap out one after the … Continue reading

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ENCOURAGE EVERYONE IN THEIR STRUGGLE TO LIVE UP TO THEIR IDEALS

In the case of the doubts around the suitability of Riccardi for Oblate life, Eugene had given him the benefit of the doubt. But, as superior of the Oblates, Eugene had taken a risk – convinced that the benefits of … Continue reading

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COMMUNITY SUPPORT IN THE SEARCH FOR HAPPINESS

The 23 year-old Nicolas Riccardi, a deacon, had entered the Oblate novitiate seven months before, and was already showing signs of being problematic. While Eugene was in Rome, Riccardi had walked out of the community. Eugene saw good in him, … Continue reading

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NOTHING HAPPENS EXCEPT WHAT GOD PERMITS

While Eugene rejoiced in the example and achievements of the majority of his Oblate brothers, there were also those who were not constant and did not enter fully into the spirit of their vocation. While Eugene had been literally moving … Continue reading

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BUILDING RELATIONS TO CREATE A SOURCE OF GROWTH

Beginning in 1812, I had introduced to this seminary… the zealous association which I had known in the seminary in Paris. Diary of 20 August 1838, E.O. XIX  Pielorz’s research into Eugene’s activities in the Association at the seminary concludes: … Continue reading

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A MODEL OF BEING YEAST OF TRANSFORMATION IN THE DOUGH OF THE WORLD

Beginning in 1812, I had introduced to this seminary… the zealous association which I had known in the seminary in Paris. Diary of 20 August 1838, E.O. XIX Pielorz describes this Association in Saint Sulpice, quoting from its rules: This … Continue reading

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COMMUNITY: WE WILL KEEP ALIVE THE MEMORY OF OUR DECEASED

After the death of Father Marcou, Eugene contacted all the Oblates to remind them of their community obligation to pray for the peaceful repose of their deceased brother. I will give you some day more circumstantial details. You know that … Continue reading

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I WEEP FOR A BROTHER SO PRECIOUS TO OUR SOCIETY

I weep for a brother so precious to our Society, to which he was so attached, but I do reproach myself for my tears in a way, as if I dared regret his happiness. He will be our protector beside … Continue reading

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THE INSPIRING DEPARTURE OF A PURE SOUL WHO IS GOING TO BE UNITED TO HIS GOD FOR ALL ETERNITY

Eugene writes to Fr Honorat, at Notre Dame du Laus, to announce the death of the 26 year-old Oblate, Jacques Marcou. The good God has just taken from us, my very dear Father, one of our most saintly missionaries. Yesterday … Continue reading

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WE LIVE AND DIE IN THE CONGREGATION THAT HAS ACCEPTED OUR COMMITMENT

Bishop Arbaud of Gap was not happy about men from his diocese joining the Oblates and believed that he still had the power to dispense them from their vows if they had become Oblates and he wanted them back in … Continue reading

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