Category Archives: LETTERS

IF, IN THE PLACE OF THIS SHOW, THEY HAD EVANGELIZED THE POOR ABANDONED SOULS

With his Roman visit over and the Oblate Congregation formally approved, Eugene now settled back into his regular occupations in Marseille – as Vicar General of the diocese and as Superior General of the Oblates. Unfortunately for us, we do … Continue reading

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CONCLUDING THE JOURNEY

Earlier, Eugene had announced his travel plans on completing his business with M. Favre in Chambery. My plan is to return via Grenoble, and to arrive at Gap where I will see the Bishop and will visit afterwards our house … Continue reading

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WHEN WE HAVE EMPLOYED ALL THE HUMAN MEANS IN OUR POWER, WE OUGHT TO REMAIN AT PEACE AND BE WORRIED ABOUT NOTHING

As we have seen above, Eugene was critical of some of the methods of M. Favre’s missionary group, but he remained open to cooperating with the will of God when necessary. I wished to share these observations with you before … Continue reading

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SEARCHING FOR THE WILL OF GOD WITH A PRACTICAL EYE

Examining the possibility of joining Fr. Favre’s missionary group with the Oblates, Eugene, the experienced missionary preacher, was critical of the approach to some practical methods of this group. The Oblates concentrated on preaching the love and invitation of the … Continue reading

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BEING OPEN TO DISCOVERING THE WILL OF GOD IN PRACTICAL TERMS

A second group which showed interest in joining the Oblates was a small missionary group around a Father Favre. Eugene delayed his return to Aix and Marseille so as to meet with him. A man who is remarkable for his … Continue reading

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SPIRITUAL GROWTH NEEDS TIME AND MISSIONARY PATIENCE

Eugene’s return to France had been lengthened by negotiations for a possible amalgamation with two groups of religious who were doing the same missionary work as the Oblates. The first group was that of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, … Continue reading

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I NEED TO BE SMUGGLED IN AMONG GOOD VIRTUOUS PEOPLE LIKE YOU

Exulting in the goodness and virtue of his Oblate sons, Eugene realizes his own lack of virtue in comparison with theirs. What virtue do you wish that I perceive in myself? Alas! I have no illusions! … since this tree only … Continue reading

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WHEN AMONG THE OBLATES I WILL BE AT THE CORE OF ALL MY AFFECTIONS

Travelling towards France after his extended stay in Rome, Eugene expresses his impatience to be in the midst of his Oblates, who are at the heart of all his affection. I pine, believe me, because of the need I feel … Continue reading

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THE CONSOLATION OF DYING IN THE ARMS OF THEIR BROTHERS IS CERTAINLY SOMETHING FOR A GOOD RELIGIOUS WHO KNOWS THE VALUE OF SUPERNATURAL AIDS

While looking forward to Victor Arnoux’s ordination, Eugene received the news that this young man had become seriously ill. I will speak first of what concerns me most, this being the state of our holy Bro. Arnoux. I cannot console … Continue reading

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PERHAPS IT IS NECESSARY IN HEAVEN THAT THERE BE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LAMB REPRESENTATIVES OF ALL THE FAMILIES WHO COMBAT ON EARTH FOR THE GLORY OF HIS NAME

Two young Oblates, from Gap, were preparing for their priestly ordinations on 30 July 1826: Joseph Alphonse Martin and Victor Arnoux. The latter was young and needed a dispensation from the Bishop in order to be ordained. I hope that … Continue reading

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