Category Archives: LETTERS

THE APPROBATION OF THE OBLATES: OBLATES OF MARY – PROUD OF OUR DIGNITY AND OF THE RIGHTS THAT IT GIVES US

Responding to the euphoria of the Oblates at the approbation, Eugene reflects on our family name. May we understand well what we are! I hope that the Lord will give us this grace, with the assistance and by the protection … Continue reading

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THE APPROBATION OF THE OBLATES: CHANGED FOR EVER IN HOW WE EXPERIENCE LIFE AND THE WORLD

Rejoicing with the Oblates on the meaning of the approbation of our Congregation, Eugene points out that we have become “new persons”: For the rest, what I ask of God, is that he choose for us and send us the … Continue reading

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THE APPROBATION OF THE OBLATES: OUR HIGHEST APPRECIATION IS NOT TO SAY WORDS, BUT TO LIVE BY THEM

On February 18, Eugene had written to the Oblates to tell them the good news of the papal approbation of the Congregation. Today he received a letter from Tempier describing the joyful reaction of the Oblates to this. Eugene happily … Continue reading

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FRUSTRATION AT ROMAN BUREAUCRACY

The final step of the approbation process was to present the brief, a document to be signed by the Pope. Eugene hoped to get this done before Easter, but had fallen into the hands of a petty bureaucrat monsignor who … Continue reading

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MY STOMACH TURNS JUST BY APPROACHING THE DINING ROOM

More on the Lenten fare in Rome! We have seen in past how Eugene’s system just could not tolerate too much oily food. When Lent is finished, I will have a little more strength for I admit I have never … Continue reading

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DISCIPLINE IS THE BRIDGE BETWEEN GOALS AND ACCOMPLISHMENT

While in Rome, Eugene was still the principal Vicar General of Marseille. Tempier had informed him of some protests being made against a decision of the Bishop of Marseille by twelve priests. I reproduce this extract because it gives us … Continue reading

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IF ALL THE OBLATES WERE WHAT WE OUGHT TO BE

While Eugene wrote in superlatives about the ideals of the Oblates and what the Church approbation meant for us, he also had to face the reality that the Oblate Congregation was made up of imperfect human members and not angels! … Continue reading

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THE OBLATE CONGREGATION IS LIKE A MOTHER REQUIRING OUR AFFECTION

Now that the Oblate Congregation has been approved by the Church, it has equal status with all the other religious congregations and equal obligations. The Oblates of the Holy and Immaculate Virgin Mary are a body, a Society, otherwise called … Continue reading

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UNLESS WE ARE CLEAR ABOUT OUR OBLATE SPIRIT, WHAT FUTURE DO WE HAVE?

Reflecting on the unexpected way in which the Pope had shown a special interest in the Oblates, Eugene drew conclusions for all of us. These men of ours, do they at least know this? If they knew what all this … Continue reading

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IF THEY KNEW WHAT ALL THIS MEANS, THEY WOULD JUMP FOR JOY

As the collection and presentation of documentation for the Pope was reaching completion, Eugene once again expresses his awe at the way in which God has blessed the whole process. My letter will leave without my being able to say … Continue reading

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