Category Archives: LETTERS

THE POPE SHOWERED ME WITH INDESCRIBABLE KINDNESS

In his private journal, Eugene continued to jot down his impressions of the morning, as he recalled them. He cannot resist noting his amusement at the Dominican priest in the audience room whose discomfort in waiting was clear as his … Continue reading

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WHOM MY FAITH SHOWED IMMEDIATELY AS THE VICAR OF JESUS CHRIST

Finally Eugene was received by Pope Leo XII, and he described the meeting to Henri Tempier – and through him to all the Oblates in France, who were anxiously awaiting news of this meeting that would affect each one. You … Continue reading

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VATICAN BUREAUCRACY

So one fine morning I made my decision. It was the 20th, vigil of Saint Thomas, and having obtained the loan of the carriage of Mgr. the Dean, I arrived in full dress at the Vatican. The first person I … Continue reading

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I HAVE ARMED MYSELF WITH ALL NATURAL AND SUPERNATURAL AIDS

The time was approaching for Eugene to meet with the Pope and to ask for his formal approbation of the Oblates. He was worried because there was a “general policy in place in which the Pope was not giving approbation … Continue reading

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I LOOKED AT THE POPE WITH EYES OF A LIVELY FAITH

Eugene went to St Peter’s basilica to attend the beatification ceremony of a Capuchin – expressing his admiration for a fellow mission preacher. At the end of the ceremony he saw Pope Leo XII for the first time. I must … Continue reading

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THE PEOPLE OF PROVENCE CANNOT SWALLOW THE DETESTABLE OIL THEY EAT IN ROME

A touch of Provencal gastronomic superiority – and a touch of virtue! It is a pleasure! Here at least, my dear Tempier, the days of fasting are days of penance, especially for Provençals who cannot, whatever effort they make, swallow … Continue reading

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PRAY AS THOUGH EVERYTHING DEPENDED ON GOD – WORK AS THOUGH EVERYTHING DEPENDED ON YOU.

Writing to Henri Tempier, from Rome: The Cardinal Secretary of State having said he would receive me at nine o’clock, I was at the stroke of this hour in his salon where he did not delay in receiving me with … Continue reading

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BUILDING A SUPPORT BASE IN THE FACE OF OBSTACLES

The prevalent feeling in Rome was that the Pope was not formally approving any new religious congregations. Instead he would give a blessing to the work and encourage them to continue – only by “graces and indulgences”. Eugene needed the … Continue reading

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ALTHOUGH ABSORBED IN GOD WE WILL LOVE OUR FRIENDS MORE THAN EVER

Having taken a long digression to explore what was behind Eugene’s choice of the name of Oblate s of Mary Immaculate, it is time to return to the narration of the events as they unfolded in Rome. Eugene had left … Continue reading

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WE WERE INCONSIDERATE IN REGARD TO OUR MOTHER

Oblates of the Immaculate Mary. But this is a passport to heaven! How have we not thought of it sooner? The entries of the past days have taken a look back at the place of Mary in the life of … Continue reading

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