Category Archives: LETTERS

GOD KNOWS WITH WHAT CONSOLATION I BAPTIZED THIS CHILD, SO JUDGE WHAT MUST HAVE BEEN MY SORROW TO BURY HER

Writing to Henri Tempier about, his niece, Caroline de Boisgelin’s death and funeral, Eugene confides his feelings: … God knows with what consolation I baptized this child, so judge what must have been my sorrow to bury her. However, that … Continue reading

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WE GIVE THANKS TO GOD FOR HAVING CHOSEN FROM OUR FAMILY A PRIVILEGED SOUL

Our angel flew off to heaven, last night at three o’clock. Letter to Marius Suzanne, 26 June 1825, EO VI n188 Writing to his mother about, his niece, Caroline de Boisgelin’s illness and death, Eugene said: She always spoke of … Continue reading

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IT IS DISTRESSING AND BEYOND MY STRENGTH TO SEE HER SLOWLY DYING

Writing to Marius Suzanne, Eugene described his personal suffering as he accompanied his 12 year-old niece towards her death. Oh! I would wish you to be beside me in the sadness in which I find myself! It grows every day … Continue reading

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WATCHING AND PRAYING AS HOPE DIMINISHES

The day before leaving for Rheims was Pentecost Sunday, and Eugene wrote to his mother: The holy day of Pentecost was too appropriate a day not to take the opportunity to give the Holy Spirit to Caroline. My uncle celebrated … Continue reading

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I HAVE ALWAYS REGARDED MY SISTER’S CHILDREN AS IF THEY WERE MY OWN CHILDREN

The visit of Eugene and Fortuné to Paris and Rheims for the coronation of the king was prolonged for family reasons. The twelve-year old Caroline de Boisgelin, second daughter of Eugene’s sister Ninette, was at boarding school in Paris and … Continue reading

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NO LONGER THE HOUSE OF GOD BUT THE SUMPTUOUS TEMPLE OF VANITY

Writing from Rheims to Tempier, his trusted confidant, Eugene continues to reflect on the pompous behavior of the dignitaries attending the consecration of the king. It is a good thing for you, my dear Tempier, that I write you only … Continue reading

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I PROTEST BY MY CONDUCT AGAINST ALL THIS LYING, ILLUSION AND DEPLORABLE DECEPTION

On May 9 1825, Eugene accompanied his uncle Fortuné to Paris and then to Rheims to attend the consecration of the new king, Charles X. The historian, Rey, commented that “All the dignitaries of the kingdom, the archbishops and one … Continue reading

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TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER

Eugene’s concern for the Oblates was not confined to their ministry, but he was especially interested in the quality of their lives, of their “being in order to do.” Writing to the new community in Nimes he gives them advice … Continue reading

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COMMUNITIES COOPERATE WITH ONE ANOTHER TO ENSURE THE SUCCESS OF THE MISSION OF THE WHOLE CONGREGATION

The new community in Nimes had committed itself to conducting a retreat for prisoners. As it was a delicate undertaking, Eugene expresses doubts about the ability of the actual community to conduct it well because they did not have sufficient … Continue reading

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GUIDING THE OBLATES THROUGH THE LOCAL SUPERIORS

As the centers of mission increased and developed, Eugene took particular care to communicate regularly with the superiors so as to ensure that everything was done in uniformity with the spirit of the Congregation, and for the good of its … Continue reading

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