Category Archives: LETTERS

I NEEDED TO POUR MY HEART OUT TO OUR MUTUAL FRIEND

When faced with difficult situations, Eugene turned immediately to Jesus in prayer. He speaks of this gesture in terms of instinctively turning to a friend. I admit, my dear good Guibert, your letter had deeply affected me. This was to … Continue reading

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WHAT ABOUT YOU, DO YOU WANT TO GO AWAY TOO?

So convinced was Eugene that the vocation of the Oblate and the living of the Rule were sure means of gaining eternal life, that he could not understand how anyone would ever even consider wanting to leave this way of … Continue reading

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PRACTICE EXACTLY WHAT OUR VOCATION PRESCRIBES FOR US

It was in the context of the first death among the Missionaries that André Sumien had written to Eugene, who responded: You speak to me, my dear friend, of all the crosses and persecutions that I have experienced since the … Continue reading

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THE NEED FOR REST IN SPITE OF MISSIONARY ENTHUSIASM

Having scolded the young Marius Suzanne for not taking sufficient care of his health, Eugene had asked him to rest a bit longer in Aix. There, however, the young priest could not contain his missionary enthusiasm, and gave himself to … Continue reading

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GOD DOES NOT WANT THE DREGS OF OUR EXHAUSTION

Eugene’s concern for his Oblates was holistic – it included every aspect of their lives. He wanted then to be all for God, great saints, dedicated community members and zealous missionaries prepared to give their lives for their ideals. In … Continue reading

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ENSURING CREATIVE FIDELITY IN THE LIFE OF THE COMMUNITIES

While in Marseille, Tempier was entrusted by Eugene with the task of doing a “visitation” of the community of Missionaries at the Calvaire. The term “canonical visitation” in religious life refers to an official visit and review of the life … Continue reading

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THE DIOCESE OF MARSEILLE – A BREAKTHROUGH TO ASSURE THE FUTURE OF THE OBLATES

Eugene and his uncle were forced to stay on Paris for several months to prepare for Fortune’s episcopal ordination and all the work with the Government and Church for the reestablishment of the Diocese of Marseille, which had not existed … Continue reading

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THE FIRST OBLATE TO DIE

Jourdan never recovered from the mental anguish he suffered from and died on 20 April 1823, a few months after his oblation. He was thus the first Oblate to die in the Society. Father Courtès, who was his superior at … Continue reading

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AN UNFAILING SOURCE OF SUPPORT

Eugene concludes his letter to Jourdan by urging him to pray each day and especially to take the Eucharist as his source of support. Beware of staying a single day away from the holy altar; it is there you must … Continue reading

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YOU SADDEN GOD’S PATERNAL HEART ONLY BY LACKING CONFIDENCE IN HIS GOODNESS

The 23 year-old Jacques Antoine Jourdan had been ordained a priest in 1822 and immediately joined the Missionaries by entering the novitiate at Notre Dame du Laus. In February 1823 he made his oblation in Aix and joined the missionary … Continue reading

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