Category Archives: LETTERS

I THANK THE GOOD GOD UNCEASINGLY FOR HAVING BROUGHT US TOGETHER

It was natural that Eugene would share his concerns, and the assurances that God had given him, with the Missionary who was the closest to him, Henri Tempier. What I wished in beginning this letter was to tell you, my … Continue reading

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LACK OF VITAL CHURCH LEADERSHIP HINDERS MISSIONARY EFFECTIVENSS

The Missionaries suffered opposition in the good work that they were doing because of a lack of clear and inspired leadership in the diocese. Eugene indicated how different things would have been had there been a charismatic leader to defend … Continue reading

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GOD’S PLANS THWARTED BY HUMAN WEAKNESS AND OPPOSITION

Reflecting on the grace he had received in prayer, Eugene approached the situation realistically. He saw two obstacles to the fulfillment of God’s plan for the Missionaries. The first was his own personal lack of virtue to be as effective … Continue reading

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WITH MORE VIRTUES I WOULD HAVE MORE WISDOM AND ABILITY TO OVERCOME ALL OBSTACLES

In prayer in front of the newly-blessed statue, Eugene had experienced a moment of profound consolation as he received a prophetic glimpse into the future of the Missionary Oblates. This young plant that was growing was indeed blessed by God … Continue reading

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A MILESTONE IN THE LIFE OF OUR FAMILY

Eugene’s letters of 1822 have shown the many concerns and difficulties he was experiencing. Not least among these was his worry about the survival and future of his small group of Missionaries. It was in this spirit that he blessed … Continue reading

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THE FERVOR WITH WHICH I WAS INSPIRED AT THE SIGHT OF THE STATUE OF THE HOLY VIRGIN

When Eugene told us always to regard Mary as our Mother, he was sharing his own deep conviction and personal experience with us. I had not felt for a long time as much joy in speaking of her grandeur and … Continue reading

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SHARING THE IMPORTANT MOMENTS OF LIFE

The blessing of this statue was the opportunity for Eugene to spend the day reflecting with the members of the Youth Congregation on the role of Mary in their lives. In the evening other members of the laity joined the … Continue reading

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RIVALRY BETWEEN CITIES

The heated feelings around the re-establishment of the Diocese of Marseille were also felt in Aix. A group of Aix priests, unhappy at the great popularity of the Mission church, were now accusing Eugene of being responsible for dividing the … Continue reading

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WE MUST LEAVE OURSELVES IN THE HANDS OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE AND PRAY GOD TO DIRECT EVENTS

1822 was the year when Marseille was on the map with the movement to restore the Diocese of Marseille, which the French Revolution had closed. There had been no bishop present for 21 years as this territory was administered by … Continue reading

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COMMUNITY AS THE ANTIDOTE TO OPPOSITION

As the work of the Missionaries in Provence became increasingly more widespread and successful, so did some of the opposition become stronger and louder. Added to this was the conflict brewing in Marseille over the re-opening of the diocese and … Continue reading

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