Category Archives: LETTERS

A LONELY MISSIONARY NEEDS FRATERNAL SUPPORT

The 31 year-old Henri Tempier, who had lived 3 years of intense community life in Aix, now found himself at ND du Laus with one Oblate student and one postulant. Zealous missionary that he was and obedient religious, he still … Continue reading

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ONE MUST NEVER WANT TO DO MORE THAN GOD PERMITS

From the beginning of the existence of the Missionaries, Eugene had insisted on the necessity of leading a balanced lifestyle. In his letter inviting Henri Tempier to join them he had written: One part of the year will be devoted … Continue reading

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THE GOD WHO DELIGHTS AND PLAYS

Continuing his reflection on creation as a place for experiencing the presence of God, Eugene quotes Proverbs 8:31 about God “at play everywhere on his earth, delighting to be with the children of men.”  And the Christian, going deeper, emerges … Continue reading

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NATURE TEACHES

Is there anything, in fact, more joyful than the countryside, or much richer than nature, especially when the soul, that is as religious as it is sensitive, discovers, in every leaf and on the wing of each atom, the great … Continue reading

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AT THE SERVICE OF BOREDOM PERSONIFIED

A few years’ earlier Eugene had written about serving God in situations in which he felt no attraction at all: If tired out body and soul, I want to seek some rest in a good book or in prayer, etc., … Continue reading

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THE SERVICE OF LAY MISSION COLLABORATORS

The work of the missions could not proceed without the generous spiritual and material help of lay collaborators. We see this in the letter of Eugene to one of his biggest supporters: Madame, I must begin by making excuses for … Continue reading

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WHAT DOES LOVE LOOK LIKE?

One of the reasons for the success of the ministry of the Missionaries was their quality of being close to people. They were missionaries because they cared for the welfare of others. Their main concern was for the salvation of … Continue reading

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THE PRACTICE OF PEACE AND RECONCILIATION

Describing the mission at Eyguières, Eugene gives the reason for their being tired: Our work is endlessly demanding and without the least respite… So we have to go beyond our strength, we are in the confessional until a quarter to … Continue reading

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A SPIRIT OF SIMPLICITY AND JOYFULNESS

In February – March 1819 Eugene was one of the five Missionaries doing the parish mission at Eyguières. In this letter to the rest of the community in Aix we catch him in a moment of relaxation where he banters … Continue reading

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SLOW, SLOW PRAYING

Initially the community of Laus was made up of three persons: Henri Tempier, Bourrelier (a scholastic brother) and a prospective member (postulant). As the ministry of the shrine was re-established and grew, so were other Missionaries to join the community. … Continue reading

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