Category Archives: LETTERS

HABITS BECOME YOUR CHARACTER

With the establishment of a second community, at a considerable distance from Aix, Eugene’s major concern was to ensure that the same God-given spirit was maintained in both communities. For this reason he appointed Henri Tempier as superior. He knew … Continue reading

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AN INTIMATE SHARING BETWEEN FRIENDS

The year 1819 saw the continuation of normal activities for Eugene: directing the ministry of the Missionaries, preaching parish missions, accompanying the Youth Congregation and the activities of the house and church in Aix. Added to this was the new … Continue reading

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THE IDENTITY OF THE MAZENODIAN FAMILY: A SHINING EXAMPLE OF A LIFE THAT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF

If we wish to achieve the same results as the Apostles and the first followers of the Gospel, we must use the same means as they, and this all the more because we do not have the power to perform … Continue reading

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THE IDENTITY OF THE MAZENODIAN FAMILY: MISSIONARIES NOT COUCH POTATOES

If we wish to achieve the same results as the Apostles and the first followers of the Gospel, we must use the same means as they… Letter to M. Arbaud, Vicar General of Digne, January 1819, O.W. XIII n.22 The … Continue reading

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THE IDENTITY OF THE MAZENODIAN FAMILY: SEE HOW THESE CHRISTIANS LOVE ONE ANOTHER

Eugene’s description of the Missionary vocation to a prospective member continued: We live in community under a mild Rule which fixes our duties and gives a very great value to the least of our actions. The spirit of charity and … Continue reading

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THE IDENTITY OF THE MAZENODIAN FAMILY: HAVING THE SAME ATTITUDE AS JESUS

Continuing his presentation of the vocation of the Missionary, Eugene reflected on how to maintain the spirit of the apostolic model in everyday life: So he ought to do everything to arrive at this desirable holiness which is to produce … Continue reading

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THE IDENTITY OF THE MAZENODIAN FAMILY: THE ONLY BLUEPRINT

Our present reflection on the letter to the person who wished to join the Missionaries in 1819 is important. In it Eugene sums up the heart of the Missionary vocation after three years of lived experience and reflection. The fundamental … Continue reading

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THE IDENTITY OF THE MAZENODIAN FAMILY: AWARENESS OF IMPERFECTION AS A MEANS OF GROWTH

Eugene’s relationship with God was such a powerful source of life for him that he wanted to bring as many people as possible to share in his same vision and experience. In a letter to someone who was thinking about … Continue reading

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THE IDENTITY OF THE MAZENODIAN FAMILY: THE QUALITIES OF THE MISSIONARY NO MATTER WHERE HE IS

In sending the first Missionaries to Notre Dame du Laus, Eugene wanted to make sure that there be no confusion as to the identity of this group. It was important that the diocesan authorities of Digne understood clearly that they … Continue reading

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THE IDENTITY OF THE MAZENODIAN FAMILY: THE TECHNIQUES OF OUR SPIRIT

The major event of 1819 was the community of Missionaries establishing themselves at the shrine of Notre Dame du Laus in January. Until now the community had been based solely in Aix, and it had been easy to maintain the … Continue reading

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