Category Archives: LETTERS

FINANCING MISSIONS

On a practical level, the zeal of the Missionaries also depended on the generosity of others. They offered their services to a village parish but expected no remuneration. To one of the pastors Eugene wrote:  The funds you have seem sufficient … Continue reading

Posted in LETTERS | Tagged , | Leave a comment

MISSIONARY ZEAL VERSUS REALITY

During the course of 1818 requests continued to come in from the parish priests of the surrounding villages for the Missionaries to conduct a parish mission in their parishes. Here are two replies of Eugene where he had no choice … Continue reading

Posted in LETTERS | Tagged | Leave a comment

25 JANUARY 1816: RECALLING THE FOUNDING STORY

The all-important first day of community life for the Missionaries was obviously a story often repeated in all its details. In his Memoires, Father Tempier, described it as: “This memorable day that I will never forget for as long as … Continue reading

Posted in LETTERS | Tagged | 3 Comments

COMMITMENT TO HOLISTIC PERSONAL GROWTH

The young man had to undergo a trial period (postulancy) that lasted a minimum of six months. During this period he was personally accompanied in his human and spiritual development by other young men who were specifically designated for this, … Continue reading

Posted in LETTERS | Tagged | 3 Comments

ENTRY PROCEDURES – APPLICANTS WHO WERE CAPABLE OF FORMING PART OF AN ELITE CORPS

The conditions of entry were demanding, each applicant was scrutinised to ensure that he was born of “honest and irreproachable parents,” and that he had the qualities necessary to profit by the good example he would receive in the Congregation, … Continue reading

Posted in LETTERS | Tagged | 3 Comments

200 YEARS AGO: CELEBRATING THE DIVINE MYSTERIES FOR THE FIRST TIME

Dear mother, be one with me on Christmas Eve, join in the holy mysteries in Aix while I celebrate them for you in Amiens, in the most fervent of communities [ed. the Sisters of the Sacred Heart]; let each of … Continue reading

Posted in LETTERS | Tagged , | 3 Comments

200 YEARS AGO: THERE IS ONLY LOVE IN MY HEART

The day after his ordination to the priesthood, Eugene continued his reflections to his spiritual director. My letter could not go off yesterday. O my dear Father, there is only love in my heart. I am writing at a time … Continue reading

Posted in LETTERS | Tagged , | 1 Comment

200 YEARS AGO: THE TRANSFORMING LIGHT OF ORDINATION

After his priestly ordination Eugene wrote to Father Duclaux, his spiritual director, to share with him his feelings and reactions to what had just taken place. The tone that runs through the letter is one of awe at God’s immense … Continue reading

Posted in LETTERS | Tagged , | Leave a comment

200 YEARS TODAY: I ANNOUNCE SUCH A HUGE MIRACLE

Writing from Amiens during his retreat Eugene announces to his mother: I bid you now an affectionate farewell, dear mother, and hold you tenderly to my heart which is all yours after God. You know the ordination takes place on the … Continue reading

Posted in LETTERS | Tagged | Leave a comment

AN ATTITUDE OF AWARENESS

When a member of the Youth Congregation fell into material need, it was not a haphazard help that he received. The Congregation had a systematic and just way of handling the problem. In the case of the young man himself … Continue reading

Posted in LETTERS | Tagged , , | 1 Comment