Category Archives: LETTERS

NOTHING ON EARTH IS WORTH BEING PREVENTED FROM BEING WITH SUCH GOOD BROTHERS AS YOURSELVES

Eugene’s time in Paris turned out to be longer than he had expected. The government was not giving the Missionaries the desired approbation, so he was forced to pursue other means of ensuring the survival of the group. His absence … Continue reading

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LET US OFTEN UNITE WITH ONE ANOTHER IN OUR LOVEABLE MASTER

Having read about the importance for Eugene of his practice of oraison yesterday, today I go back to a text on the same topic, written while he was a seminarian. It was Eugene’s first Christmas away from home since he … Continue reading

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I AM WITH YOU BEFORE THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

Almost every evening I am with you before the Blessed Sacrament when you are saying your evening prayers. I delight in this thought in the chapel of M. Liautard where I go at that hour to adore our divine Master. … Continue reading

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TELL THEM THAT I THINK OF THEM AND THAT I LOVE THEM

Eugene and his Oblates have always been characterised as being close to the people. The Oblate Rule of life expresses it thus: Our communities seek to radiate the warmth of the Gospel to those around us                                                           (Constitution 41). The … Continue reading

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DEAR FRIEND, I LOVE YOU AS MYSELF

Eugene was not afraid to show his affective nature and express the importance of others. In his self-evaluation, written at the seminary when he was 26, he had said: I have always longed for a friend, but I have never … Continue reading

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COMMUNITY AND MISSION: LET US LOVE ONE ANOTHER IN GOD AND FOR GOD AND FOR EVER

Whenever Eugene was away from Aix he had the opportunity to reflect on his community from a distance and to write his reflections. His considerations give us precious insights into his founding vision and the spirit he wished to see … Continue reading

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A DOOR OPENS WITH THE RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DIOCESE OF MARSEILLE

After the failure of Eugene to obtain legal approbation from parliament and the king, the fact remained that the Missionaries still did not have a legal status and the security of some authority to protect them. An opportunity arrived, however, … Continue reading

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I WAS FLATTERED, BUT I REFUSED EVERYTHING THAT WOULD HAVE TAKEN ME AWAY FROM AIX

While in Paris trying to ensure the survival of the Missionaries, Eugene met the Cardinal who was responsible for the appointment of bishops in France. Several dioceses that had been suppressed by the Revolution were to be re-established and new … Continue reading

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AN ANONYMOUS LETTER BACKFIRES

While Eugene was dealing with the Minister, an anonymous letter arrived from Aix denouncing him. The letter gives every indication of having been written by one of the priests of the city who was antagonistic to Eugene. He narrates: You … Continue reading

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YOU CAN TELL THE WHOLE CITY

The Minister still thought that Eugene was asking too much in wanting a direct approval from the King, but gave him a face-saving substitute. “The Minister could not obtain this Ordinance but replied by declaring, in his own name: “You … Continue reading

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