Category Archives: LETTERS

AN EVENT THAT SHOWS THE CAPACITY FOR SURVIVAL AND RENEWAL

The blessing of the church at the Calvaire was a historic moment. For the Oblates it was a milestone in their ministry to the poor of the Marseille harbor area and the popular quarters surrounding it. What had begun as … Continue reading

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A GLIMPSE INTO EUGENE’S EVERYDAY CONCERNS

Twelve years after the founding of the Oblates, this letter from Eugene to his sister touches on all the major areas of his everyday life in Marseille. As a son and brother he writes to his family to invite them … Continue reading

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HE IS ANOTHER INTERCESSOR, ANOTHER LINK IN OUR MYSTICAL CHAIN

Twenty year-old Philippe Dumolard had joined the Oblates and was making a positive impression on the Oblates who knew him. Within a few months of his becoming a novice he fell seriously ill. Our Dumolard gives us anxiety. I doubt … Continue reading

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LET’S DO SOME GOOD WHILE WE HAVE THE TIME

In his correspondence with the various bishops, under whose jurisdiction the Oblates ministered, Eugene was always focused on ministry in accordance with the founding inspiration he had received from God. While always wishing to cooperate with tehj nbishops in whose … Continue reading

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WHEN I MINISTER I CAN EXPERIENCE GOD’S PLEASURE

Eugene constantly fine-tuned the focus of the ministry of the Oblates to ensure that it was in keeping with the founding inspiration he had received from God. Our Missionaries are to be employed principally, but not exclusively, in the missions. … Continue reading

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WE ARE THE BISHOP’S MEN… OR ARE WE?

“We are the Bishop’s men” is a slogan that has been much used and abused throughout the history of our Congregation. Taken out of context, it has been interpreted as a reason for an Oblate to be a “jack-of-all-trades-minister” in … Continue reading

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ALL OF US PROFESS A VERY SPECIAL DEVOTION TO THE MOTHER OF GOD

The last entry before the pause dealt with the mission center at the Shrine of Our Lady of Laus and the disapproval of the local bishop on the pastoral approach of the Oblates (https://www.eugenedemazenod.net/?p=2761). Eugene’s response to the bishop became … Continue reading

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PATIENCE IN A STORM THAT CANNOT BE CONTROLLED

The Marian sanctuary at Laus was the second Oblate community established in France, and became a successful center of mission for the pilgrims in the warm months, and as a base of missionary outreach to the villages in the cold … Continue reading

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RECOGNIZING THE CRUCIFIED CHRIST IN DIFFICULT SITUATIONS

“A pastor of the Fréjus diocese asked for a mission in his parish and Father de Mazenod upset his whole apostolic plan in order to respond to this good pastor. He wrote to the Bishop of Fréjus to ask for … Continue reading

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PREPARATION TO EXPERIENCE THE FATHER’S LOVE IN JESUS

Our Rule of Life describes the goal of the novitiate year for those preparing to become Oblates: “Novitiate formation ends with a free and faith-filled commitment in the Oblate Congregation. The novice, having experienced the Father’s love in Jesus, dedicates … Continue reading

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