Category Archives: LETTERS

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MISSION CRUCIFIX

Founder-to-founder, Eugene continues his reflections to Forbin-Janson on some aspects of preaching missions. Here he speaks about the important role of the crucifix during missions. Like the Redemptorists, the Missionaries of France used it only when preaching missions. For the … Continue reading

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AIM AT LESS BRILLIANCE AND INSIST MORE ON SOUNDNESS FOR THE MISSIONARIES

The leader of one group of missionaries (Eugene) writes to the leader of another group of missionaries (Forbin Janson) and shares professional advice. The occasion is the preaching visit of Brother Hilaire from Janson’s institute, the Missionaries of France. Eugene … Continue reading

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YOU ARE THE TWENTY-SECOND PARISH PRIEST WHO HAS CALLED ON US

The small band of Missionaries concluded their first year of existence with a third mission at the end of 1816 – it was in Marignane, and I have made ample use above of the Diary that Eugene kept during this … Continue reading

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THE MISSION OF FUVEAU INSPIRES A YOUNG MAN TO JOIN THE MISSIONARIES

I embrace our dear novices and pray God that he will grant that they imitate your virtues. Letter addressed to “To our dear brothers, the missionaries at Aix”, July 1816, O.W. VI n.12 Eugene was convinced that it was the … Continue reading

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SUPER-HUMAN EFFORTS TO HEAR THE CONFESSIONS OF EVERYONE IN THE VILLAGE

The need of the villagers was great and Fathers Tempier and Mie did not return to Aix after the mission in Fuveau, but stayed an extra ten days to fulfill their promise to the inhabitants of Gréasque and St-Savournin. These … Continue reading

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I REJOICED ON SEEING THAT THE LAND WE CULTIVATED IS IN GOOD HANDS

After the mission, the pastor of Fuveau wrote to the diocesan authorities about the fruits of the mission: Working people, forced to earn their bread by the sweat of their brow, made the greatest sacrifices to obtain the benefit of … Continue reading

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OUR MISSIONS ARE FEATS OF STRENGTH

At the end of the mission in Fuveau, Eugene wrote to his friend, Forbin Janson: It was impossible, my beloved brother, to reply to the letter which you last wrote to me. I was on a mission and our missions … Continue reading

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SHOW THEM A LIGHT MORE BRILLIANT THAN THE SUN

With his health restored after his prolonged break, Eugene returned to Aix and to the activities of the Missionaries. The season for preaching parish missions was approaching. They were about to set out to the village of Fuveau for their … Continue reading

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WE ARE DETERMINED TO BEGIN WITH THE VILLAGES

Eugene continues to show the direction of the decisions made regarding their choice of ministry. Forbin Janson had invited them to assist him in the preaching of two city missions. Eugene and the Missionaries refuse, seeing their calling towards the … Continue reading

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EVANGELIZING POOR PEOPLE OF THE RURAL AREAS RATHER THAN CITY DWELLERS

The time of enforced rest for Eugene was a time of blessing not only for him but for the future of the Missionaries as well. Being forced to stop and reflect, he was given the opportunity to clarify important issues … Continue reading

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