Category Archives: RETREAT NOTES

NOT LOSE ONE OUNCE OF THAT PRECIOUS PEACE WHICH IS THE GREATEST OF POSSESSIONS

Eugene reflects on the importance of maintaining inner serenity in God. Important maxim. Always do all that depends on me for success in the undertakings I believe good, but when I have done everything I can, when I have turned … Continue reading

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IT WOULD BE A DISORDER TO LOSE PEACE OF SOUL, TO RESPOND IN A PURELY HUMAN WAY WHEN THINGS DON’T GO MY WAY

In reviewing the year Eugene is aware of having placed too much trust in his own efforts and not enough on God. In future I must place my trust even more in the virtue of prayer than in the activity … Continue reading

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IN WORKING FOR OTHERS I HAVE BEEN TOO FORGETFUL OF MYSELF

In December 1814 Eugene did a private retreat, at one of the most significant moments of his life. He had touched death and had been left physically weakened by the illness, and was now discerning the future direction that his … Continue reading

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MY CHIEF OCCUPATION WILL BE TO LOVE HIM, MY CHIEF CONCERN TO MAKE HIM LOVED

After his return to Aix as a young priest, Eugene lived in his mother’s house, together with Brother Maur (Trappist monk whose monastery the revolution had detroyed). A couple of months after his arrival, he did his annual retreat. As … Continue reading

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THE CHURCH HAS ALL TOO MUCH TO LAMENT IN THE NUMEROUS PRIESTS WHO BRING DOWN HARM ON HER

Before returning to Aix, Eugene spent some time on a preparation retreat. He was marked by the suffering he had seen in Paris caused by the persecution of the Church by Napoleon, and the indifference of far too many priests … Continue reading

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THE UNCHANGING FOUNDATION OF EUGENE’S LIFE AND MISSION: “I WISH TO LIVE ONLY FOR YOU”

In these words, written a few hours before his priestly ordination, Eugene expresses what will be the central infallible foundation of his life and ministry as a priest. It is this ideal that led him to found a missionary congregation … Continue reading

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MY GOD, DOUBLE, TRIPLE, INCREASE MY STRENGTH A HUNDREDFOLD THAT I MAY LOVE YOU

Continuing his pre-ordination retreat, Eugene meditates on his sinfulness in vivid terms (I have delivered myself over to the devil as his slave), Eugene turns to the love of God which has overwhelmed him and which he wants to spend … Continue reading

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PRIESTHOOD: TO CONSUME MYSELF IN HIS LOVE, SERVING HIM AND SPREADING THE NEWS OF HOW LOVEABLE HE IS

In the days leading up to his priestly ordination Eugene used the Retreat of Fr. Judde on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Based on the first meditation of Ignatius (the Principle and Foundation) he reflects on what he wishes … Continue reading

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