Category Archives: RETREAT NOTES

ON MY FAITHFUL LEADERSHIP DEPENDS THE SALVATION OF MANY

The nature of the commitment that Eugene and the Missionaries were about to take on was changed by their vows and oblation. It was no longer a temporary membership that could be ended when they tired of it – they … Continue reading

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A PRAYER FOR REALISM

On the eve of engaging myself in a great commitment for the rest of my days, I enter into myself… Thus begins Eugene’s journal for the day prayer in preparation for the oblation for life he was to make as … Continue reading

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LESS SEVERITY TOWARDS MY MOTHER

Madame de Mazenod, Eugene’s mother, had a strong personality too, so it is easy to imagine that sparks flew from time to time between son and mother. In his retreat resolutions Eugene wrote: Less severity towards my mother, more consideration … Continue reading

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I MUST BE ON GUARD AGAINST MY NATURAL LIVELINESS

Part of the tiredness of Eugene to which he refers in his 1818 retreat was caused by his strong personality which led him to react heatedly in some situations , in particular where people were treated unjustly or a hurt … Continue reading

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I AM PRIMARILY THE SERVANT OF MY BROTHERS

Continuing his retreat reflections, Eugene evaluated how he divided his energy in his dealings with others: In my relations with others who are not part of the community. They must always be subordinate to the obligations I have to fulfill … Continue reading

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KEEPING THE MISSIONARY FIRE BURNING

During his retreat of May 1818, Eugene continued to reflect on the activities of the year. These included the return visits to some of the places where they had already preached missions. He wrote about this in the Rule: The … Continue reading

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BURNOUT

It was high time I thought of extricating myself from that innumerable throng of tasks of every kind that overwhelms me spiritually and physically and came on retreat to apply myself seriously in the matter of my salvation by carefully … Continue reading

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SELF-UNDERSTANDING AND SELF-DISCIPLINE

In order to be fully at the service of God and of others, Eugene was convinced of the need of self-discipline. This was one of his ongoing concerns throughout his life. In accordance with the Church’s traditions, he expressed this … Continue reading

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SUCH A FUSS OVER MY HEALTH

Eugene’s dedication to others had affected his health. The state I find myself in is an extraordinary one and calls for prompt treatment. It consists in an absolute apathy to all that concerns me directly; it seems that when I … Continue reading

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FOR THE SERVICE OF OTHERS

Eugene’s overriding concern was always to be “all for God” at the service of others. It is in this light that we must read his retreat notes. They are not an opportunity for self-whipping and for proclaiming how great a … Continue reading

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