Category Archives: RETREAT NOTES

I FUNCTION AS A MERE MACHINE IN EVERYTHING THAT CONCERNS ME PERSONALLY

Eugene, whose life was totally dedicated to serving others, now came to an important realization: he could only serve others well if he looked after his own welfare. Otherwise he would have nothing to offer to others: The need was … Continue reading

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STOP AND TAKE STOCK

After our in-depth exploration of the Youth Congregation, I now continue with the writings of St Eugene in chronological order. The second part of 1817 had been demanding for Eugene, who had spent 5 months in Paris trying to assure … Continue reading

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SEARCHING FOR GOD’S PRESENCE

Eugene’s desire to live “all for God,” led him to want to live in an awareness of the presence of his “beloved” throughout the day. The many demands and activities of each day made it necessary for him to have … Continue reading

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LIVING EACH DAY AS A PRAYER

The spiritual tradition of the “practice of the presence of God” was an important element of Eugene’s lived relationship with God. He referred to it in this retreat of 1817 that we are examining and would do so regularly in … Continue reading

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PRAY ALWAYS

Living “all for God” does not just happen simply because one wishes it. There is a certain discipline and effort involved in training oneself consciously to be aware of the presence of God. Ephesians 6:18 calls on Christians to “pray … Continue reading

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I MUST BECOME INVISIBLE

Having reminded himself of the cardinal points of his spiritual practices, Eugene revises his daily timetable. To this end, there is absolutely no time to waste, and what is left over after the day’s business must be well used. I … Continue reading

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SEEKING A BALANCE BETWEEN THEORY AND PRACTICE

As Eugene takes stock of his life, he makes some practical resolutions to keep himself focussed each day. I will make it an irrevocable rule of conduct that nothing on this earth shall constitute a habitual threat to my own … Continue reading

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THE RESPONSIBILITY OF INVITING OTHERS TO SHARE HIS LIVED EXPERIENCE

Continuing the review of his life during his retreat, Eugene realized that he was tempted to get lost in work and think that all was okay. He needed to keep the spirit of his oblation in mind in his activities: … Continue reading

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CHECKING THE COMPASS IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM

The year 1817 had been a seesaw of events and emotions. The successful ministry of parish missions in the villages, the ministry of the community in Aix itself, and the ministry with the Youth Congregation was counterbalanced by the destructive … Continue reading

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THE COMMUNITY WHOM I LOVE TENDERLY IN THE LORD, OUR COMMON LOVE

As we have seen, Eugene’s time of enforced rest became the opportunity for a retreat and a time for reflection on the eventful events of the previous months. It was a grace-filled time because it allowed him to come to … Continue reading

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