Category Archives: RETREAT NOTES

TO ACT ALWAYS IN A PERFECT DEPENDENCE ON GOD’S WILL, IN PERFECT LIBERTY OF SPIRIT, IN UNION WITH GOD

Eugene’s retreat notes continue with many resolutions on his prayer life, Eucharistic devotion, praying the breviary etc. Realizing how his busy-ness can disturb his moments formally dedicated to prayer, he expresses an attitude of fundamental importance: Since I am so … Continue reading

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A LITTLE MORE PRAYER, MUCH LESS WORRY AND CONTROL

I must really be persuaded that although God makes use of men for his works, he does not need them. And so I will make a lot more progress in what he deigns to confide to me if I live … Continue reading

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ACKNOWLEDGING HIS LIFELONG STRUGGLE WITH BEING SHORT-TEMPERED WITH OTHERS WHEN HE IS TIRED

My blood is so excited that I feel doubly brusque, which often makes me fail in charity, etc. I do not possess my soul in peace. The least obstacle, the least opposition provokes me. I repulse, in all too human … Continue reading

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AN INVITATION TO RE-ESTABLISH HARMONY BETWEEN “BEING” AND “DOING”

From the first day of the coming together of the Missionaries, Eugene insisted on the quality of life of each member, and the importance of “being” men of Jesus Christ before their “doing” as men of action. They had to … Continue reading

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THE RESPONSIBILITY TO LEAD BY THE QUALITY OF HIS LIFE

Until now Eugene’s retreats were centred on himself and his own search for human and spiritual growth – all this for the benefit of his ministry to the most abandoned. Now, after six months of the existence of the Missionaries … Continue reading

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AWARENESS OF GOD’S LOVING ACTIONS BRINGS US TO GOD

Eugene returns from celebrating Mass in a nearby parish church and notes the reflection he made to the people. His own conversion experience, around nine years earlier, was precisely his realization of how much God loved him. He now invites … Continue reading

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SERVING OTHERS AS AN OCCASION OF MEETING WITH GOD

Eugene finds himself ill because of overwork and hyperactivity. Now, in this time of prayer, he reflects on his lifestyle and his attitudes. The countless demands of the mission will continue, but they have to be transformed into moments of … Continue reading

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FINE TUNING HIS ATTITUDE TO MINISTRY: BE MORE ATTENTIVE TO GOD’S INNER VOICE

Continuing his retreat reflection, one sees here Eugene’s conviction that one has to “be” in order to “do.” In evaluating the good that has clearly emerged from his foundation of the youth congregation and that of the missionaries, he evaluates … Continue reading

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GOD WAS EXPECTING GREAT THINGS FROM ME AND I COULD DO NO OTHER THAN EMPTY MYSELF IN HIS PRESENCE

In his retreat in Amiens before his priestly ordination he had given his “Here I am” to God. recalling that event, he now expresses his desire to deepen this oblation that urges him to work at improving himself. In my … Continue reading

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MY FAULTS ARISE PRECISELY BECAUSE I AM BUSY WORKING FOR GOD

Instead of remaining at the level of beating himself for his failings, Eugene sees them in the context of a wider picture. He is a missionary and needs to evaluate himself in the light of giving his life for God … Continue reading

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