Category Archives: RULE

A TEENAGER’S COMMITMENT

“How have we not thought of it sooner?” In the light of this exclamation, we recall that throughout his life, Eugene had had a devotion to Mary. The earliest existing written text comes from his adolescent years when he was … Continue reading

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ATTACHMENT TO FAMILY

Having turned down his mother’s invitation to spend some days with her, Eugene then invited her to go to the Bishop’s house in Marseille and spend some time with him. Do not delay in coming to console me in this … Continue reading

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ONGOING PASTORAL CONCERN FOR PRISONERS

One of Eugene’s earliest ministries had been with the prisoners of Aix, and he wanted this to continue as one of the ministries of the Oblates, as he wrote in the Rule: Art. 1. We are never to forget that … Continue reading

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TEACHING THOSE DEPRIVED OF SPIRITUAL THINGS HOW TO SEE DIFFERENTLY

In the 1820 mission, we find Eugene and his Missionaries keeping strictly to the ideals of their Rule of life: Article 2. That is why the members of this Congregation will work under the authority of the Ordinaries on whom … Continue reading

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A WELCOME FOR PRIESTS IN NEED

The 1818 Rule had underlined the importance of doing something to remedy the havoc caused to priests by the French Revolution. Art. 2. In the beginning, the missionaries because of their youth, will only be able to undertake indirectly the … Continue reading

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I DO NOT KNOW A MORE DEMANDING PLACE

We have seen how much importance was given to the Sacrament of Reconciliation on the parish missions. This same concern was obvious wherever the Missionaries ministered on “permanent mission.” Henri Tempier had only been at Notre Dame du Laus for … Continue reading

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THE BE-ATTITUDES: THE QUALITIES NEEDED IN ORDER TO BE

Situations vacant! I conclude these reflections on the 1818 Rule with the picture that Eugene gives of the qualities required in a prospective candidate to the Missionaries. He has to have a great desire for his own perfection, an unlimited love … Continue reading

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THE BE-ATTITUDES: FINE FEATHERS DO NOT MAKE FINE BIRDS

It is said that the “habit does not make the monk” – but what Eugene is getting at in this article of the Rule is that our exterior appearance can be an indication of an inner attitude. The missionary will … Continue reading

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THE BE-ATTITUDES: BECOME THE SYMBOL

The cross of Jesus Christ is central to our mission… This is the focal point of the spirit of Eugene, handed on to the Mazenodian family today. Through the eyes of our crucified Saviour we see the world which he … Continue reading

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THE BE-ATTITUDES: THE ONLY POSSIBLE CREDENTIAL

When an ambassador comes to a new country to represent his Head of State, he presents his “credentials” to the president or monarch of the new country where he is. For Eugene the Cross is the “credential” that shows that … Continue reading

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