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- Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate on FAITH-FOCUSED INVESTMENT GROUPS: A PRESENCE WHERE DECISIONS AFFECTING THE FUTURE OF THE POOR ARE BEING MADE (Rule 9a)
- Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate on VIVAT: A PRESENCE WHERE DECISIONS AFFECTING THE FUTURE OF THE POOR ARE BEING MADE (Rule 9a)
- Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate on WE SHOW A VERY HUMAN FACE OF JESUS TO THE WORLD, ONE FULL OF COMPASSION AND SOLIDARITY (Rule 9a)
- Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate on JUSTICE, PEACE AND THE INTEGRITY OF CREATION AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF EVANGELIZATION (Rule 9a)
- Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate on WALKING THE LINE BETWEEN PROPHETIC VISION AND SPIRITUAL SUSTENANCE (CONSTITUTION 9)
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Category Archives: DIARY
MY BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN YOUTH CONGREGATION
The OMI General Archives in Rome have the originals of 238 letters written by members of the Youth Congregation to Eugene. Reacting to one of them around 20 years later; Eugene wrote: It originates with a good priest that I … Continue reading
A SOLEMN COMMITMENT
Once the six-month probationary period was completed, the young person could apply for full admission. His application and qualities were discussed by the council, who if they found him to be suitable, would recommend that he be accepted by the … Continue reading
200 YEARS AGO: THE DAY BEFORE EUGENE’S PRIESTLY ORDINATION
Today, exactly 200 years ago, we find the 29 year-old Eugene de Mazenod on retreat on the day before his priestly ordination. Reading though his retreat notes I am struck by the centrality of his desire to love God as … Continue reading
FILLED WITH THE FULLNESS OF GOD
Eugene was not trying to make his young people into some form of disembodied monks. Rather, he was sharing with them what was a treasure for him: a positive God-related attitude that would lead them to a full life within … Continue reading
WHY HAVE RULES?
Within a short time of starting his youth work, Eugene became aware of the need for a Rule of life: With the Association purged of all its questionable members, and with a daily-growing fervour continuing to manifest itself, the Director … Continue reading
A PRIEST WHO HAD CONSECRATED THE FIRST YEARS OF HIS MINISTRY ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY TO YOUNG PEOPLE
Looking back at the end of 1817 Eugene described himself as a priest who had consecrated the first years of his ministry almost exclusively to the sanctification of youth. Diary of the Youth Congregation, 1 November 1817, O.W. XVI It … Continue reading
A YOUNG MAN’S LIFE IS CHANGED NOT ENDED
Eugene writes about the life and death of one of the members of his Youth Congregation Death of Mr. Fortuné Sallier 18 years old. The merit of this young man was not known sufficiently. I take it on myself to … Continue reading
A FIERY CONFIRMATION SERVICE
When the Church of the Mission opened its doors to the general public, then the anger of some of the pastors came to the fore. This was particularly the case of the pastors who were Gallican in approach and disliked … Continue reading
INVITING THE PARTICIPATION OF THE LOCAL CHURCH AUTHORITIES
Despite the congregants having their first communion service in their chapel, Eugene ensured that the young person be as fully present to his parish as possible – even to the point of inviting his parish priest to the ceremony. For … Continue reading
TRYING TO KEEP THE LOCAL PASTORS HAPPY
Because Eugene was a gifted teacher and preacher and had a natural affinity with young people, his Youth Congregation flourished and became a source of piety and good example in the city. Some of the parish priests were not happy … Continue reading