Category Archives: DIARY

GROWTH WITHOUT A RELATIONSHIP TO MARY IS IMPOSSIBLE

After a year as seminarian in St Sulpice in Paris, Eugene reflects in his journal on the place of Mary in his spirituality: But devotion to the Blessed Virgin must excel all others; for the glorious Mother of God is … Continue reading

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OBLATES OF THE MOST HOLY AND IMMACULATE VIRGIN MARY

During the day, I was busy preparing the petition to present to the Pope on the day he grants me an audience. Roman Diary, 8 December 1825, EO XVII This day was the feast of the Immaculate Conception and it … Continue reading

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AN INSPIRATION THAT PASSED FROM HIS HEART TO HIS HEAD

This extract from the Roman Diary of Eugene seemingly has no importance: I ended the day with a visit to the church of the Holy Apostles for the last day of the novena for the Immaculate Conception. Ordinarily the Pope … Continue reading

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AT THE SERVICE OF AN IMPRISONED POPE

Today I attended to some business matters and made several visits, especially to His Eminence Cardinal de Gregorio who very graciously received me and invited me to dinner tomorrow. Roman Diary, 5 December 1825, EO XVII Cardinal De Gregorio treated … Continue reading

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A SINGLE ONE OF THESE BEAUTIFUL CHURCHES WOULD DECORATE A CITY.

I went to a great number of churches, each more beautiful than the other. In truth, a single one of these beautiful temples would decorate a city. Roman Diary, 4 December 1825, EO XVII All is holy here for him … Continue reading

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RELIGIOUS CLOTHING THAT WAS AS RIDICULOUS AS IT WAS UGLY

Eugene had come to Rome to request official approbation of the Oblates by the Church – a process that was not easy and needed to be organized. When he was not meeting people he tried to visit as much of … Continue reading

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ORDINARY PEOPLE WHO CONTINUE TO INSPIRE

Yet again in his days in Rome, Eugene the Oblate, narrates how his faith is inspired and strengthened by the presence of the signs of so many who gave their lives as an oblation to God. I had the devotion … Continue reading

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ADMIRING GOD’S BEAUTY IN A CHURCH THAT WELCOMES SINNERS

Eugene shares his reactions to the beauty of the Basilica of St Mary Major, and the activities that took place in it. Returning to my monastery, I couldn’t resist the impulse of going into the basilica of Saint Mary Major … Continue reading

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THE BEAUTIFUL ECCENTRICITY OF MARTYRDOM

Eugene’s own experience of living “all for God” made him sensitive to all manifestations of this in others. Saint Sebastian had given his life for God in an act of oblation through his martyrdom. It is not surprising that Eugene … Continue reading

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IN AWE OF THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN THEIR LIVES FOR JESUS CHRIST

“Oblation” for Eugene meant the giving of one’s life totally to God for the spread of God’s Kingdom – whatever the personal cost. It is no wonder that on his first visit to the catacombs in Rome he was profoundly … Continue reading

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