Monthly Archives: March 2011

PARISH MISSIONS: SUCCESS OF THE CONFESSION MINISTRY BECAUSE IT WAS DONE UNDER THE SIGN OF THE CROSS

It was always Christ the Saviour who was the focal point for Eugene and the missionaries, as was underlined by their use of their Oblate crucifix in confession that they placed in the hands of the penitent. It is useful … Continue reading

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PARISH MISSIONS: SUCCESS OF THE CONFESSION MINISTRY BECAUSE THE PRIESTS WERE CONVINCED OF GOD’S MERCY

Perhaps the greatest reason for the success of their confession ministry came because they followed the moral theology of St. Alphonsus Liguori that was founded on the loving and healing mercy of God. In a society imbued with Jansenism, the … Continue reading

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PARISH MISSIONS: SUCCESS OF THE CONFESSION MINISTRY BECAUSE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF PERSONAL ACCOMPANIMENT

The ministry of confessions during the missions also gave the opportunity for a certain amount of on-going individual accompaniment and direction. This was done by not always giving absolution the first time so as to give the penitent the opportunity … Continue reading

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PARISH MISSIONS: SUCCESS OF THE CONFESSION MINISTRY BECAUSE OF PRIESTS WITH A DIFFERENT OUTLOOK

The achievement of the ministry of confessions during the missions was obvious in every parish mission undertaken by the Oblates. Initially it was because of the situation caused by the French Revolution and its aftermath, and how this encounter filled … Continue reading

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PARISH MISSIONS: THE NEED FOR A SENSE OF REALISM IN THE MISSIONARY ZEAL OF THE MISSIONARIES

The pace set in the missions and the zeal and generosity of the missionaries took its toll on their health. As the years progressed, Eugene insisted on being more realistic in their use of energy. In 1850, for example, he … Continue reading

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