Monthly Archives: February 2014

RELICS OF THE DEAD

After dinner, I went to make the station of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. How sad it was to see such a beautiful basilica ruined by flames!… This church, which commemorates the burial place of Paul, had been partially destroyed … Continue reading

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MEN PREFER TO BE PRIESTS RATHER THAN RELIGIOUS BROTHERS

Eugene looked at the Brothers in Rome with admiration, and wished that more would join the Oblates in France. Amongst others, they have three Germans who are a treasure… I do not know why we have none of these good … Continue reading

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RELIGIOUS BROTHERS EVANGELIZE THROUGH THEIR TALENTS

From the moment that the Oblates became a religious congregation in 1818, the membership was open to men who wished to be missionaries either as priests or as brothers. Initially there were very few who joined to be Brothers and … Continue reading

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HE LIVED, AND LET OTHERS WATCH HIM DO IT

Eugene, as founder of the Oblates, considered himself the religious father of each member. Hippolyte Courtès had a special place in Eugene’s life. As an adolescent he had been a member of Eugene’s youth congregation, then he was in the … Continue reading

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FINANCES: IT IS MY CLOTHES THAT GIVE ME TROUBLE

Eugene was scrupulous about not unnecessary expenses for himself. Writing to Tempier from Rome, he gives an insight into the steps that his frugality led him. With this money I have paid my debts, that is to say, two months … Continue reading

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FINANCES: COOPERATING WITH DIVINE PROVIDENCE

From Rome, Eugene shares his concern about the finances of the Oblates and the obligation to provide for the needs of the members in future. I would wish you not to overlook a matter which preoccupies me constantly and that … Continue reading

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THEY WILL LONG REMEMBER WHAT FEELINGS CAN MOVE ME AND HOW ENERGETICALLY I KNOW HOW TO REFUTE POOR ARGUMENTS

What I love about Eugene is that in this saint we find a fully human person with likable and unlikable qualities. Yet, this very imperfect man was able to find God and relate deeply and generously to God in all … Continue reading

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THINKING BIG

While Eugene was waiting for the cardinals to meet to discuss the status of the Oblates, he continued to occupy himself with the concerns of the Oblate Congregation. I will comment on some of these letters and the concerns that … Continue reading

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EVENTS WHICH BEAR THE SIGN OF A SPECIAL PROTECTION

When I reflect on how our business is going forward, I am filled with admiration for the goodness of God and feel carried away with feelings of great gratitude. Up to this moment, it all bears the mark of a … Continue reading

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IN SORROWFUL MOMENTS, PRAYER HAS TAKEN ON MORE TENDERNESS AND ALMOST THE FAMILIARITY OF A CHILD TOWARDS A FATHER

You know that since my arrival at Rome, I have been offering the Holy Mass for the success of our cause and never come before the holy sacrament without speaking of it to our Lord. I never invoke a saint … Continue reading

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