Monthly Archives: June 2014

TWO HUNDRED YEARS LATER: THE CALL TO EXPRESS OUR GRATITUDE THROUGH A RENEWED APPRECIATION OF OUR RULE

What gratitude, in keeping with such a favour, can we possibly offer to God who is so great and so good? Continuing his reflection on the meaning of the papal approval, Eugene stresses that the only way that we can … Continue reading

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TWO HUNDRED YEARS LATER: REJOICE WITH ME FOR IT HAS PLEASED THE LORD TO GRANT US GREAT FAVORS

To accompany the papal letter of approbation, Eugene wrote a letter to the whole Oblate Congregation to spell out the meaning of this for us. Its importance is highlighted by the fact that he wrote it in Latin, signifying that it … Continue reading

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BACK TO ROME!

In recent weeks I have reproduced the previously-published reflections on “Who is Eugene de Mazenod” to coincide with the feast of St. Eugene and with the Oblate vocations novena. In the past year the number of adherents to the site … Continue reading

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WHO IS SAINT EUGENE? THE FATHER AND FOUNDER WHO CALLS US TO LIVE AS A FAMILY UNITED BY HIS MEMORY

Father Fabre’s first circular letter to the Oblates after the General Chapter which elected him to be Eugene’s successor contains the invitation: Let us be united in spirit and in heart and we will be strong for doing what is … Continue reading

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WHO IS SAINT EUGENE? THE SPIRIT OF SAINT EUGENE CONTINUES TO BE ALIVE

After Eugene’s death a General Chapter of the Oblates was convoked in 1861. At the opening session two of the senior members of the Congregation spoke: Father Tempier and Bishop Guibert. Father Tempier opened the General Chapter by declaring his … Continue reading

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WHO IS SAINT EUGENE? BISHOP OF MARSEILLE

1837 – nomination as Bishop of Marseille, the second-largest city of France Here I am in fact pastor and chief pastor of a diocese which, whatever one says of it, is not inhabited by saints. It was given me, I … Continue reading

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WHO IS SAINT EUGENE? EUGENE, VICAR GENERAL OF MARSEILLE

1823 : nomination as principal Vicar General of his uncle, Bishop Fortuné de Mazenod. It was a difficult work of restoration and rebuilding a diocese that had not had a resident bishop for 21 years. For Eugene, who was a … Continue reading

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WHO IS SAINT EUGENE? SUPERIOR GENERAL OF A WORLDWIDE MISSIONARY CONGREGATION

1818: Eugene’s dream of never-ending horizons to preach the Gospel to the whole world: N.B. And even though, because of their present small number and the more urgent needs of the people around them, they have to limit the scope … Continue reading

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WHO IS SAINT EUGENE? OBLATE OF MARY IMMACULATE

1826, February 17 – Ecclesiastical approbation by the Pope of the Congregation and its Rules, under the title of Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. The charism of Eugene was recognized as having its inspiration in the Holy Spirit Rejoice with … Continue reading

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WHO IS SAINT EUGENE? SON OF MARY IMMACULATE

1819 – The Marian sanctuary of Notre Dame du Laus is entrusted to the Missionaries as a place of permanent mission. During the warm months, the Missionaries welcomed pilgrims and preached the Gospel to them, while during the colder months … Continue reading

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