Monthly Archives: September 2014

AS IF MISSIONARIES OUGHT TO LIVE ON AIR, SO SPIRITUAL THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO BE

Jesus taught that “the worker is worthy of his hire” and that the missionary must trust in divine providence. This providence does not fall out of the skies, but comes through the generosity of benefactors. Fr. Courtès, in Aix, had … Continue reading

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A HEART WHICH CANNOT BE OUTDONE BY ANYONE WHEN IT COMES TO LOVING

Perturbed by the zealous frenetic activity of his missionary Oblates, Eugene writes to Fr Courtès, the superior of the Aix community, recommending that he watch over the health of those entrusted to his care in the community. … Adieu, be … Continue reading

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DROP EVERYTHING AND GET HERE

In vain I write to you to stop, to catch your breath, and you keep on just the same. Eugene’s frustration with Fr Mie is obvious! He then appeals to reason. I make known to you the difficulty I have … Continue reading

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THERE ARE ONLY TWO OF YOU AND YOU TAKE ON WORK ENOUGH FOR SIX

Nine days after his previous instructions to Fr. Mie, Eugene’s patience with this missionary’s misplaced zeal begins to wear thin. I told you positively to do only one mission when you left Marseilles and I even fixed a limit, as I … Continue reading

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MY CONSCIENCE REQUIRES THAT YOU REST YOURSELF WELL

At the beginning of September Eugene had written to Father Mie insisting that he take a period of rest. A month later, not only had he not taken a rest but had become involved in another pastoral commitment that upset … Continue reading

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IN DEATH HE IS STILL USEFUL TO OUR WORK

Rejoicing with Fathers Mie and Moreau in the successful parish mission among the poor in the mountains, he encourages them and compares their ministry to a battle campaign against the power of evil. I rejoice over all you and Fr. … Continue reading

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EXHAUSTED MISSIONARIES STARVED FOR THE SALVATION OF THE POOR

The Oblates were conducting a mission among “poor abandoned mountain people,” and the team wanted to prolong their time with them. Acknowledging their generosity, he still demands that they not prolong the mission and take a period of necessary rest. … Continue reading

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EXHAUSTED PERSONS MAKE THEMSELVES POWERLESS

The excessive zeal of the Oblate missionaries had a tendency to drain their physical energy – and to lead to disagreeable consequences. An exhausted missionary makes for a useless missionary. Once again, Eugene expresses his concern for the welfare of … Continue reading

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OPENING ONESELF TO RECEIVE GOD’S GIFTS

Sometimes, because of the work schedules of the people, the evening prayer for the public and the oraison for the Oblates would be at the same time. We have often seen the importance Eugene gave to this evening meditation before … Continue reading

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ENABLING PEOPLE TO EXPERIENCE THE PRESENCE OF GOD

Each evening the Oblate communities would organize evening prayer in their public churches for the local people. Eugene reminds them that the aim of the exercise was not to give the people a sermon, but to give them reflections which … Continue reading

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