Monthly Archives: January 2016

OUR BICENTENARY: WITHOUT DIVINE PROVIDENCE AND BENEFACTORS WE COULD NEVER HAVE BEEN FOUNDED

Eugene needed a large house and property to accommodate the nearly 300 energetic youth who met every Thursday and Sunday for prayer, instruction and games. At the same time he needed a big house to accommodate the future members of … Continue reading

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OUR BICENTENARY: CLEAR IN HIS MISSIONARY GOALS TO SERVE THOSE WHO ARE MOST IN NEED AND IN A LANGUAGE THEY UNDERSTAND

A close priest friend, Charles Forbin Janson, had invited Eugene to join his group of missionaries, the Missionaries of France who preached in French throughout France. In this brief extract we see the commitment of Eugene and his prospective companions … Continue reading

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OUR BICENTENARY: WHY DID EUGENE FOUND US?

“For a real understanding of de Mazenod’s intention, the religious situation of France at that moment must be kept in mind. All religious communities of men and women in France had been suppressed during the Revolution (1789-1799), their houses and … Continue reading

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OUR BICENTENARY: THE FOUNDATION OF THE OBLATES COMES FROM GOD

For nearly 25 years the French Revolution had attempted to destroy or control religion. With the definitive removal of Napoleon, the way was now clear for Eugene to put into practice his dream of establishing a missionary community to work … Continue reading

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OUR BICENTENARY: IT ALL BEGAN AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS

  In the Church of San Clemente, in Rome, there is a large mosaic portraying the Cross as the Tree of Life. In the center is the cross, and from its base there are leaves and stems that cover the … Continue reading

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OUR BICENTENARY: A PATCHWORK OF EVENTS AND IMPRESSIONS IN PREPARATION

“Just as the child is father to the man, so the impressions of one’s youth remain the most vivid in manhood” (Gustav Stresemann). As I reflect on how God prepared Eugene to bring a missionary group into existence, I recognize … Continue reading

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OUR BICENTENARY: HOW CAN I PREPARE TO CELEBRATE 200 YEARS OF OBLATE FOUNDATION AND MISSIONARY LIFE?

GOD PREPARES THE INSTRUMENT As we journey towards the celebration of our 200 years of existence, each day I will invite you to reflect on one step towards that event. It is not just a narrative of historical events that … Continue reading

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