Monthly Archives: March 2017

EUGENE AND THE HISTORY OF FRANCE: HIS PRIEST UNCLES FORCED TO FLEE

Yvon Beaudoin writes: It was on July 12, 1790 also that the decree of the civil constitution of the clergy, was issued. It was sanctioned by the king on August 24. By the decree of November 27, 1790, the new … Continue reading

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EUGENE AND THE HISTORY OF FRANCE: EXILE

Eugene’s idyllic childhood world was swept away by the French Revolution in 1789. After his father opposed the revolution, the entire family was obliged to flee into exile in Italy. In 1790, a new painful period began for Eugene. These … Continue reading

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EUGENE AND THE HISTORY OF FRANCE: THE REVOLUTION OF 1789

Eugene’s privileged lifestyle was to come to an abrupt end when he was 9. The Revolution of 1789 had set out to destroy the Church and its domination over the lives of people. The noble de Mazenod family had to … Continue reading

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EUGENE AND THE HISTORY OF FRANCE: A NOBLEMAN IN THE ANCIEN REGIME

From 1829 onwards, during this time of Eugene’s personal suffering, grief and illness, there was another aspect of stress and worry: the changing political climate of France which was turning against religion. His life would be significantly affected by this, … Continue reading

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DO NOT WASTE TIME GAZING AT THE MOON

Eugene’s letter to Fr. Jeancard continues on the question of his not being happy to have been assigned to Aix. Apart from all these supernatural considerations, which yet have their weight, one should know humanly speaking how to behave oneself … Continue reading

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TAKING THE FIRST STEP EVEN WHEN WE DON’T SEE THE WHOLE STAIRCASE

Fr Jeancard had been preaching a parish mission, during which he had experienced health problems. I was delighted to learn, my dear Fr. Jeancard, that your short apostolic journey was not detrimental to your health. I hope that it will … Continue reading

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LET US SUBMIT TO THESE UNFORTUNATE CIRCUMSTANCES AND PUT OUR TRUST IN GOD

Father Joseph Capmas was part of the Oblate community of Notre Dame du Laus. Yvon Beaudoin narrates this sad incident concerning him: “In the spring of 1830, he was the unwitting and unwilling accessory to a dreadful accident. On his … Continue reading

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WONDER-WORKERS

Joseph Capmas had been a priest for 13 years before joining the Oblates. Once he had made his vows as an Oblate he brought his many talents to the preaching of missions. Eugene expressed his admiration to Fr. Courtès … … Continue reading

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THE CROSSES OF OBLATES WHO HAVE ENTERED HEAVEN BY THE LITTLE DOOR WHICH OPENS MORE QUIETLY

Eugene had decreed that the crosses of the deceased Oblates be given to new Oblates so as to maintain the unity of their mission. Father Courtès had wanted to keep the cross of the deceased Father Arnoux, seemingly impressed by … Continue reading

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THE CROSS OF THE UNKNOWN OBLATE

They must be passed on to the new Oblates who will profit from such a heritage. I wish to have proper care shown in this distribution. Letter to Hippolyte Courtès, 8 March 1830, EO VII n 343 Eugene’s biographer, Rey, … Continue reading

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