Monthly Archives: May 2018

The second after-effect of the 1830 Revolution was seen in the request that Father Courtès become the Vicar General of the newly-appointed Bishop Rey to the Diocese of Dijon. This new bishop had openly supported the King despite the latter’s … Continue reading →

The after-effects of the July 1830 Revolution in France continued to be felt in 1832. Writing to Father Courtès, Eugene touches on one. The very evening of the day of the consistory, a messenger came and announced the taking of … Continue reading →

It is only when we see our desires in the light of the Word and will of God, that we will have peace and bear fruit. Unfortunately, only too often, and I shudder as I say it, we find great … Continue reading →

There is no activity that is too lowly in our service of the Kingdom of God – no matter how gifted or intellectual or important we may consider ourselves. A superior cannot be tied down by any conditions. He might … Continue reading →

The 24 year-old Jean Antoine Bernard was completing his Oblate formation in Billens and had been ordained to the priesthood 5 months earlier. It seems as if he had been asked to do a particular ministry and had expressed his … Continue reading →

One of the major ways used by Eugene to maintain the Oblate missionary spirit among them was through regular correspondence with the community superiors. In this way he guided the overall direction of the communities, encouraged and also corrected. Here … Continue reading →

On 4 July 1830, France had conquered Algeria. As soon as Eugene heard this, he saw an opportunity for mission to the most abandoned and immediately offered to send Obate Missionaries there. As soon as Algers had fallen to the … Continue reading →

Eugene was fully aware that the youthful, 25 year-old, Fr Mille found the burden of being a formator so heavy – as do most Oblate missionaries who are in houses of formation. Once and for all impress this upon yourself. … Continue reading →

Poor Father Mille! He had become an Oblate to be a missionary – yet within weeks of his priestly ordination, circumstance had made it inevitable that he be appointed superior of the seminary in Switzerland. At the age of 25 … Continue reading →

An outbreak of cholera was always an event that filled everyone with horror. Eugene heard that it had spread as far as Switzerland, and he was worried about the danger to the young Oblates in formation there. He wrote to … Continue reading →