Monthly Archives: September 2020

EUGENE THE CHILD – IN HIS OWN WORDS

This series of daily reflections on the writings of St Eugene de Mazenod has been going since May 2010. In just over ten years, we have covered the period of his writings until 1839. It is good to pause, from … Continue reading

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THE DEATH OF OUR BELOVED BROTHER WAS THAT OF A SAINT

On May 20, Eugene wrote in his diary:  But what deep sorrow to learn that Fr. Albini is again in danger. I do not know what to think. After the miracle of his first healing, a new imminent danger. What … Continue reading

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SHE WAS A MOTHER TO ME ALL THE WHILE I STAYED IN SICILY

Eugene’s diary entry for 1 May 1839 recalls an event that had happened 37 years earlier and which he recalled every year. May 1: I said Mass as is my custom for the Duchess of Cannizzaro who died on this … Continue reading

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THE INABILITY TO REACH SUCH A GREAT NUMBER OF SOULS LIKE THEM CAUSES ME GREAT PAIN AND SORROW

Yesterday, we read Eugene de Mazenod’s description of how edified he was being with the contemplative Sisters. The entry continues: I returned home filled with these sweet thoughts. On the way I met some poor unfortunates who were certainly not … Continue reading

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HERE I HAVE OPENED MY HEART TO EXPRESS VERY POORLY WHAT I THOUGHT I WOULD NEVER BE ABLE TO SAY

As Vicar General of his uncle Bishop Fortuné, Eugene had had to be the hatchet man in the diocese to clean up many messy situations and to instill a measure of discipline among the clergy, who had not had a … Continue reading

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IN PRAISE OF CONTEMPLATIVE COMMUNITIES: A TASTE OF THE BLISS TO WHICH THESE CHOSEN SOULS ARE CALLED

Eugene records in his journal a visit he made to a convent of contemplative sisters, whose lives are spent in silence and prayer. He experienced something of the presence of God in  these women who pray constantly for the world … Continue reading

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JOIN THE ANGLO-IRISH MAZENODIAN FAMILY ON A VIRTUAL PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES

Oblate Virtual Pilgrimage Leaflet 19-23

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LET ME RENOUNCE ANY REWARD OR ANY HUMAN RECOGNITION

Eugene concludes that loving people, despite rejection, is what is expected of God’s servants. Each one according to the measure received must, after having exhausted his affections and efforts, say in all simplicity: We are useless servants; we did what … Continue reading

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IN SPITE OF WHAT MY MISGUIDED REASON MIGHT URGE ME TO BELIEVE, THIS RIGHT TO PEOPLE’S LOVE BELONGS ONLY TO GOD

Continuing our reflection in the Diary entry of Easter Sunday 1839, we see Eugene meditating on the difficult lesson he had to learn when he naively believed that because he loved people and treated them in a loving way they … Continue reading

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I WAS WELCOMED LIKE A FOREIGN INVADER, ALTHOUGH I CAME WITH MY HANDS FULL OF BLESSINGS

In 1820 Eugene and the Missionaries had participated in a city-wide mission in Marseilles. They were entrusted with the three poorest parishes of the city Only Marseilles looked with indifference on the noteworthy service rendered to three of its poorest … Continue reading

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