Monthly Archives: March 2021

Louis de Boisgelin, son of Eugene’s sister had been training to become a Jesuit for four years. In 1841, at the age of 26, he became seriously ill. When Eugene learnt about this, he wrote in his diary: I resign … Continue reading →

Dealing with some of the Oblates as their superior, was sometimes tricky for Eugene de Mazenod, especially if the person was difficult and sensitive. He confides in his diary: Who could foretell the sensitivities of this Father?  He complains practically … Continue reading →

The father of the missionary family’s deepest wish was that the members would live in a spirit of unity. We recall our Founder’s dying words: “Among yourselves, charity, charity, charity” as we read about his delight at the spirit of … Continue reading →

Eugene wrote to the Novice Master: I see a great disadvantage in not having the Blessed Sacrament within easy access of the novices. It is to Jesus Christ that they should go to be filled with fervour. It is not … Continue reading →

Writing to the Novice Master, Eugene says that each novice must: yield cheerfully to the indispensable observances of the Rule. He must make it a point to delve deeply into the spirit of the Institute he wishes to join and … Continue reading →

The question raised by Eugene, as Oblate Superior General, continues to be very relevant in the formation process of Oblates and Associates today. Three men had come from Ireland to do the novitiate in France – in a new country … Continue reading →

Father Vincens, the new novice-master was about to receive a new group of novices, for whose formation he was responsible. Eugene reminds him that the purpose of the novitiate is to make their oblation for life as religious and as … Continue reading →

Writing to Father Vincens, the new novice-master, Eugene give him advice as he begins to work with a new group of novices. He advises that they start their novitiate with a good retreat. I recommend that you organize a good … Continue reading →

Eugene wrote in his diary: It is necessary to collect the documents to be able to compose a summary of the life and ministry of Fr. Albini. We venerate on the altars somesaints who were not as favored as this … Continue reading →

Father Charles Albini had died in Corsica two years earlier. Eugene was convinced of his holiness – which had been shown in his way of life, his preaching and pastoral care of the most abandoned and of the seminarians. During … Continue reading →