A FATHER WHO LOVES HIS FAMILY

The affectionate Eugene wrote to the young oblates in Laus as soon as he returned to Aix after his visit. We see here the emotive Provencal Eugene who pours out his love for the members of his religious family. Whenever he speaks of his affection for the Missionaries in human terms, he always stresses the spiritual motivation – that is because he delights in their virtues and the way that they mirror God’s gifts in them. It is a delight that comes because he sees them understanding and living the charism of oblation.

My dear children, 
Never have I parted from you with greater sorrow; so great it was indeed that I feared to let you see how afflicted I was for I realized that it was very imperfect of me. It seems to me that I ought to wish that you loved me less, although truth to tell I would not be further ahead because I would love you still as much, since my extreme affection for you is principally founded on your virtues and on the fine qualities with which the good God has favoured you.
My dear friends, believe only that I am absent in body; my heart and soul are with you. Shall I tell you? The house seemed deserted to me, I sought you all day without being able to find you and yet I still spoke only of you.
Adieu, my good dears, adieu, beloved family! I press you all to my heart and embrace you as tenderly as I love you.

To the novices and students at Notre Dame du Laus, 15 August 1821,
EO VI n 69

 

“We stand before a burning bush whenever other human beings share with us something of their relationship with God or something of the movements of their hearts. In such moments may we always realize that we stand on holy ground”          Margaret Silf

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1 Response to A FATHER WHO LOVES HIS FAMILY

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Oblate Associate says:

    I think that one of the things that I liked about Eugene was that he spoke of his feelings, of his love of God – in no uncertain terms he shared that. It was a first for me, to hear that others felt that deeply and the words that he used were the ones, the answers to questions or desires that I had never dared to share out loud. He gave voice to what God was instilling in me.

    And not just Eugene then or now, it continues today with other Oblates. A conversation has begun, whether after Mass, on retreat, at a meeting or after dinner. To have someone share their experience of God is gift beyond belief and so yes I guess it would be to stand on holy ground. What is also gift is to hear their love for each other, their love born out of this charism, once belonging solely to the Oblates and now being shared with us. I find myself in the presence of God, recognizing God in all of you. I find myself responding with love and not just a little gratitude.

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