In prayer in front of the newly-blessed statue, Eugene had experienced a moment of profound consolation as he received a prophetic glimpse into the future of the Missionary Oblates. This young plant that was growing was indeed blessed by God and it was this awareness that had to keep Eugene strong as he faced difficulties.
Realistically he became aware of the personal responsibility that he had as the superior in order to ensure the healthy growth of his missionary family.
Only one reason for regret came to lessen and almost entirely delete the joy by which I would have let myself be carried away: it was I. I saw myself as the sole and real obstacle to the great good which could be done,
If he concentrated more on his personal holiness and lived more fully his ideal of “all for God’, then God would be able to work more powerfully for the Congregation:
but only vaguely could I see what I must do in order to be more useful to the Society and to the Church. The conclusion was that with more virtues I would have more wisdom and ability to overcome all obstacles.
Letter to Henri Tempier, 15 August 1822, EO VI n 86
“Prayer is not an old woman’s idle amusement. Properly understood and applied, it is the most potent instrument of action.” Mahatma Gandhi
I truly love this piece today. How Eugene gave his all to God and in doing so he gave himself also to his brothers, his sons, his congregation. This was not something that Eugene on his own wanted – this was something which God gave to him and filled him with. He also received strength and consolation from Our Lady.
Yesterday as I walked the little streets in the centre of old Aix I received a different gift. I have for quite awhile now thought of Eugene as a father I have to say though as I sat in the chapel here at the house directly under his picture, I thought of myself as a “daughter”. One step deeper or perhaps many. This morning at Mass in the church which is a part of the house I prayed before the ancient statue of Our Lady of Grace. I do not know “why” I am here or what I am to receive from God, only that God already blesses me incredibly, even as I ask for more. I begin to have a deeper sense of Eugene and who he was and how he lives on. As I said I do not know why I am here – just that I am and God will do what God does. I have a sense of being sent (ongoing – not a one time thing in this moment) and a sense that by the end of this week I will have (having been given to me) what I will need. I believe that I will move with God-given strength and direction – most likely one little step at a time, but it will be enough (God has not yet pointed the way – or perhaps he has and it is simply a continuation of the path I am on. Already I am saying yes and asking God to lead me, through Eugene. Pray for me today and specially this evening as I share with members of the Mazenodian Family here in Aix, my story, our story as Oblate Associates in Canada, We are all connected.