THE STRUGGLES OF A YOUNG RELIGIOUS CONGREGATION

The reasons that Eugene gives for keeping Henri Tempier at Laus give a good indication of the situation of the fledgling group of Missionaries. There were some members with many qualities, but they were still too young to take too many responsibilities.

Is it surprising, after that, that having a house somewhat remote, very essential for us because of the circumstances and the locality, you should be in charge of its management? It could not have been otherwise up to now, and although the Lord has caused to produce under our auspices members of whom I am proud, who deserve my esteem as much as they have captivated my heart, they are still too young, whatever the consideration they already enjoy amongst us, to be placed at the head of a house in which our novices dwell.

Tempier had also built up good relations with the difficult and critical Diocese of Digne and with its Vicar General:

you have acquired with him and even with the Bishop a certain ease of relationship which is the result of your experience and of assessments that you have been able to make on their characters, and also of the perfect knowledge that you have of these localities.
All these things together make you realize well enough that it is not possible, for the moment, that I recall you definitively to my side…

Letter to Henri Tempier, 15 August 1822, EO VI n 86

 

One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand and to be understood.”     Lucius Annaeus Seneca

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1 Response to THE STRUGGLES OF A YOUNG RELIGIOUS CONGREGATION

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Oblate Associate says:

    Trust is one of the words that comes to mind this morning. Trust, love, wisdom, community, communion. I see Eugene and Henri, both putting aside their normal wants and needs for what will be best for others, for the community, for the people of God. Even in their struggles and weariness they both continue to follow God and listen through each other. Even if it is just to be able to say “I am tired, I want to come home” sort of thing, to be able to speak that to each other, to God. Then to listen and speak the truth, leaving aside their purely personal wants and needs and to continue to serve. It is through each other – that phrase keeps repeating in my mind.

    I look at my life today with instant communication, the ease of touching and loving others and often I need to simply “sit and be in silence as I wait and listen for the word of God”, while at the same time going about my daily life. I thank God for this life and time I have been given, the world that I live in. I thank God for Eugene and for Henri Tempier who I can draw upon for strength and inspiration, for prayers. I thank God for this great family who have invited me in and made me a part of themselves, friends in the truest sense of the word. They too are my inspiration, my strength, my joy. Perhaps it is that which we recognise in each other when and as we meet. That connectedness through God. It is enough and more.

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