The experience of August 15, 1822, had confirmed Eugene in his understanding of the vocation and purpose of the Missionary Society that he had brought to life nearly 7 years earlier. Despite the difficulties around him, we now find a renewed energy and missionary force in him. His early biographer, Rey, describes some of this.
At the end of the mission, Father de Mazenod made a quick appearance at N. D. du Laus and, taking Father Tempier as a traveling companion, he went to the diocese of Nimes where the Bishop invited him to make a foundation at N. D. Rochefort, an almost completely abandoned shrine in honor of the Most Holy Virgin. The appearance of the place, but especially the shortage of members did not allow the founder to give effect to the proposal from the Prelate. At the end of the year 1822 the small Society had only twelve priests to maintain three houses, and it would have been tempting Providence.
Rey narrates how Eugene later regretted not having accepted the shrine to use as a novitiate and a retreat center. It was also clear that Laus was not the ideal place for the novices to undergo their formation – especially as Henri Tempier was feeling the burden of so many responsibilities. Rey also describes how Eugene was briefly tempted to buy the Island of Lerins, just off the coast of Cannes, to use as a novitiate. This ancient monastic island was available for sale at that time.
The project did not materialize but could be considered as one of the provocations of Divine Providence, inviting the Founder to expand his foundations thru these opportunities. His mission seemed to appear clearer and more evident. He fought with more courage and was decisive in his convictions as he energetically pursued his goal of having fully committed apostolic men who would give themselves for the salvation of the most abandoned souls, without counting the personal cost. He tried to prove himself worthy of marching at their head and of being a model missionary.
Rey 1 p. 284
“A leader has the vision and conviction that a dream can be achieved. He inspires the power and energy to get it done.” Ralph Nader
I read this a couple of times this morning – reflecting on how Eugene really listened with his heart. “His mission seemed to appear clearer and more evident. He fought with more courage and was decisive in his convictions as he energetically pursued his goal of having fully committed apostolic men who would give themselves for the salvation of the most abandoned souls, without counting the personal cost.” I wanted to say out loud that yes I understand, yes I experience that to a degree, while at the same time telling myself that I should not put myself in the same playing field as Eugene – you know he was a Saint, I am just me.
Earlier I read Richard Rohrs piece on “Models of Surrender” where he spoke of “Servanthood and foundational surrender are the true basis for teaching authority in the Church, much more than title, vestment, role, or office. Such lives have the authority of Jesus himself, and need no special ordination.” Secretly I had thrilled in reading this – it was/is the truth. So why then should I deny or lessen all that God has given to me. I am not Eugene, but certainly God has given me the gift of coming to know Eugene and follow him, being invited by him to be a part of this great family. He has given me, and all of us, a way of life, one that I am becoming fully engaged in.
Just as God gave Eugene the vision and conviction, the power and the energy – I think too that we are offered the same gifts – to live out in our lives and to become “cooperators of Christ the Savior”. I am looking at the dreams and visions, the desires that I was given, that were defined and strengthened during my trip. They are awesome, exciting, full of life, not entirely clear, but which show a bit of the path I have said to following. They are certainly something much bigger and better that I could ever have dreamed of.
Today Lord hear me shaky ‘yes’, help me to continue to listen with my heart, just as did Eugene, so I will have the strength to get past “my wants and needs” of looking at something that will make ‘me feel good’ – I don’t want to let it just be about me. I see before me an entire family, it is about them. I thank you.