After the pause for Christmas, the daily reflections with Saint Eugene resume.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS SERVICE?
Firstly, it is an invitation to come to know Eugene de Mazenod, a saint of the universal Church, in a deeper way thru his writings. My approach is chronological and so I aim at presenting the story of God at work in this man, especially as this is shown in his writings.
Secondly, it is a means of building up an internet database on the writings of Eugene. The reflections have been published for more than two-and-a-half years, and there are 777 entries to date. This means that by using the simple “search” space on the right-hand side of the homepage of the site (www.eugenedemazenod.net), it is possible to research texts of Eugene on various themes.
WHERE ARE WE ON THE JOURNEY?
We remember that in January 1816, the Missionaries of Provence (as the Oblates were known initially) came to live together in order to be missionaries to the groups of people in Provence who were not being touched by the structures of the local church.
We have followed the development and missionary activities of this growing group as they evolved from a group of diocesan priests living in community into a religious society bound by the vows of the evangelical counsels.
We have seen them expand from one community in Aix en Provence, to establish themselves in the Marian shrine of Notre Dame du Laus and in the shrine dedicated to the Cross at the Calvaire in Marseille. This expansion brought rich missionary fruits, but also stirred up a certain amount of hostility.
It was because of this opposition that it was essential to have a local bishop as its protector. The chance came in 1823 with the appointment of Eugene’s uncle, Fortuné de Mazenod, as Bishop of Marseille. The condition for this was that Eugene himself be his Vicar General.
Thus in 1823 Eugene left Aix and established himself in Marseille, where he was to remain for the next 38 years. From now the writings reflect his twofold responsibility: the guidance and direction of the expanding Missionary Oblates as Superior General, and the administration of the church in the second-largest city of France
As we journey with Saint Eugene each day this year, may it be an opportunity for every member of the Mazenodian family to appreciate our roots more deeply.
“A group without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” Marcus Garvey
Today provides a wonderful opportunity to say thank you for opening this space to all of us who come to not just read and learn, but to listen and take in Eugene’s words and his way of looking at life, at living and giving his all. I find myself constantly amazed at how I can (if I allow it) be touched and how it can & does apply to my life today. Here I find myself inspired as well as challenged. It also helps me to know and appreciate, to celebrate really, the roots and gift of this great Mazenodian Family to which I have been invited to be a part of.
Thank you.
Thank you, Eleanor! I appreciate your constant response and encouragement.
Sometimes it gets awfully lonely on this website, and I ask myself : “Is there anyone out there reading these posts?”
“Do they respond to any real interest or need?”
“Does no one ever have any reactions to share?”
Some occasional signs of life via these comment sections on the site itself would be appreciated. Thanks to Eleanor and a couple of others who do respond regularly – it helps me to keep my foot on the accelerator.
I do read them and ponder on them a lot for my daily reflections about the founder. they help me deepen my knowledge of the founder and hopefully be rooted in him and be able to share him to our formands.
I would say I almost read them every day. What I find particularly interesting is how he used and reflected on Scripture, given the pre-modern period of Scripture that he lived through. I also believe that he would have lots to say to us re the post-modern period we are in, the decreasing numbers of “attending” Christians at Mass and sacraments. I believe he would have Oblates focused on the great numbers on the margins, the disillusioned, the cynics, those who feel that the hierarchy are totally out of touch. I think he would keep them within the informal church. Cardinal Martini was right, at least in Europe, and in the English-speaking world. Time for a 21st century response!
Thanks Frank for your perseverance. It is much appreciated.
Well said Paul. I totally agree with you. I think an Oblate presence in the world, especially in our society, is needed more now than ever.
So so many people now think they have matured to a level that they believe they are in control; they no longer need God let alone church in their lives.
And, sadly, on the flip side of this, all too many people have basically given up. They may have their faith but they no longer believe that how they think and how they act has any effect on the big picture so why bother; why even bother going to church – it is so irrelevant anyway.
The church has changed and is changing. A lot of people don’t realize this – they don’t go; how would they? So we, as Oblates, need to take “church” to them just as Eugene saw that he had to when he gathered his group of missionaries.
So yes Frank, what you are doing is important. We need insight into Eugene – we need his inspiration and guidance.
I have come to know the Oblates through a dear friend who is an OMI priest, and through the wonderful ministries of Christ the King Retreat Center in Buffalo, MN. I am learning, mainly through this site, to appreciate the man Eugene was, and some of the difficulties he faced. I appreciate very much his work with those on the margins, and the poor, perhaps those who would not be welcome in some areas of “church”. It resonates with the times of today. I also appreciate and choose to believe that he would have a special place in his heart for families that are far from perfect and know family heartache, and would welcome those who hurt into “church”, albeit perhaps the “informal church” as Paul says. I appreciate your offerings Frank, I do read them daily, and I have learned to turn to Eugene for support and care. Thank you.
I too read these postings daily. I respond when something strikes a chord in me. I downloaded a copy of your Doctoral thesis on St Eugene Frank which I will finish reading soon. So thank you for this service. As a convert from Protestantism, I am sometimes unsure why what a saint did or said has any importance. I am still at the stage of why Eugene? ie, why not Francis, why not Ignatius? etc. However I am drawn to Eugene because I see Oblates as specialists in mission, sort of spiritual Mr Fix its out there on the street. This is where priests and religious should be. Jack Lau embodied this as does Roy Boucher for me. Being involved with the Galilee Mission Centre in Arnprior, ON has and is a wonderful experience – ongoing exposure to the Oblate spirit and community.