1815 : Eugene understands that God was calling him to invite other like-minded men to participate in his missionary dream
It is the second time in my life that I am making a decision of the utmost importance as a result of a strong impulse that comes from outside of me.
When I reflect on it, I am convinced that is how God wants to put an end to my indecisiveness.
Letter to Forbin Janson, 23 October 1815, E.O. VI n.5
1815, 2 October: Eugene bought the former Carmelite convent in Aix. He needed a large place in which to gather the nearly 300 young men who came every Thursday and Sunday to participate in the activities of the Youth Congregation. At the same time he needed a place where he could bring together a permanent community of missionaries.
1816, 25 January: the start of the community life of the Missionaries of Provence (later known as OMI)
The undersigned priests… deeply moved by the deplorable situation of the small towns and villages of Provence that have almost completely lost the faith… Convinced that missions are the only means by which these people who have gone astray can be brought out of their degradation… have the honour of asking your authorization to come together in Aix in the former house of the Carmelites
Request to the Capitular Vicars of Aix, 25 January 1816, E.O. XIII n.2
1816, 11 February to 17 March: mission in the village of Grans. It was the first of some 3000 parish missions preached in France during the lifetime of Eugene.
I prefer no doubt that you employ your zeal in favour of the poor abandoned mountain people rather than waste your time with the proud citizens of disdainful cities..
Letter to Pierre Mie, 7 September 1826, E.O. VII n. 253
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There is something I am understanding a little better, or able to see a little more clearly this morning. For Eugene it went past his passion and desires, both great gifts from God, but it was in response to a need within the church. I have known this before but I just realised it in a different way today.
“It is the second time in my life that I am making a decision of the utmost importance as a result of a strong impulse that comes from outside of me. ” “When I reflect on it, I am convinced that is how God wants to put an end to my indecisiveness” That small kernel of truth that Eugene trusted – in God, in himself as God created him. There was a surety within him. And yet at the same time I wonder if he struggled with where he was headed, if he doubted and questioned. For sure he did not let them stop him.
What is it that slows me down or even stops me from following those desires, the impulse to move in a very particular way? How many times do I need to hear it in the gospels or from the tongues of God’s messengers? It is like a clamor that will not be dimmed and yet I hold back in fear – fear of perhaps being ridiculed, or worse – hearing the word no. Rather than asking why perhaps I should look at why not.
Again I look at Eugene and what he started. Yesterday at Mass a visiting priest talked about Bartimaeus who risked it all asking Jesus to have mercy on him. Jesus asking Bartimaeus what he wanted and the response – to see. Nothing more. “Just ask” said the priest looking at me, “just ask”. Do I dare?