Six years ago I came across software for producing a blog and I began to play around with it as a personal hobby. Someone then told me to be more intentional and publish properly. I did not expect anyone to be interested in my Mazenodian ramblings, but went ahead on 1 May 2010 and tried “St. Eugene Speaks to Us” – in the foundation house in Aix en Provence.
Today is the sixth birthday of this daily reflection, and this is the 1468th entry! I am amazed at how it has taken on a life of its own and is translated into French, Spanish and Polish.
The style and approach has changed over the years. My aim has been to journey through the writings of Eugene chronologically – and I had nearly completed the year 1828, before I paused to explore our spirituality and our founding vision on the occasion of our bicentenary. I am now conscious that more laity than Oblates read the reflections, and so I intentionally try to ensure that what I am writing does apply to all members of the Mazenodian Family.
For nearly four years the place of daily writing has been Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas, and Eugene assures me that he is delighted to wear his new hat, because some of his Oblates have been wearing it for 167 years in this part of the world!
What does the future look like? The creation of the Kusenberger Chair of Oblate Studies promises exciting new directions for the future. I dream that this daily reflection space will be intimately connected with this venture and become a vehicle for aspects of Oblate Studies to reach a larger audience around the world!
Each day this reflection is written in blind faith that someone out there will be helped by it – I do not know how many people actually read it and how many are touched by one or other aspect of it. It is a daily adventure for me to allow a text of Eugene to speak to me, and if my sharing this is beneficial to someone else, then I am delighted!
Happy Birthday, “St. Eugene speaks!”
Frank Santucci OMI
Kusenberger Chair of Oblate Studies
Oblate School of Theology, San Antonio, Texas.
(www.ost.edu)
Happy Birthday “St. Eugene Speaks”!
I think that I shall always be grateful Frank that you tried such a venture. It has become a part of my early morning reflection and prayer life. I began coming here to this place which you have referred to as ‘Mazenodian ramblings’ to learn more about St. Eugene, his family and Oblate spirituality because I felt drawn to all of it. Gradually it became a part of the base from which my days would begin and that I would move out from, go out into life. Often I would find myself returning to these pages later on during the day for there was more to be gotten from Eugene’s life as he shared with us who he was, his spirit. It has spawned other small studies of Oblate ways of being for many of us lay people who have felt called to this specific way of life.
Each day I find myself coming here to reflect with a blind faith that the Holy Spirit will speak to me through St. Eugene’s words and your ramblings, some of which are indelibly printed on my heart, not always without some struggle. It is a deepening process that continues daily.
This morning I have sat here and reflected on the life that has been given to me and how I continue to learn and discover who I am in and through St. Eugene who I fondly refer to most often as “Eugene”, who I am in and through the Oblate community, through the Oblate Associates, the entire Mazenodian Family an as part of a Church which I love more than I usually express. It all spreads out from there.
This daily adventure has become a part of my journey and I am most grateful for every bit of it. I cannot speak for anyone else – I don’t need to. But I have talked with many who come here each day for some of the same reasons as myself and it has become such a part of my life, I suppose of our lives. It is a starting point for our days, mornings, afternoons or evenings.
It’s been a wonderful six years Frank and I looking forward to continuing on with this. Thank you seems so little to say, but thank you. Be delighted. Happy Birthday!
Frank, just came across this blog now, hope you are well, it has been a very long time. God Bless, Neil Philipson, St Benedicts 1983
Happy 6 th birthday! Thank you Frank for your consistency in writing some points every day. That is a mamoth task. I receive your emails from the blog. I dont get a chance everyday to read them but when i do they are helpful in living the spirit of st. Eugene. Thanks again for your faithfulness and peseverence in promoting the spirit of Eugene .
Father Frank! You are a faithful son of St. Eugene and the Oblate Congregation he was inspired to form for the evangelization of the poor. Through “St. Eugene speaks” you provide a beautiful ministry and service to the Congregation and to the Church St. Eugene loved so much. Thank you for reminding us of the heart and soul that has kept us alive and thriving, despite all the setbacks, for the last 200 years! May the Immaculate Virgin Mary continue to accompany and inspire you to spread the Good News so many of her Oblates have shed their blood proclaiming!
Fraternally in JC & MI,
Bart
Theology Teacher
Skutt Catholic High School
Omaha, Nebraska
Thank you, Frank, for your blogging venture – your special ministry, that continues to share the Mazenodian gifts to a wider circle than you can probably imagine, especially remembering to include those of us on the periphery. Blessings!