One of the foundational principles of the Missionaries was to try as much as possible to seek “to imitate the virtues and example of our Savior Jesus Christ, principally by devoting themselves to the preaching of the word of God to the poor.” (1818 Rule Chapter One, §1 article 1)
The instructions for the journey to the village where they were going to conduct the mission show an attempt to imitate the way Jesus and the disciples evangelized in the Gospels. Jesus sent them out “two-by-two” and this indicated the absolute minimum number of missionaries. Eugene wanted as many as possible because they were to be a witnessing community to the village:
One will never go alone on a mission; there will be at least two together.
1818 Rule Chapter One, §1 article 6
Their means of transport were to be the same as those used by Jesus and the disciples and the poor of the villages, particularly because the distances in Provence were not too long:
When the village where they are to go is not too far, they will travel on foot to imitate and honour the journeys and fatigues of our Saviour and the Apostles when they traversed the towns and villages to proclaim the Kingdom of God there.
1818 Rule Chapter Two §2
Insofar as possible, the missionaries will travel on foot or by horseback; they will not use a coach except in case of necessity.
1818 Rule Chapter One, §1 article 7
Recalling that the missionary journeys of Jesus and his disciples were always privileged moments of instruction and formation for them, the Missionaries were invited to enter into the same spirit:
During the journey they will converse often of the virtues practiced by the first preachers of the Gospel, and of which our Saviour gave the example to them and to us during his apostolic journeys. In this manner they will endure their fatigue.
1818 Rule Chapter Two §2