In the process of discernment, Eugene placed the situation of establishing a second community and its implications before all the Missionaries. His Memoires recall:
I felt that I should summon to an extraordinary council, all those who then comprised my little band, even the younger members who were not yet in major orders. I wanted to convince them that if we were to answer the call to another diocese to establish a new foundation,
we should have to broaden the Rule we were following,
draw up more extensive Constitutions,
tighten our bonds
and establish a system of hierarchy;
in other words, coordinate everything in such a way that we should have but one mind and one code of action.
They all felt as I did and urged me to devote my time earnestly and immediately to the task of drafting the Constitutions and Rules that we should have to adopt.
Bishop de Mazenod, “Memoires.” Cited by Rambert, I, p. 282
At this stage all the attention was focused on taking on the ministry of the Marian Shrine of Notre Dame du Laus. As we shall see later, the question of the passage to religious life would become a “hot potato” for some of the Missionaries who were diocesan priests.
“…coordinate everything in such a way that we should have but one mind and one code of action.” I am drawn to these words. I think of my heart’s desire and prayer for so many years – to become one with my Beloved, with Jesus on the Cross and to live that. The image is quite endless and I am not alone. I would not lose anything of myself but would grow into even more. Still there are silly little doubts and questions.
“…all the attention was focused on taking on the ministry of the Marian Shrine of Notre Dame du Laus.” In the excitement of the moment, the new, the possible, the zeal and fervor – but what happens when it enters into the ordinary of the day and demands more giving of self, more letting go of self, more change within?
I am reminded of the Trappist monks in Algeria (Of Gods and Men) – united in thoughts and actions but even they had to first face and walk through their individual fears and questions; they had to pray and discern before coming together. I think of the Apostles who ran from the Cross – how they too had to face and walk through their own fears, doubts and questions – had to let go of their dreams, well the images they had given to their dreams. And Jesus in the Garden…
“Tightening the bonds so as to have unity of thought and action.” Only immense love and surrender, only oblation will make this possible and livable. I think of the Rule of Life that I will meditate on later this morning: “We fulfill our mission in and through the community to which we belong.” C37 There is no escape – but then I wasn’t really looking for one.