Since cholera was daily more ravaging, I thought that religion had to take the initiative as regards some relief that it would be fitting to procure for the poor sick people. So, I called a meeting at the Bishop’s house of the heads of our religious institutions…
They decided to establish five field hospitals throughout the city run by the women and men religious. The political interests of the Mayor interfered and he did not allow the idea to come to fruition.
The diocesan priests and the Oblates continued to serve the sick day and night.
The dedication of the diocesan priests has not failed this third time, any more than in the other two. Our Fathers at the Calvaire are continually being called to the bedside of cholera victims. They lend themselves day and night to this ministry of charity as their duty calls, but they do so wholeheartedly and with as much zeal as they and their brother religious at Aix have shown in other invasions of this plague. We have prescribed public prayers to conclude with the general procession of Saint Lazarus that will take place at the church of the saint.
Eugene de Mazenod’s Diary, 30 August 1837, EO XVIII
Sitting with Eugene’s description of those who are helping to alleviate the suffering of those stricken by cholera I am reminded of Fr. Vioncenzo Bordo in Korea and a wondering if he has been able to continue to care for and serve meals to those who the world seems to have written-off and forgotten. How is he doing – how is his own spirit in all of this world now facing the Coronavirus? Will the authorities allow him to continue in his ministry? Those who rely on his love are every bit as important to God as he is; he is every bit as important to God as they.
What is it that gives those who serve God with such love, courage and stamina to care for those who are sick and dying? Eugene states quite clearly that it is not just the Oblates who are rendering this service of love but it is the diocesan priests as well. This is what it looks like when someone sees through the eyes of our crucified Saviour; love, endless love.
“We have prescribed public prayers…” Our Archbishop has sent out a letter to the parishes advising and suggesting how we might serve in a responsible way so as to help contain the virus should it hit our communities here. Religion taking the initiative as possible. We will serve each other in the many ways that we can; just as did Eugene and the priests in France in 1837 – out of love of God and God’s poor. This is for all members of our Mazenodian Family, not just as select few; to love and serve as we are called by God – filled with the shared charism and heart of Eugene.
I am a little surprised for words from John Michael Talbot’s “Hosea” come to me. “Come back to me with all your heart, don’t let fear keep us apart…” This is how Eugene lived; St. Eugene pray for us.