THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CANONIZATION OF ST. EUGENE: 3 DECEMBER


PRAYING WITH SAINT EUGENE DE MAZENOD

Loving Father, you blessed your Bishop Saint Eugene de Mazenod with the gift of hope.

From an early age, he experienced emotional pain and brokenness.  Amidst the many mysteries of life, you allowed him to know the uncertainty of a family broken by divorce, a nation disjoined by political revolution and a Church debilitated by religious persecution.

Through his intercession, help us now to do what he did: to draw close to your Son, Jesus the Savior.  Believing that we are saved by His death and resurrection, give us the courage and strength to face our own uncertainties and personal brokenness.

Guide us by the Spirit to decide and to live each day for your honor and glory.  By this prayer, may we receive our own healing, obtain a share of St. Eugene’s “missionary heart” to proclaim God’s Good News, and gain for ourselves and others a future filled with hope.  Come and bless us.  Amen.

Charles Banks OMI

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1 Response to THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CANONIZATION OF ST. EUGENE: 3 DECEMBER

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Oblate Associate says:

    Listening to Pope John Paul II and Fr. Marcello Zago this morning I found myself crying: I don’t know why except to say that sometimes when I recognize moments of great truth and hope, I cry.

    “Loving Father, you blessed your Bishop Saint Eugene de Mazenod with the gift of hope.” As I sit and allow myself to become immersed in Charles Banks’ beautiful prayer, I find myself focusing with great hope. I think of the first time I heard the mention of “Immense Hope” and the invitation those words carried to me. Realizing hope we become Advent people.

    “…give us the courage and strength to face our own uncertainties and personal brokenness.” In daring to face our own brokenness that we are able to look and see through the eyes of our crucified Saviour. “Come let me show you who you are in the eyes of God.”

    “Guide us by the Spirit to decide and to live each day for your honor and glory.” An opening stance that Eugene lived throughout his life. His giving of himself and leading us to do the same so that every day began and ended was “for the honor and glory” of God. Oblation.

    “By this prayer, may we receive our own healing, obtain a share of St. Eugene’s “missionary heart” to proclaim God’s Good News, and gain for ourselves and others a future filled with hope.” I think of how Eugene called us to become community, brothers and sisters, – family and how today we give thanks for being a part of the Mazenodian Family. It is together “we may be healed and give of ourselves in the service of the continuous unfolding of the reign of God within creation”.

    “Come and bless us.” These are the words of an Advent people – these are the words of all who are part of the Mazenodian Family. Let us give thanks to the Lord on this 25th Anniversary of St. Eugene’s canonization.

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