Dear companion on the journey of Saint Eugene de Mazenod,
It is so good to be back after a two-month break! The Christmas pause was a bit longer than usual because of the pandemic and the extra demands made on priestly ministry. Those of us who have been blessed to be spared, have been filling in for those who have been ill or in quarantine.
Saint Eugene has been speaking to us since 2010 and I am humbled to realize that we have had over 2400 entries in that time. The reflections have become very much part of my daily life.
It is important to underline the nature of this reflection. It is not primarily a choice of Eugene’s spiritual thoughts to inspire us. Its main purpose is to familiarize you through a selection of the writings of St Eugene in chronological order. I am not guided by themes, but by the order in which his writings appear. They are also available online so that people can look up themes (through the WordPress search engine on the homepage https://www.eugenedemazenod.net/) or read about a particular period of our original Mazenodian family history.
They are produced in a spirit of prayer in the presence of this icon, so I do hope that you do get some insight or inspiration from them sometimes.
Each morning Eugene looks at me, and you, through his icon with the reminder that Mazenodian discipleship is about embracing the Cross each day and allowing it to be transformed into a living scroll of Good News for all who read these reflections and all those we meet each day.
May our daily journey with St Eugene be richly blessed.
Frank Santucci OMI
Oblate School of Theology
Welcome back Eugene and Frank. It is good to be back in this place which has become such a vital part of my daily rhythm and which is always insightful and inspiring. Entering into this space of prayer and being each day is like entering into a new light and focus and moving forward.
It is not always an easy comfort but it invites and nourishes me for the daily journey. Over the years I have discovered as I take one step at a time that I am where I belong; this where and how I find life. Especially in the past year as our world seems to have been turned upside-down and inside-out I have found myself asking how would Eugene manage this or that and it would be in that light that would then be and move forward.
“…embracing the Cross …and allowing it to be transformed into a living scroll of Good News for all” This is always what it has been about – even before I met and got to know Eugene and the Mazenodian Family. I remember walking into my parish Church many, many years ago; it was during the 40 days of Easter and I was struck by how our old wooden cross made from railway ties was transformed with glory and light. Even thinking about it my heart begins to sing “The Holy City – Jerusalem” within me. And that image, that way of seeing the cross has not changed it has only deepened.
Since the pandemic began, and more recently during the past year filled with personal loss and struggle as well as the suffering of so many around me I found myself asking what would and what did Eugene do? And then seeing – yes through the eyes of our crucified Saviour, but also through the eyes of Eugene, saint, Founder, bishop, priest, father, friend, companion… What a magnificent gift we members of the Mazenodian Family have received – a way to be in every moment.
It is good to be back with all of you on this journey. Thank you.
Dear Eleanor, it is so good to read you again!
Thank you for all your regular insights into what the Mazenodian journey is all about for you in your daily life. May those who read you be inspired to do the same by applying the words of St Eugene to their particular daily situations.
Thank you St. Eugene for speaking again! I am on my journey to join this Mazenodian family and it is very encouraging to be reminded about his loving relationship for his family then as now. Thank you Frank and Eleanor for sharing your gifts.