OUR DUTY IN RESPONSE TO THIS REMARKABLE FAVOUR IS TO NEGLECT NOTHING IN TRAINING RELIGIOUS WHO ARE FIT TO SERVE THE CHURCH AND SOCIETY

The Oblates were experiencing a growth in vocations. God’s gift in calling new members required a response of gratitude expressed in generosity in caring for and developing the growth of these young men.

There is no sacrifice we should not make for the education and good direction of the numerous members the Lord has so liberally given us, for which fact we will never be able to thank him enough. Our duty in response to this remarkable favour is to neglect nothing in training religious who are fit to serve the Church and society.
Growing numbers ensured a more fruitful mission in the future

In moments when we feel hard pressed, we may now envisage a fairly near future when we will be able to act with greater ease. That is sufficient motive to encourage us and to help us to be patient.

Letter to Hippolyte Courtès, 23 August 1842, EO IX n 775

Eugene’s words evoke a sense of gratitude for our vocations directors, formation personnel, and for the immeasurable generosity of our Mazenodian Family members who make the training of new missionaries possible. They are remembered each day in the prayers of the Congregation.

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1 Response to OUR DUTY IN RESPONSE TO THIS REMARKABLE FAVOUR IS TO NEGLECT NOTHING IN TRAINING RELIGIOUS WHO ARE FIT TO SERVE THE CHURCH AND SOCIETY

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Oblate Associate says:

    I am distracted this morning, watching the sky as the sun rises higher and higher; the clouds take on pinkish hues and the tall buildings are bathed in brilliance as their windows reflect the burning orange of the sun. It is ever changing and deepening as the city is bathed in new light which dispels the darkness. In the light we see endless possibilities for the day ahead and wonder what it will look like. I cannot see the east where the sun continues to rise but facing the west, I find myself having to remember to breathe as the sky is transformed into first pink and then the colour of fire allowing me to see the city before me in a new light. I can do nothing other than thank God for this magnificent and transformative gift of life.

    Seeing as I do in no small part because of my own formation.

    I find myself a little overwhelmed this morning as I look at who God has sent to ensure that I be given the opportunity to say yes to whatever is being asked of me as a person, as a missionary, as a member of the Mazenodian Family. I think of the Constitutions and Rules and in particular: “Faithful to Oblate tradition, the communities will have their heart set on promoting the Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate for the formation of lay people and participation in Oblate spirituality and apostolate.” (R 37b)

    The sky before me is blue with a hint of wispy clouds and light covers everything. And I join the world in giving thanks for all those who have generously shared their souls with me and the other members of our family. I ask that my day will be a breathing in and out that is filled with gratitude for all who have taken part in my seeing as I do today.

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