I WRITHED AS I WATCHED THE PAPER BEING CONSUMED WITHOUT ANYTHING SAID ABOUT YOU

Posted on August 26, 2021 by franksantucci

One of Eugene’s greatest joys was to receive news from his Oblates about themselves and their missionary work. The length of time that letters from Canada took was a source of frustration for him, thus making it a special occasion when a letter did arrive.

Since my last letters, my very dear Father Honorat, I have received in the same mail yours of April 14 and that of Father Telmon of the 5th of the same month. This is too much enjoyment in one day…  You would not believe what I went through with his letter.

I who am so avid for every detail about your community, your persons and your activities, am obliged to keep my eagerness bottled up and champ at the bit while reading two dull pages only on the subject of the Sisters of Jesus and Mary. I writhed as I watched the paper being consumed without anything said about you. For the love of God, play no more tricks like this on me. Ten lines suffice for anything not related to you.

Letter to Jean Baptiste Honorat, 31 May 1843, EO I n 19

Letters at that time were usually made up of one sheet of paper folded into four pages, with the last half being left for the address to be written on before it was sealed. There was no envelope. This explains Eugene’s frustration when useless things filled up the pages instead of news – added to which was the high cost of the paper and the postage for each sheet.

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1 Response to I WRITHED AS I WATCHED THE PAPER BEING CONSUMED WITHOUT ANYTHING SAID ABOUT YOU

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Oblate Associate says:
    August 26, 2021 at 11:54

    “For the love of God…” Eugene’s frustration is palpable. I am reminded of how often we speak of him as man with a heart as big as the world: this is much more than just a ‘nice’ saying. Eugene’s love demands that he know how his sons are all doing.

    For some reason I am reminded of Jesus as he spoke with Peter and asked Peter if he loved him. He knew that Peter had denied him three times, he did not throw that back in Peter’s face but simply asked him if he loved him. It is in this way of being that Eugene asks Honorat to share with him how he and the other Oblates are doing with only 10 lines for all others.

    That one sheet of paper would have had “to go a long way” as my grandmother who lived through the great Depression used to say. I remember how her face would light up with joy as I described the very ordinary things that I was doing in my life, or the story I was enacting with my dolls. I am reminded about my chats and times with my Beloved as I share not only my struggles and my acts, but also the core of my being which he is transforming.

    It is consoling that Eugene cared and continues to care so deeply about all of us who make up this Mazenodian Family. As it says at the top of the page: “A father’s communication with his many children… that is one of the most agreeable occupations of my life.”

    Reply

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