THE SATISFACTION, IN SEEING GATHERED TOGETHER MEN OF SUCH A GREAT AND GENUINE MERIT, WHO HAVE DONE EVERYTHING FOR THE CHURCH AND WHO ARE EAGER TO DO STILL MORE FOR THE GLORY OF GOD AND THE SALVATION OF SOULS.

Posted on September 3, 2021 by franksantucci

Eugene was ecstatic about the experience of the gathering of Oblates at the General Chapter. In his diary he wrote:

I will describe nothing about all that has happened in this memorable chapter. The register in which these acts are consigned preserves the memory of what was most remarkable, but one will never know how to depict the spirit of charity, the proofs of attachment to the rules, to the Congregation, to the superior, the unity of views and thoughts, the dedication, the abnegation, the holy indifference for every work, in whatever part of the world it may be.

I admit that I have not been able to contain the feeling of satisfaction, in seeing gathered together men of such a great and genuine merit, who have done everything for the Church and who are eager to do still more for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

Eugene de Mazenod’s Diary, 13 July 1843, EO XXI

One hundred and eighty years later, Eugene’s heart must continue to rejoice as he sees his charism alive and bearing fruit in the Mazenodian Family.

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1 Response to THE SATISFACTION, IN SEEING GATHERED TOGETHER MEN OF SUCH A GREAT AND GENUINE MERIT, WHO HAVE DONE EVERYTHING FOR THE CHURCH AND WHO ARE EAGER TO DO STILL MORE FOR THE GLORY OF GOD AND THE SALVATION OF SOULS.

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Oblate Associate says:
    September 3, 2021 at 12:10

    As I focus and reflect on the last paragraph of Eugene’s diary entry, an image becomes visible within me. It is as if I am standing in a great hall, that is larger than the world, and I see with many doors being opened and people entering and finding their places. There are the Oblates, past and present and Eugene in the centre, but totally a part of all others and no one spot was better or less than any other. Walking with them are others, men and women, religious and lay, married and single; and as the hall continues to fill the walls somehow recede as even more join with us. One spirit shared with all, with each other and those who look on find their places within the family. And looking around I see that the walls had dissolved for they are no longer needed. And all join in a way of being so that their hearts are perfectly joined with the hearts of those around them in the most intimate of ways as they become one without losing any of their uniqueness. And in looking and connecting with the other they became one and the Spirit speak and sings songs of praise within each of them. As the image fades it is as if they slowly depart, each going to his or her place where the celebration of life will continue and be reenacted in a living way. And they take their place in the world with all others, as one – in God. One God, one sacred and holy heart in which all reside. None will ever be separated again from any other, for their hearts and beings are becoming one.

    The image is that most certainly of the Church, and of all families. And it is without a doubt an image of our Mazenodian Family.

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