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- “A SABBATH MONTH”
- IT IS THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE START OF THE CONGREGATION THAT I HAVE HEARD SUCH AN EVIL-SOUNDING WORD
- BECOME ONE WITH YOUR SUPERIOR, SO THAT YOU AND HE ARE OF ONE HEART, ONE MIND, ONE WILL
- MY HEART OF A FATHER WAS FULL OF LOVE FOR YOU WHO ARE DOUBLY MY SON
- WE MUST DISCOVER ALL THESE ADVANTAGES IN THE BLESSED CONGREGATION THAT HAS GIVEN BIRTH TO US
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- Eleanort Rabnett, Lay Oblate Associate on IT IS THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE START OF THE CONGREGATION THAT I HAVE HEARD SUCH AN EVIL-SOUNDING WORD
- Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate Associate on BECOME ONE WITH YOUR SUPERIOR, SO THAT YOU AND HE ARE OF ONE HEART, ONE MIND, ONE WILL
- Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate Associate on MY HEART OF A FATHER WAS FULL OF LOVE FOR YOU WHO ARE DOUBLY MY SON
- Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate Associate on WE MUST DISCOVER ALL THESE ADVANTAGES IN THE BLESSED CONGREGATION THAT HAS GIVEN BIRTH TO US
- Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate Associate on YOU MUST BE A FATHER TO YOUR NOVICES, YOU MUST BE CLOSE TO THEM IN THEIR DIFFICULTIES AND ENCOURAGE THEM
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“A father’s communication with his many children… that is one of the most agreeable occupations of my life” 1857
There is part of me that wants to get side-tracked with some of Eugene’s words, but there is a temptation in following that path, the temptation to see myself as better, holier than others and I do not want to waste my time in going down that path.
I take a deep breath and return to Eugene’s letter to be shared with the novices, realising it is with deep love that he shares the news of the newest Oblates in Canada, whom he has never even met and yet who share in his charism and share a place in his community, his family. It is joy and gratitude that inspired Eugene to share the good news, to share the news of the newest members of their family with the novices.
I think of the exuberance and joy that comes from recognizing the goodness of other Oblate Associates from across the country and around the world; many of whom I have never met. I love them and want others to recognize them and know the same joy that fills my heart when I meet them in prayer, in videos, using social media or zoom to connect with them. During COVID we have not been able to meet in person and yet they hold a very real place in my heart.
Dear Saint Eugene, you have become my father, my Founder, friend, and model. I look to Jesus and the apostles, and I see you and your sons and daughters. I realise the joy as over the years new people have arrived and how I have been able to share your spirit, your charism, your lived oblation with them. I recognize you and your spirit within them.
“You see how the good Lord is blessing us. Let us have courage. and not allow ourselves to be intimidated by the least impediments.” It is these words that I take to heart and trust, allowing them to become my own. Our vocation of being Oblate Associates is new in the history of the Church and with the Oblates. In your words we recognize our own vocations.