THERE IS SO MUCH HAPPENING THERE TO MOVE A TRUE MISSIONARY TO THE DEPTHS OF HIS BEING

Posted on September 20, 2022 by franksantucci

Am I moved to the depths of my being when I hear about others coming to know about Jesus Christ and commiting themselves to a relationship with him?

Father Francis Xavier Bermond had asked Eugene to be one of the members of the first founding group of Oblates to leave for Canada. He had a difficult personality, and Eugene did not think it wise to send him on a delicate mission at that stage. Now, four years later, Eugene and his council judged that the time had come to send Fr Bermond to Canada.

I have not forgotten, my dear Father Bermond, how upset you were not to have been chosen to be a member of our substantial colonies abroad. Today it can be done. Father Guigues is loudly pleading for someone to replace Fr. Pierre Aubert at Longueuil. It is quite natural that I call upon you whose wishes are known to me and I readily choose you to fulfil a task which I am confident you will perform well. Nothing is comparable to the blessings that God pours upon our Congregation in Canada. They clamour for men.

You will be received with open arms.

The time of departure will be towards the middle of the month of July. Your destination is Longueuil. There you will find Fathers Guigues and Allard permanently stationed. It is where Father Baudrand and his companions stay when they return from their missions. Fathers Durocher and Brunet have given splendid missions in the lumber camps where they are received like gods and where they lead everyone back to the practice of virtue. It is enough to make one feel ecstatic. As for Fathers Laverlochère, Fisette, etc., they are evangelizing the Indigenous people. There is so much happening there to move a true missionary to the depths of his being.

Letter to Father Francis Xavier Bermond, 20 April 1845, EO I n 53

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One Response to THERE IS SO MUCH HAPPENING THERE TO MOVE A TRUE MISSIONARY TO THE DEPTHS OF HIS BEING

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate says:
    September 20, 2022 at 12:55

    This past weekend I had the joy of being able to preach, to break open the Word with my fellow parishioners. And after each of the Masses a few stopped to thank me, telling me how they had been touched. And I was grateful to know hear how God had used me.

    I think of what it is like to be with someone who has touched my heart deeply and accompanied me on my journey of life and ongoing conversion experiences. Whether it is in person, online or in prayer my being lights up with joy and gratitude. And I celebrate and thank God for that which is both deeply personal but also communal.

    I think to of how God sometimes uses each of us as instruments of love… Imagine knowing we have made a difference in the life of another(s)… And whenever we connect we enter into communion with those whose values we share.

    There is a small aha moment here as I recognize it is both ways. I am reminded of the drawing of the flaming hearts with Jesus in the middle, surrounded by his disciples and with the love flowing back and forth and all around coming from those many flaming hearts, and seeing that widen to more and more – without ending…

    I am reminded of that photo coming out of the General Chapter after the Lay members of our Oblate Family presented, shared with the Oblates there, and the picture of the Oblates standing and applauding – their faces full of love and gratitude. Their hearts were touched, they had allowed the Holy Spirit to speak to and with them through those seven lay brothers and sisters representing us in our many ways of being in association with them.

    Celebration. Reciprocity – that flow back and forth. Not just one way.

    This morning I have been touched to the depths of my being, because I am in communion with the rest of my beloved Oblate family. I may not know all the names or the faces, but my heart recognizes each of them.

    Reply

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