THIS POWERFUL ATTRACTION WHICH COMPELLED HIM TO EVANGELIZE

Posted on February 20, 2023 by franksantucci

Arrival of Fr. Lempfrit, a Carthusian whom the Pope transferred to our congregation, placing him under obedience to me. This Father requested to enter our congregation in order to dedicate himself to the conversion of indigenous people; he brought with him a Brother who had left the Carthusians before having made profession therein in order to follow the same vocation. The Father had not at all left the order of Carthusians for reason of discontentment or of lack of stability, but only because he could not resist the powerful attraction which compelled him to evangelize the native peoples.

Diary of Eugene de Mazenod, 14 January 1847, EO XXI

The Brother was the 25 year-old Italian, Gaspare De Steffanis, who was the first Oblate Brother to go to Jaffna, where he would be a missionary for 31 years.

REFLECTION

Guide my path, Lord.

Send me among the people you have made, Whether across the globe or across the street.

Give me the grace to be welcomed in

And the courage to stand out.

May my words compel

As they invoke your spirit.

May my acts shine

As they demonstrate your faithfulness.

Catholic Relief Services

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One Response to THIS POWERFUL ATTRACTION WHICH COMPELLED HIM TO EVANGELIZE

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate says:
    February 21, 2023 at 13:08

    I am reminded this morning of our collective woundedness and goodness, and how throughout her history the Church has been given the grace to rise above and to step forward.

    I recognize the great courage and daring of the Carthusian, Fr. Lempfrit, to ask that the Church allow him to retain his place as a Carthusian, but to be put under obedience to our founder so as to re-enter the world and be sent out as a missionary to the poor. I recognize the grace of wisdom of the Church as she found a way to make this happen. One size does not always fit all.

    Yesterday the Reflection from Catholic Relief Services touched me to the core and resonated within me – today even more so.

    I repeat the words as they take root in my heart:

    Guide and inspire my path Lord.
    Send me among all your people, whether across the globe or across the street.
    Give me the grace to be welcomed in and the courage to stand out.
    May my words compel as they invoke your spirit.
    May my acts shine as they demonstrate your faithfulness.

    Reply

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