I RECOMMEND THAT YOU LEARN TO QUESTION IN THE COURSE OF YOUR LIFE

Posted on August 17, 2023 by franksantucci

Charles Baret was a brilliant young man who joined the Oblates at the age of 17. He was a musician, poet and had a gift for learning languages. When he had completed his studies, he was still too young to be ordained to the priesthood, so he taught philosophy at the seminary. Eugene had a special paternal affection for this talented extrovert youngster.

You were not all mistaken, my dear Brother Baret, in being convinced that I share all your anxieties. Long before now you must have been convinced of the great interest I take in you and my paternal love for you.

And now at this time. I am going to give you a new proof of this, by telling you that I have provided for the education and perhaps for the future of your young sister, if God were to call her to religious life. Meanwhile, I have come to an agreement with the Superior of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary to have her receive this child into her house.

On the death of his brother, Charles Baret’s nephews and nieces had become orphans, and he had agreed to act as their guardian – but without consulting his religious superiors.

Now how can I tell you that you did the right thing in accepting the guardianship without my authorization? I cannot do that.  It was very easy for you to consult me as you should have done in any case. But the matter is over with; I will not insist on the remarks that I could make. I can only recommend that you learn to question in the course of your life, and that you turn to the right people for advice and guidance.

Letter to Brother Charles Baret in Marseilles , 24 February 1847, EO X n 924

REFLECTION

“Few things are brought to a successful issue by impetuous desire, but most by calm and prudent forethought.”  (Thucydides)

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One Response to I RECOMMEND THAT YOU LEARN TO QUESTION IN THE COURSE OF YOUR LIFE

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate says:
    August 17, 2023 at 13:29

    What an introduction to this young Oblate. I took time to read a little bit of his story in the Historical Dictionary. Baret was a man of the heart, young and impetuous and who was very much a missionary who spent his life in obedience as he was sent to many different places to offer himself as a model of preaching and inspiring. He reminds me a bit of Eugene himself in his younger years. I have a feeling that Baret brought a balance to the many students he met, the novices that he taught.

    And dear Eugene was honest with him, and while appreciating what Baret and gone and done on his own, he did not condone the method that he took in doing it without first asking permission from his superiors. I think of Henri Tempier who brought an order into Eugene’s life and they were like a balance to each other. Perhaps that is what community is about. And again I am reminded of the ongoing theme from the General Chapter – Pilgrims of hope in communion.

    Reply

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