IN GOD’S NAME, CALM YOUR STATE OF MIND WITH THE HELP OF SUPERNATURAL THOUGHTS

We have seen how the Oblates had established a community of missionaries in Limoges. Fr Hippolyte Courtès, who knew the spirit of the Founder, had been sent temporarily to launch the project. A member of that community, Fr Jean Viala, had written to Eugene to express that he was unhappy in Limoges and that the climate did not agree with him. Eugene responded:

I was very consoled, my dear Father Viala, to learn from your letter all the good you have accomplished in the diocese of Limoges. How is it, then, that you are asking me to withdraw you from there? Is it because you are suffering, but where is that not the case?

… You’ve allowed yourself to get too preoccupied, and, by not reminding yourself that we ought to be where Providence has placed us, you have given in to feeling worn out, and that’s the problem. But, my dear friend, think about our position with the Bishop of  Limoges. He writes me letter after letter urging me not to delay a moment in fulfilling the obligations we have contracted, he needs at least six capable missionaries, and it’s just when Father Courtès has withdrawn…

In God’s name, my dear Father, calm your state of mind with the help of supernatural thoughts.

Letter to Fr. Jean Viala at Limoges, 21 June 1848, EO X n 979

REFLECTION

Serenity comes from being in a loving relationship with God’s providence and allowing this to fill our thoughts.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)