I WAS DEEPLY AFFECTED BY THIS LOSS AS I AM BY THE LOSS OF ALL THOSE FOR WHOM I AM A FATHER IN JESUS CHRIST

Posted on June 11, 2024 by franksantucci

Bishop Eugene regarded himself as much a father of his diocesan clergy as he did of the Oblates. This was especially the case if he been the bishop who ordained them to the priesthood. In his Diary he notes his sadness at the sudden death of a 24 year-old diocesan priest whom he had ordained.

I said Holy Mass for the young priest Chaillan, vicar at Saint-Cannat who just died of small pox, contracted from an ill person to whom he had ministered. I was deeply affected by this loss as I am by the loss of all those for whom I am a father in Jesus Christ. I acutely feel how much I am attached to them in every circumstance important to them, but especially when death takes them from me. It could be said that I am bonded to them with ties of blood.

Eugene de Mazenod’s Diary, 18 November 1848, EO XXI

REFLECTION

The concept of spiritual fatherhood was very important for Eugene. He understood his love for his spiritual children as a reflection of God’s loving parental heart.

Today, all of us who are touched by Eugene’s charism can look at him as a spiritual father who mirrors God’s love for us in our daily life.

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1 Response to I WAS DEEPLY AFFECTED BY THIS LOSS AS I AM BY THE LOSS OF ALL THOSE FOR WHOM I AM A FATHER IN JESUS CHRIST

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate Associate says:
    June 11, 2024 at 12:20

    Such a love goes far beyond likes and dislikes, far deeper than known or unknown; it is the loved that God kisses into us before we are born.

    It is not measured as it wells up from deep within us flowing out from that divinity within us; not stopping with ourselves but rather flowing from one to another and beyond. The only image I can describe from an image I saw some years ago: the flame of the burning hearts from Jesus to and among each of us and continuing into infinity.

    It is only our hearts that are able to recognize such a love…

    I will never forget the love coursing through me when I heard Jesus say my name. I offered my being to Him without even knowing how that would be possible. It was only when I first met St. Eugene de Mazenod telling me to “stand at the foot of my crucifix” that my universe was again transformed as his words flowed through my being. Eugene, sharing his Charism as I asked him through the Oblate/Mazenodian Family to walk with him.

    It is said that we are bonded with each other and beyond with ties of blood: fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers…

    Reply

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