THEY ARE LEAVING FOR THAT MISSION, WHICH IS SO UNATTRACTIVE, HUMANLY SPEAKING, WITH A HOLY JOY AND AN ASTONISHING ZEAL
I have spent eleven consecutive hours at my desk writing to all our Fathers in Oregon and drawing up instructions both for them and for Fr. d’Herbomez who, together with two Brothers, is going to join them by way of California… I have spoken of Fr. d’Herbomez and Brothers Surel and Janin who are setting sail today on the interminable journey to Oregon, passing by Cape Horn. Ah, how admirable are these courageous children! They are leaving for that mission, which is so unattractive, humanly speaking, with a holy joy and an astonishing zeal. Everybody is very edified and the eighty passengers have proclaimed their great joy at having them, especially the priest, as travelling companions. I hope that it will be useful for their souls during this long journey which lasts no less than six or seven or even eight months.
Eugene de Mazenod’s Diary, 19 November 1849, EO XXII
REFLECTION
It is hard for us to imagine these young men leaving on a journey by sea and overland that would take 6 to 8 months. They were aware that hardships awaited them in Oregon, and that they would probably never see France again. Yet they set out with joy to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to people who had never heard it. All three missionaries spent the rest of their lives in Canada, with Louis D’Herbomez becoming Vicar Apostolic of British Columbia in 1863.
Today our Oblate Rule of Life continues to hold out this ideal: “we give ourselves to the Father in obedience even unto death and dedicate ourselves to God’s people in unselfish love. Our apostolic zeal is sustained by the unreserved gift we make of ourselves in our oblation, an offering constantly renewed by the challenges of our mission.” Constitution 2
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Yesterday I found myself reflecting on the beginnings of Eugene’s great adventure as he and the other founding members came together to live as community under one roof. Their joy came about from their unrestrained passion and love for God.
I am reminded of Eugene stating that he didn’t want any smoldering wicks in his community. Eugene wanted to see passionate young men on fire with their love for God and others.
It is no different today with the Oblate/Mazenodian Family, for we have been invited as Eugene’s sons and daughters to allow ourselves to be sent. I think of our joy when we come together whether it be at our monthly gatherings, or at other community events. The Committed Oblate Associates (no matter the name or where we live) who come together and the joy we experience in and with each other, in the various roles we have been called to live. Our foundations are realized in how we each live our oblation and share Eugene’s charism with each other and all who meet along the way.
Coming here each morning allows our passion “to be sustained” and nourished by our oblation to God. Are we fully alive? Have we given only a small part of ourselves in a measured and limited oblation? Will we allow God to relight our fires, fueled by the gift of ourselves? Who are we being sent to today?