THE ESSENTIAL THING IS TO SEND YOU VIRTUOUS AND RELIABLE MEN
Eugene was careful in the choice of Oblates that he judged capable of being good missionaries in the trying conditions of evangelization in North America, Africa and Asia. Some of the men struggled initially but eventually settled down as good evangelizers.
The second batch of Oblates to be sent to Ceylon consisted of four priests. In choosing Fr. Frédéric Mouchel, the choice was made to provide Fr. Semeria, the superior on Ceylon, with a mature companion who would be his adviser. Mouchel was 47 years old and had been a priest for 18.
The essential thing is to send you virtuous and reliable men. They will perfect their English as all our foreign missionaries who have been sent to Canada have had to do, and even Bishop Bettachini himself. Fr. Mouchel has been working hard at this language for some time. One could say that he knows it, and that practice will help him to speak it even better. Moreover, you know his value and his virtues.
Letter to Fr Étienne Semeria, 20 January 1849, OW IV, n. 9
And
Our Fr. Mouchel shows constancy when he undertakes anything, and he is also such a good priest, such a good religious, he has such a good character, that he will be a real treasure for you. He will share your difficulties with you, and we are agreed that he will not discourage you. He knows English passably well and is quite ready to learn the other languages that are necessary for the exercise of your ministry. He is so good that he laughed when he heard of your fear that he might be too old for the difficult work of learning a new language.
Letter to Fr Étienne Semeria, 23 March 1849, OW IV, n. 11
His companions were 24 years old, of whom Eugene wrote: “Their devotion is worthy of their beautiful vocation. They leave with joy in their hearts, happy to have been chosen.” (Diary 23 March 1849)
REFLECTION
“That zeal which is kindled and sustained by a heavenly power, which makes us feel that we must speak or the very stones would cry out against us — this zeal, I say, is of an effectual kind, and the more of it the better.” (Charles Spurgeon)
This entry was posted in
WRITINGS. Bookmark the
permalink.
This morning the idea of “fidelity” keeps appearing before my heart’s eyes. Faithfulness no matter our state of life, passion and zeal, fire within our hearts or any other characteristics of hearts surrendered to love. Courage and daring are the nourishment of the day when we are young, and wisdom which is shared as we age and our steps in life seem to slow yet remain deliberate as we continue to serve each other.
I think of Fr. Mouchel who was sent to support Fr. Étienne and find myself thinking of Samuel and Eli. Fr. Mouchel. Yvon Beaudoin wrote of him saying “even though he was not very gifted as a teacher or a preacher, he was always considered a religious and beloved model wherever he went…” (Historical Dictionary)
Yesterday I went on my usual Wednesday trip to visit and take the Eucharist to two of my Oblate brothers who are in a Transitional Health Center waiting for beds to become available in a Hospice. One of them, who is very dear to me, is diminishing faster and a regular visit is no longer appropriate. As I waited for the arrival of my drive to take me home, I saw one of his brothers who had walked a block in the bitter cold to anoint him.
Fidelity! Loving service which was a model for me. Returning home I reflected on how I might serve my friend who was no longer able to visit with as such and have decided to ask permission to also say the Rosary with him as he rests before having his lunch. Such a small comfort that I am able to offer, but I am reminded of how Fr. Mouchel continued to give of himself within the community he served.