Father Fernand Jetté OMI (Superior General 1974-1986) wrote:
It is essential for a religious family to be recognized by the Church, for it is the Church who “constitutes” us, as the Founder put it; it is the Church who gives us our “mission”, who sends us as an apostolic corps to evangelize the world.
For a religious family the issues at stake are substantial; it invites people to leave everything, to give up establishing themselves in this world in order to commit themselves in a radical way and within a group to the following of Christ. In such a project, each one stakes his own life. Who will guarantee the Gospel authenticity of the way that is proposed?
Furthermore, if new formulations and important changes occur within the Institute in the course of history, who will guarantee the authenticity of these changes?
Before one can offer people a particular way of evangelical life, it is necessary that there be signs from God, discernment and the Church’s official confirmation.
It is the Church therefore that “constitutes” us what we are. She vouches to the faithful for the Gospel authenticity of the life-project we offer them. “
A Happy Feastday to all of you.
Such a beautiful way that Fr. Jetté writes of the OMI Rule of Life, which is the living expression of our Oblate Charismatic Family. Since Eugene’s time it has been and is the Church who is the “guarantor”, the body of the Church which protects the Charism given to Eugene and to this congregation.
I can’t help but think of what happened to the Church in France during the French Revolution(s) with churches being abandoned, shut down and desecrated, and how the various congregations were disbanded… Yet they rose to provide new and ongoing life for all of called to be her followers and members.
Today with all of it’s violence and anxiety; with those who would of their own accord change as many of our life’s rules and laws so as to save a small few who want to be little demi-gods.
Today is a day to celebrate and give thanks… a day to recognise how our God seeks us out, calling us, receiving our oblations and sending us out so as to share our experience(s) of God.
Happy Feast Day to all of us sons and daughters of St. Eugene.