OUR REFLECTION ON SCRIPTURE FINDS ITS FULLNESS IN THE SACRAMENTS (C7)

Our mission puts us on constant call to respond to the most urgent needs of the Church through various forms of witness and ministry, but especially through proclaiming the Word of God which finds its fulfilment in the celebration of the sacraments and in service to others.

Constitution 7

It was the Savior who had to speak through his co-operator and invite the listener to a deeper encounter, as Eugene wrote in his Rule:

The missionary – lest his preaching be in vain – will pray and get others to pray to the Divine Master of hearts, to deign to accompany the words of his minister with that powerful grace, which moves and converts souls, and without which all words are but as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal.

Eugene de Mazenod’s 1826 Rule Part I, Chapter 3, §1, Art. 24.

The preaching of parish missions, for which we were originally founded, was all about preaching the Word of God and inviting people to respond by celebrating the sacraments. The goal of the Missionaries was to have every person celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation and receive the Eucharist.

A sacrament is a privileged moment of encounter with Jesus Christ. May our listening to his Word lead us to a deeper expression of communion with him and an appreciation of his sacramental presence..