Eugene’s petition to the Pope included a summary of the work and achievements of the Oblates since their foundation ten years before:
They have devoted themselves mainly to the missions, which is the principal end of their Institute and this preferably in the most abandoned areas, preaching there in the vernacular, that is in the dialect, the daily language of the people who do not understand French well in these remote places. They have offered their assistance to the Clergy in view of a moral reform by means of retreats and a good priestly training in seminaries. They have dedicated themselves to the care of the youth whom they gather in Christian groups in order to withdraw them from the world’s corruption. They have also been engaged in serving poor prisoners whom they instruct, to whom they administer the Sacraments and those who are condemned to death they accompany even to the gallows…
The Missionary Oblates of Saint Charles thus constituted have four houses and a hostel at the present. They are serving in six large dioceses. They are entrusted with the hospitals of Aix, the prisons of Marseilles, the prisons of Aix, and the shrine of Notre-Dame du Laus. Bishops are calling them to assume the direction of their seminaries. They have, furthermore, the consolation of enjoying the affection and esteem of their Superiors and fellow citizens.
Petition to His Holiness Pope Leo XII, 8 December 1825, EO XIII n. 48
It is truly inspiring to continue the work of our founder and to follow in his footsteps. May we remain committed to this mission and share his legacy with the world.