IT IS MY DUTY TO DO ALL IN MY POWER TO LIVE IN THE MOST INTIMATE STATE OF UNION WITH GOD THAT I POSSIBLY CAN

While Eugene was busily occupied with all that was necessary to bring the process of approbation of the Rule to a successful conclusion, he was aware that in doing God’s work it was essential that he consciously remain as close to God as possible.

I begin, my dear Fr. Tempier, by rectifying a statement of my last letter which would be too absurd and ridiculous were I not writing in intimacy and trustfulness to a friend, the confidant of my most secret thoughts; certainly I would not have let it slip out with any other person. When I said I was not sinning, I meant to say that I was sinning less; the reason for this is quite simple. First, while busy with our affairs, I have tried my best to profit from all the extraordinary and manifold graces of the Jubilee. Besides, everything here reminds me of the great examples of the saints who seem to be still living for those who go about this city with a modicum of faith.

Moreover, having in my hands an affair of the utmost importance, of which the consequences must so influence the building up of the Church, the glorifying of God and the sanctifying of souls, an affair that hell must thwart and which can only succeed thanks to a very special protection from God, to whom alone belongs the power to touch the hearts and guide the wills of men, I have had of necessity to convince myself that it is my duty to do all in my power to live in the most intimate state of union with God that I possibly can and be resolved in consequence to be faithful to his grace and not give cause for grief to his spirit.

As things stand at present, the least voluntary infidelity would seem to me a crime, not only because it would be displeasing to God, which doubtless would be the worst evil, but still more because of the consequences it could bring about.

Letter to Fr Tempier in Marseilles, 10 January 1826, EO VII n. 217