GOD HELPS ME WITH EVERYTHING IN SO TANGIBLE A MANNER THAT I CANNOT SEE HOW IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE NOT TO KEEP IN MY SOUL A CONSTANT FEELING OF GRATITUDE

Eugene was very conscious of the importance of the approbation of the Rule for the mission of the Oblates in making known the Kingdom of God. He was aware of the presence of God in what he was doing and constantly placed his confidence in God’s providence. These passages give us an insight into Eugene’s soul.

I should add that since my departure from France and especially since I have been at Rome, the good God helps me with everything in so tangible a manner that I cannot see how it would be possible not to keep in my soul a constant feeling of gratitude which prompts me to praise, to bless, to thank God, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and in due proportion the holy Virgin, the holy Angels and the Saints to whom I believe myself indebted for the protection and the consolations that are mine. That in no way impedes me from confessing twice a week and constantly finding greater or lesser reason for humbling myself before God …

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