The verbal approval had been granted on 17 February, but the matter did not end there as Eugene had to go through a lot of bureaucratic procedures before concluding everything. Firstly, he had to make a hand-written copy of the 200 pages of the Rule, then get the copy authenticated – all which demanded much writing and patience on his behalf. Once he had all the necessary seals, what remained was to request the Pope to sign the Brief of Approbation, which Eugene and others were to produce. Frustrated, Eugene commented: “I keep going back and forth so often to see the same persons and deal with the same matters.”
March 1st: I knew that Bishop Capaccini was to have a papal audience yesterday and would certainly have received his directives for the Brief that he was to draw up. So, I was in a hurry to get to his place this morning. He received me most graciously and remembered to tell me that the Holy Father had spoken very favourably about me, and recommended that he speed up my business matter, that is to place it before all others… I believe that the Brief will be drawn on Saturday; this work demands some diligence.
Roman Diary, 1 March 1826. EO XVIII.
Two days later:
Another trip to Father Giulio Barluzzi, then to the chancellery for Bishops and Regulars where I found out that I had to make a third copy of my petition. Praise the Lord! I brought the manuscript back home and resigned myself to being submissive. I did it as quickly as possible. When will I end being a scribe? When will my trips ever end?
Roman Diary, 3 March 1826. EO XVIII
Words of encouragement when we are stuck in menial tasks – it helps to remember the bigger picture. God is usually behind it!
