After nearly four months of hectic activity, Eugene could announce that the text of the brief of approval was ready to be signed by the Pope! Mission accomplished!
APOSTOLIC LETTER OF APPROBATION GIVEN TO THE INSTITUTE, RULES AND CONSTITUTIONS OF THE MISSIONARY OBLATES OF THE MOST HOLY AND IMMACULATE VIRGIN MARY. BY OUR HOLY FATHER LEO XII. BY DIVINE PROVIDENCE, POPE
Announcing this to Henri Tempier:
I want to finish my letter today so that it can leave tomorrow. The text of the brief has been made ready; Mgr. Capaccini is taking it with him to be signed by the Pope. Perhaps it has been done by now, I have nothing more to do.
Letter to Henri Tempier, 20 March 1826, EO VII n 231
With this recognition, the Oblates could now face the future on a solid foundation, no matter what obstacles were placed in their way by external forces. The two centuries of the missionary achievements of our Oblate Family have proved this.
Because of the historical importance of this document, I will publish it in segments in the coming days.
