Mary went and announced to the disciples,
“I have seen the Lord,”
and then reported what he had told her.
John 20:18
EUGENE: I HAVE SEEN THE LORD
As a result of the French Revolution the people of the countryside of France were locked in their ignorance of their faith. Eugene de Mazenod had recognized the presence of the Risen Jesus in his life, and he dedicated his life to proclaiming “I have seen the Lord!” to those who were the most in need of coming to know the Risen Lord.
THE OBLATE CHARISMATIC FAMILY: AN INVITATION TO SEE THE LORD
Inviting others to enter into his life of proclamation, Eugene founded the Missionary Oblates, and insisted that their time be divided between “seeing the Lord” in prayer, reading and reflection and the proclamation, “I have seen the Lord!” whom they had encountered in this way:
The Missionaries will divide their group in such a way that while some strive in community to acquire the virtues and knowledge proper to a good missionary, others are travelling in the rural areas proclaiming the Word of God.
When their apostolic journeys are over, they will return to the community to rest from their labours by exercising a ministry that is less demanding
Request to the Capitular Vicars of Aix, 25 January 1816, EO XIII n.2