The cancellation of the Concordat between the Pope and the King of France meant that the arrival of the new Archbishop in Aix was delayed for another two years. In the meantime the Capitular Vicars continued their administration, and the Missionaries were able to continue their work despite the ongoing criticisms and opposition of some of the priests.
Is it possible that our patience has failed to soften the anger of these good parish priests? The only thing that afflicts me in all this is that these people, with dispositions so contrary to charity, do not refrain from ascending to the altar. If I had the misfortune to do a hundredth of what they permit themselves to do, I would celebrate the sacred mysteries only after having done penance, while not only asking God’s pardon but also making reparation to my neighbour. And these are men who have one foot in the grave! I pity them with all my heart yet, apart from the offence against God which I regard as very grave, I am little concerned about their wrath.
As for the unbecoming remarks they let fall in my regard, how I laugh for pity’s sake. If I had as little fear of God as they, I would have defied them. But far be it from me to render them evil for evil; on the contrary, I would well wish to do them all the good they could desire for themselves.
Letter to Henri Tempier, 24 November 1817, O.W. VI n. 30
On the topic of unhappy priests, I can’t resist sharing this quote from St Theresa of Avila:
How did those priests ever get so serious and preach all that gloom?
I don’t think God tickled them yet.
Beloved – hurry.
Thank you Frank for this gift that you give to us each day. In St. Eugene’s humanness I am so often able to reflect and find some/much of myself. Today was special with the quote from St. Theresa. What a wonderful way to start the day – with a quiet chuckle and a smile. I am reminded of a dear friend who died not long ago. He would see me rushing into his office very upset about one person or other. He would get up saying that I must be down a hug that day, then as he hugged me he would remind me how much God loved me. And of course that would calm me right down and give me a small smile.
Although I don’thave Eleanor’s specific personal memory attachment – I, too, at times find comfort in the humaness of St Eugene’s nature – but this time had a special warmth flow over me when reading the lines from St Theresa of Avila. When I am especially miserable, I shall try to remember that I have been “tickled” by God!