Tag Archives: community

RENEW YOURSELF WITHOUT DELAY IN THE SPIRIT OF YOUR VOCATION

Hilarion Bourrelier had shared his confusion and anguish with Eugene, while he was spending time in Laus, and had later written to express his doubts and confusion. Eugene responded: You could not please me more, my dear Bourrelier, than by … Continue reading

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I HAVE ALWAYS REGARDED YOU AS MY CHERISHED SON, EVER SINCE THE LORD CONFIDED YOU TO MY CARE, SINCE I ENGENDERED YOU IN JESUS CHRIST

In our exploration of Eugene’s writings of 1821 we have seen his concern to maintain the spirit of the Missionaries, and his joy at seeing how this was in effect taking place. The membership of the Society was made up … Continue reading

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THE SATISFACTION OF SEEING A COMMUNITY ON THE RIGHT TRACK

In August 1821 Eugene had the opportunity to travel to Notre Dame de Laus and to make an official visit (known as a “canonical visitation” in church language). Its purpose was to be a fraternal visit to support the Missionaries … Continue reading

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LEADERSHIP IS THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN OF LONELINESS

Entrusted with the ministry of maintaining all the communities functioning in harmony with the founding spirit, Eugene’s role was not always pleasant, especially when human weaknesses got in the way of the common welfare and the superior would have to … Continue reading

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THE GOOD GOD KNOWS OUR NEEDS, THAT IS WHAT CONSOLES ME

In March 1821 we find Eugene and the Missionaries involved in their third successive prolonged parish mission in five months. Eugene was physically exhausted and also had to handle one of his companions who was not coping with the level … Continue reading

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A LONELY MISSIONARY NEEDS FRATERNAL SUPPORT

The 31 year-old Henri Tempier, who had lived 3 years of intense community life in Aix, now found himself at ND du Laus with one Oblate student and one postulant. Zealous missionary that he was and obedient religious, he still … Continue reading

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A SPIRIT OF SIMPLICITY AND JOYFULNESS

In February – March 1819 Eugene was one of the five Missionaries doing the parish mission at Eyguières. In this letter to the rest of the community in Aix we catch him in a moment of relaxation where he banters … Continue reading

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THE IDENTITY OF THE MAZENODIAN FAMILY: SEE HOW THESE CHRISTIANS LOVE ONE ANOTHER

Eugene’s description of the Missionary vocation to a prospective member continued: We live in community under a mild Rule which fixes our duties and gives a very great value to the least of our actions. The spirit of charity and … Continue reading

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THE IDENTITY OF THE MAZENODIAN FAMILY: THE TECHNIQUES OF OUR SPIRIT

The major event of 1819 was the community of Missionaries establishing themselves at the shrine of Notre Dame du Laus in January. Until now the community had been based solely in Aix, and it had been easy to maintain the … Continue reading

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CHECKS AND BALANCES

Although he had to stay behind in Aix, Henri Tempier played an important role in the Barjols mission. On questions of health, he was the only one who had any hold on Eugene and he had forbidden him to tire … Continue reading

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