Tag Archives: community

WHO WE ARE

The first article of the Constitution of any group is always the one which defines the purpose and juridical nature of the group. Eugene’s first paragraph does exactly this.  The purpose of the Institute of the Missionaries of Provence Until … Continue reading

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AN EIGHT-POINT IDENTIKIT

In writing the Rule in 1818 Eugene wanted to put down in writing the spirit of how the Missionaries had experienced themselves for three years. His aim was that others would be transformed by the same spirit through following this … Continue reading

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A SPIRIT OF UNITY AMONG THE MISSIONARIES

Having received the approval of all the Missionaries to take responsibility for ND du Laus as a center of mission and the go-ahead to write a Rule of Life for them, Eugene responded to the Vicar General of Digne: In … Continue reading

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A MISSIONARY GROUP DISCERNMENT

The letter from the Diocese of Digne offering the care of Notre Dame du Laus to the Missionaries stated that two priests would be needed. In the summer they would devote their whole time to the many pilgrims who came … Continue reading

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I AM PRIMARILY THE SERVANT OF MY BROTHERS

Continuing his retreat reflections, Eugene evaluated how he divided his energy in his dealings with others: In my relations with others who are not part of the community. They must always be subordinate to the obligations I have to fulfill … Continue reading

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CHANGE THE WORLD

The group model that Eugene constantly came back to was that of the apostles and the first Christians: Art. 4. They will remember that they are called to continue the example that the early Christians gave to the world from … Continue reading

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THE SUPERIOR OF A COMMUNITY IS GOD’S INSTRUMENT

At this moment in Aix there were 5 Missionaries and 7 novice-seminarians and every indication that the group would continue growing. There were also some university students living in the house, but we do not have records to indicate how … Continue reading

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FORMATION: HANDING ON EUGENE’S GOD-GIVEN SPIRIT

 As the number of young people who belong to the house has increased, clarity and regularity must grow in proportion.  Apart from the Missionaries, there were now seven young people in the house who had begun the formation process to … Continue reading

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EUGENE’S AFFECTION FOR THE MEMBERS OF HIS COMMUNITY

Eugene wrote to Hippolyte Courtès who was a 19 year-old man from Aix, who had been a member of his Youth Congregation. There was a good relationship between them and for the rest of their lives they were to be … Continue reading

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THE QUALITY OF EVERYDAY COMMUNITY LIFE IS THE BEST REPLY THAT WE CAN MAKE TO THOSE WHO DO US EVIL

During Eugene’s absence from Aix, community and apostolic life continued as normal in the house of the Missionaries. There were the everyday preaching and sacramental activities of the Church of the Mission, the Youth Congregation met two days of the … Continue reading

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