Tag Archives: parish missions

THE MISSIONARY: WHAT’S IN IT FOR HIM?

Having outlined the major points of their vision statement, they continue: The undersigned priests: … -and wishing to accomplish it in a manner as useful to themselves as it is advantageous for the people whom they propose to evangelize… Request … Continue reading

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THE MISSIONARY: DARING TO USE SHOCK TREATMENT

In the pitiful religious state in which the people of Provence found themselves, the ordinary means provided by the Church structures were not enough. The people had been at the mercy of various currents of thought over the past 27 … Continue reading

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THE FOUNDING VISION: OUR FIRST RULE

The first Missionaries of Provence produced a request for authorization that they addressed to the Aix diocesan authorities. We can see this document as the statement of the founding vision of what today we refer to as the larger Mazenodian … Continue reading

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VOCATION: YOU ARE NECESSARY FOR THE WORK WHICH THE LORD HAS INSPIRED US TO UNDERTAKE

God inspired Eugene to begin a missionary congregation, and God invites others to play a role necessary for the success of its mission. The invitation to Tempier continues across the years to all who feel called to participate in Eugene’s … Continue reading

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WE WOULD ABANDON THEM IF WE JOINED YOU BECAUSE WE ALONE, AND NOT YOU, CAN HELP THEM

What touched the heart of Eugene and made him respond was the plight of people in Provence who were not being adequately catered for by the normal ministry of the local church. Now, you will perhaps ask why, since I … Continue reading

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THE MISSIONARY COMMUNITY “ONLY EXISTS IN MY HEAD”

It now becomes clear that Eugene has thought deeply about founding a group of mission preachers in Provence. He understands that the appalling condition of the people calls him to a response, and he begins to look at practical side … Continue reading

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TO GO OFF AND BURY MYSELF IN SOME WELL REGULATED COMMUNITY

Eugene continues to reflect on his process of discerning God’s will for him as he recuperates from his near-fatal illness. His desire to be “all for God” draws him to a monastic existence. Yet, he is living the “all for … Continue reading

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IF IT IS GOD’S WILL I WILL LEAVE TOMORROW FOR THE MOON IF I HAVE TO

A month earlier, Eugene had received an offer to join his priest friend, Forbin Janson, in an association of priests to restore the ravaged Church in France by means of preaching parish missions. This letter shows that the seed of … Continue reading

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UP TO NOW AND FOR A LONG TIME I AM EVERYONE’S SERVANT AND AT THE DISPOSITION OF THE FIRST-COMER

After Napoleon’s departure, things were changing in France and the Pope had asked for mission preaching to be used in order to restore the state of the ravaged French Church. Eugene’s friend Charles Forbin Janson responded immediately by starting a … Continue reading

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THE WORLD SEES YOU AS THE REFUSE OF SOCIETY

The last group whom Eugene speaks to is that of the beggars who have no other choice to gain their daily bread. Eugene’s idea of addressing each group was inspired by a sermon of Bossuet, a famous French preacher. Bossuet … Continue reading

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