Tag Archives: conversion

ONGOING PASTORAL CONCERN FOR PRISONERS

One of Eugene’s earliest ministries had been with the prisoners of Aix, and he wanted this to continue as one of the ministries of the Oblates, as he wrote in the Rule: Art. 1. We are never to forget that … Continue reading

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LEARNING BY WATCHING A ROLE MODEL

We learn by watching good role models. The young Missionaries of Provence, full of enthusiasm but with little experience, needed the example of someone who had successfully achieved what they were setting out to do. This model was Alphonsus of … Continue reading

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BEING PREPARED TO GIVE EVERYTHING FOR THE SALVATION OF ANOTHER

Immediately after the first Mass of Hippolyte Courtès, Eugene wrote to the 20 year old Adrien Chappuis. He had been a member of the Youth Congregation and had wanted to become a Missionary as well. His behaviour as a law … Continue reading

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NEVER AGAIN

Marius Suzanne gave a description of the hundreds of people who, during the Aix mission, flocked to the sacrament of reconciliation ministered by Eugene and the Missionaries: In fact, I wish that all who live in our city of obstinate skeptics, all … Continue reading

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THE MAGNETIC ATTRACTION OF THE WORD OF GOD

Four weeks into the mission in Aix en Provence, Eugene’s  uncle Fortuné continued to enthuse about the effects of the ministry of the Missionaries of Provence, and of his nephew in particular. His way of life is truly a marvel … Continue reading

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DESCENDING INTO DARK CELLS

With a predilection for those whom the structures of the Church were not touching, the Missionaries reached out to various groups who needed a special focus or a particular message. As we reflect on this today, perhaps we could ask … Continue reading

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THE DANGER OF BRINGING CHRIST OUT OF THE CHURCH BUILDING

Not everyone was happy with the effects of the preaching of the Missionaries. Rey narrates this episode during the 1820 mission in Aix: Now, after this moving scene, there passed another one which showed how the heavens watched over their … Continue reading

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HE WORKS HIS WAY INTO THE SOUL WITHOUT EFFORT

Eugene certainly drew the crowds through his style of preaching. Marius Suzanne, who was a novice in 1820 during the mission in Aix, described Eugene’s technique of communicating the Savior, and the reaction of his listeners: The following Tuesday I … Continue reading

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A MISSIONARY EVALUATION

I am sorry, without doubt, my dear brother, that you have so little consolation at Rognac but as I am certain that your merit in the eyes of God is only the greater for that, I cannot feel too bad … Continue reading

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IF YOU KNEW ALL THAT THE GOOD GOD IS DOING HERE THROUGH OUR MINISTRY

Already a few days into the mission in Barjols, we find the Missionaries in full swing. They were successfully reaching out to persons who had been away from religious practices for decades: Here we are in the confessional, without stirring, … Continue reading

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