Tag Archives: Cross

THE BE-ATTITUDES: THE ONLY POSSIBLE CREDENTIAL

When an ambassador comes to a new country to represent his Head of State, he presents his “credentials” to the president or monarch of the new country where he is. For Eugene the Cross is the “credential” that shows that … Continue reading

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THE BE-ATTITUDES: THE SYMBOL THAT TRANSFORMS

Can I forget the bitter tears that the sight of the Cross brought streaming from my eyes one Good Friday? Tears of sorrow because: I had looked for happiness outside of God and for too long with resulting unhappiness. Tears … Continue reading

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YOU MUST BE MORE OPENLY A CHRISTIAN, A PRIEST AND AN APOSTLE

Continuing his reflections on the missionary crucifix, Eugene scolds Forbin Janson for having been influenced by those who criticised the open use of the crucifix. It is necessary because what we have experienced has at all times been acknowledged in … Continue reading

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THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MISSION CRUCIFIX

Founder-to-founder, Eugene continues his reflections to Forbin-Janson on some aspects of preaching missions. Here he speaks about the important role of the crucifix during missions. Like the Redemptorists, the Missionaries of France used it only when preaching missions. For the … Continue reading

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PARISH MISSIONS: ERECTION OF THE MISSION CROSS IN MARSEILLE

The historian, Robert’s description of the mission cross being brought to Marseilles, at the conclusion of the 1820 mission, by Eugene in a fleet of boats from the sea adds an unusual touch to the ceremony: We saw this magnificent … Continue reading

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PARISH MISSIONS: ERECTION OF THE MISSION CROSS

The ceremony was well prepared to be as spectacular as possible so as to appeal to the people and to ensure that this act of homage to Jesus the Saviour made an unforgettable impression on them. Those honoured to carry … Continue reading

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PARISH MISSIONS: THE “CONVERSION” OF THE MAYOR

The Mayor of Marignane had been rather cold towards the Missionaries on their arrival. Yet he warmed to the mission as it progressed, and Eugene was able to note as the end of the mission approached: While we are on … Continue reading

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PARISH MISSIONS: PREPARATIONS FOR THE CLOSURE OF THE MISSION

The mission ended with a ceremony in which a Cross was erected in a prominent place in the village as an on-going reminder of the mission – and as an incentive to prolong its effects. From the beginning of the … Continue reading

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PARISH MISSIONS: SUCCESS OF THE CONFESSION MINISTRY BECAUSE IT WAS DONE UNDER THE SIGN OF THE CROSS

It was always Christ the Saviour who was the focal point for Eugene and the missionaries, as was underlined by their use of their Oblate crucifix in confession that they placed in the hands of the penitent. It is useful … Continue reading

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PARISH MISSIONS: IN THE PENITENTIAL PROCESSION THE SUPERIOR TAKES ON HIMSELF THE SINS OF THE PEOPLE, IN IMITATION OF JESUS CHRIST. WHOM HE REPRESENTS IN THEIR MIDST

Eugene had understood the power of the Cross from the time of his youth, and was therefore able to lead others to open themselves to the same experience of the healing power of the Saviour. For him it was essential … Continue reading

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