Tag Archives: preaching

PARISH MISSIONS: INSTRUCT, INSTRUCT, IGNORANCE IS THE PLAGUE OF OUR TIMES

Eugene’s constant insistence to his Oblates was: Instruct, instruct, ignorance is the plague of our times. Letter to Hippolyte Courtès, 19 January 1839, EO IX n. 683 Studies of the missions in France during the period of the Restoration emphasize … Continue reading

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PARISH MISSIONS: THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF THE MISSIONARIES

Since the missions are one of the principal ends of the Institute, all will strive principally to fulfil this task well. 1818 Rule, Chapter Two, §1, Article 1. During Eugene’s lifetime the Oblates in France had animated some 3000 parish … Continue reading

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THE MISSIONARY: SHOW PEOPLE WHO JESUS IS AND BE A BRIDGE TO HELP THEM TO MEET HIM

A phrase that is almost in danger of passing unnoticed in the description of the life of the Missionaries is: “in preaching and in the direction of youth.” We came into existence for two clear missionary purposes: 1/ to preach … Continue reading

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THE JOY EXPERIENCED BY THE PREACHER IN BEING AN INSTRUMENT OF GOD FOR OTHERS

Concluding the narrative of the blessing and opening of the chapel for the youth, Eugene tells how he preached, and was happy to see that his words bore fruit. As preacher, Eugene understood himself as being an instrument through whom … Continue reading

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UNWAVERING IN HIS MISSIONARY GOALS: SERVE THOSE WHO ARE MOST IN NEED AND IN A LANGUAGE THEY UNDERSTAND

These chronological reflections now begin deal with the beginnings of our family, the Missionaries of Provence, later to be known as the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate Forbin Janson had invited Eugene to join his group of mission preachers, the … Continue reading

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A SIMPLE INSTRUCTION THAT GOD IN HIS GOODNESS SEES TO SEASONING

Still in the letter to Forbin Janson where the young Father de Mazenod describes his early ministry, he speaks of what happened on Sunday evenings after he had finished ministering to the prisoners: From there I rush home, where is … Continue reading

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COME AND LISTEN TO THE WORD OF GOD PLACED WITHIN THE GRASP OF THE SIMPLEST

Eugene continues to express his joy, “I cannot help being touched when I see the eagerness of the poor to hear my voice” and explains his approach to preaching. He is imitating St. Paul and wishes to preach the Gospel … Continue reading

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MY VOCATION TO BE THE SERVANT AND PRIEST OF THE POOR TO WHOSE SERVICE I WOULD LIKE TO BE ABLE TO DEVOTE MY WHOLE LIFE

Four weeks later, Eugene begins his Sunday Lenten sermon to the poor in the Church of the Madeleine with a heartfelt expression of gratitude to his listeners for the way in which they have been receptive to the message he … Continue reading

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YOU ARE SLAVES OF THOSE WHO PAY YOUR WAGES

Eugene continues to remind his poor listeners how they are regarded by the world – all the time to highlight his central message: “you are more precious in the eyes of God than all earth’s riches.” Servants, who are you … Continue reading

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WORKERS, WHO ARE YOU?

Having thundered the statement: “Christians, know then your dignity, with St. Leo I will call you sharers in the divine nature,” Eugene now addresses various categories of poor people showing them how in the light of what God teaches them … Continue reading

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