Tag Archives: community

BEING A MISSIONARY WITHOUT GOING ON MISSIONS

Eugene was living at the Calvaire Oblate community in Marseille, and was its superior during the months that Fr. Marius Suzanne was away. Despite his diocesan responsibilities, he continued to be involved in the pastoral activities of the Oblate community … Continue reading

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SHARE THE BREAD OF FRIENDSHIP, FAITH, REFLECTION AND PRAYER

Missionary zeal was not only exercised outside of the community in preaching and celebration of the sacraments, but also within the house when people came to spend time and to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation. … one must know when … Continue reading

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ONE MUST KNOW WHEN IT IS TIME TO CLOSE ONE’S DOOR

Most of us do not know how to reasonably close our doors and evaluate the requests made on our time and energy. After the exertions of a hard mission, is it abnormal that I demand that you rest and that … Continue reading

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THE ESSENTIAL THING IS THAT YOU PRACTICE PATIENCE INTERIORLY AND THAT YOUR SPIRIT BE AT REST IN GOD

During Eugene’s time, many young people died from various illnesses and infections. The Oblates, always guided more by missionary zeal than by good health sense, were prone to catching chest infections and illnesses like tuberculosis. Eugene encourages patience to those … Continue reading

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WE OUGHT TO FIND OUR HAPPINESS WITHIN OUR COMMUNITIES

Writing to Fr. Courtès, superior of the Aix community, about Marius Suzanne gives Eugene the opportunity to look at the role of community for an Oblate. How tempted we are today to give in to the temptation of only looking … Continue reading

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MISUNDERSTANDINGS AND MISTAKES

Eugene’s affectivity led him to be impulsive at times. When he realized that his words or gestures had hurt someone, he would be upset himself and he would immediately make amends. Yvon Beaudoin explains one of these incidents: “It is … Continue reading

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CENTER OF MISSION: EACH ONE FULFILS HIS TASK FOR THE GLORY OF GOD

Six years after the establishment of the Oblate community in Marseille in 1821, the community at the Calvaire was a growing mission center. From this center of religious missionary life, the Oblates did pastoral work throughout the city, and went … Continue reading

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FOCUS ON WHAT IS LIFE-GIVING

Hippolyte Guibert had been an Oblate priest for a year, and Jeancard for 3 years and were both in their mid-twenties. Eugene followed the missionary adventures of these young men with pride and interest. As they enjoyed successes and also … Continue reading

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IN DEATH HE IS STILL USEFUL TO OUR WORK

Rejoicing with Fathers Mie and Moreau in the successful parish mission among the poor in the mountains, he encourages them and compares their ministry to a battle campaign against the power of evil. I rejoice over all you and Fr. … Continue reading

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COMMUNITY: GIVE BACK AS MUCH AS YOU CAN IN RETURN

Continuing our reflection on Eugene’s attempts to bring the young Nicolas Riccardi to his senses, we see how he tried to inspire him to see the importance of a mutally-supportive community in his life. You rap out one after the … Continue reading

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