Tag Archives: fatherhood

HENRI TEMPIER: MY SON

Adieu, my faithful and dear companion, son, brother and cherished father …. Letter to Henri Tempier, 21 October 1828, EO VII n 313 In his writings we become aware that Eugene was always conscious of being the father of the … Continue reading

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I REGARD IT AS A PRINCIPAL DUTY TO ASSIST ALL THOSE OF OUR BROTHERS WHO ARE IN DANGER OF DEATH

Fr. Victor-Antoine Arnoux, born at Gap on January 22, 1804 died in Aix on July 13th. Fr. Courtès had written to Eugene on this day: “Aix, Sunday, July 13th, half past eleven in the evening. Our angel has just rendered … Continue reading

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A REPRIMAND AND A HUG

Having corrected Fr Courtès above, the conclusion of this letter is typical of Eugene’s style. When he had to reprimand an Oblate, he would do it directly and did not pull his punches. Then he would be aware of a … Continue reading

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THOSE WHO EXTEND A WARM AND TENDER HAND

We catch a passing glimpse into the affectivity of the busy Eugene in the midst of his many preoccupations: his need to express his attachment and joy at being able to share more deeply with some of his Oblate sons. … Continue reading

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A HEART WHICH CANNOT BE OUTDONE BY ANYONE WHEN IT COMES TO LOVING

Perturbed by the zealous frenetic activity of his missionary Oblates, Eugene writes to Fr Courtès, the superior of the Aix community, recommending that he watch over the health of those entrusted to his care in the community. … Adieu, be … Continue reading

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I WEEP FOR A BROTHER SO PRECIOUS TO OUR SOCIETY

I weep for a brother so precious to our Society, to which he was so attached, but I do reproach myself for my tears in a way, as if I dared regret his happiness. He will be our protector beside … Continue reading

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WHEN AMONG THE OBLATES I WILL BE AT THE CORE OF ALL MY AFFECTIONS

Travelling towards France after his extended stay in Rome, Eugene expresses his impatience to be in the midst of his Oblates, who are at the heart of all his affection. I pine, believe me, because of the need I feel … Continue reading

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THE CONCERN OF THE FATHER FOR THE HEALTH OF HIS OBLATE FAMILY

Eugene’s intuitive and loving personality is expressed in these letters as he reflects on the health of his Oblate sons who were ruining their health through their missionary zeal. I commiserate with our dear Suzanne; these pains are a sore … Continue reading

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HE LIVED, AND LET OTHERS WATCH HIM DO IT

Eugene, as founder of the Oblates, considered himself the religious father of each member. Hippolyte Courtès had a special place in Eugene’s life. As an adolescent he had been a member of Eugene’s youth congregation, then he was in the … Continue reading

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I KNOW HIM AND I TESTIFY TO HIS WORTHINESS

A moment of great joy for Eugene: presenting one of his Oblates for priestly ordination. Hippolyte Guibert had finished his studies and was ready to be a missionary. He was 22 years old, and this needed a pontifical dispensation to … Continue reading

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