Tag Archives: God’s love

WHY THE CROSS AS FOCUS? IT INVITES LOVE TO RESPOND TO LOVE

Why say more? Could I ever express what I experienced then? Just the memory of it fills my heart with a sweet satisfaction… In words, he could not ever express what the experience did to him, but in action he … Continue reading

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WHY THE CROSS AS FOCUS? IT REVEALS GOD’S PRODIGAL MERCY

Blessed, a thousand times blessed, that he, this good Father, notwithstanding my unworthiness, lavished on me all the richness of his mercy. Retreat Journal, December 1814, O.W. XV n.130 The sight of the cross, the realization of the loving embrace … Continue reading

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THE GOOD GOD SPARES OUR WEAKNESS BY LEADING US GENTLY TO HIS ENDS

Journeying towards France by slow stage coach, Eugene wrote to his Oblate family from Milan, where he was able to pray at the tomb of the patron saint of the de Mazenod family, St Charles Borromeo. I have reserved my … Continue reading

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TWO HUNDRED YEARS LATER: THE INVITATION TO TRACE THE PRESENCE OF GOD IN OUR HISTORY

Then in a poetic way, Eugene invites us to re-read the events from God’s perspective: Normally the same fate would have been in store for us. But divine Providence, which from our cradle has surrounded us with vigilant care, and … Continue reading

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TWO HUNDRED YEARS LATER: REJOICE WITH ME FOR IT HAS PLEASED THE LORD TO GRANT US GREAT FAVORS

To accompany the papal letter of approbation, Eugene wrote a letter to the whole Oblate Congregation to spell out the meaning of this for us. Its importance is highlighted by the fact that he wrote it in Latin, signifying that it … Continue reading

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THE APPROBATION OF THE OBLATES: MAY WE LEARN TO REMEMBER EVERYTHING THAT GOD HAS DONE IN OUR LIVES

Reflecting on the meaning of the approbation for us, Eugene reviews the whole process and sees the work of God at every step. In this long extract from this important letter to the Oblates, Eugene summarizes the events which led … Continue reading

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THE APPROBATION OF THE OBLATES: PROOF OF THE GENEROSITY OF GOD ON OUR BEHALF

But let us leave these reflections aside so as to stop and consider only the infinite goodness of God and the designs of his Providence on our behalf. From the beginning, the odds were against a favorable response to Eugene’s … Continue reading

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THE APPROBATION OF THE OBLATES: OUR ORIGIN IS FROM GOD

As Eugene shares the good news of our approbation with the Oblates, he reflects on the meaning of this event. The Pope recognized the work of God, a charism of the Holy Spirit, in bringing the Oblates into existence. Everyone … Continue reading

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IT IS TRUE THAT I HAVE ALWAYS PUT ALL MY CONFIDENCE IN THE GOODNESS OF GOD

As Eugene rejoices in the successful outcome of the process of ecclesiastical approval of the Oblate Congregation, he places all the reason for this success on the goodness and actions of God. In doing so, as he writes to his … Continue reading

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ALL MY STEPS, ALL MY PROPOSALS, SEEMED GUIDED BY A SUPERNATURAL LIGHT WHICH LED ME TO DO AND SAY PRECISELY WHAT WAS NECESSARY

The long-awaited goal of the papal approval of the Oblate Congregation was on the point of being achieved. The board of cardinals had voted positively and all that was needed was the signature of the Pope. Eugene writes to Henri … Continue reading

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