Tag Archives: parish missions

IN THE LIGHT OF CRITICISM, A REMINDER THAT IT IS GOD THAT THE MISSIONARY WORKS FOR

I have reflected in detail on this letter of Eugene because it gives us an idea of the realistic difficulties facing the Missionaries in their animation of parish missions. The letter ends rather harshly as Eugene reminds the pastor: “This … Continue reading

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ONGOING PASTORAL CONCERN ABOUT THE REALISTIC RESULTS OF A MISSION

How does one measure one’s effectiveness is working with people – particularly when the activity is spiritual? The Missionaries did this by counting the numbers of people who came to confession and communion as an indication. The pastor of Brignoles … Continue reading

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ONGOING PASTORAL CONCERN ABOUT LACK OF PERSEVERANCE

Parish missions had the ability to rouse up enthusiasm while they were taking place, and afterwards there was a tendency to lose fervor gradually. This touches into everyone’s experience of entering into new challenges with enthusiasm and the necessity to … Continue reading

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ONGOING PASTORAL CONCERN IN THE FACE OF CRITICISM

The life of anyone involved in public service and ministry is always open to criticism. In receiving criticism it is easy to allow it to make us blind to the good that is really being achieved. The pastor of Brignoles, … Continue reading

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ONGOING PASTORAL CONCERN FOR THE WELFARE OF THOSE EVANGELIZED THRU A PARISH MISSION

From 14 January to 25 February 1821 Eugene and the Missionaries had preached a demanding mission in the town of Brignoles. As was their custom, the Missionaries wanted to arrange the dates for a return visit during the following year. … Continue reading

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FASTING AND OBLATION

It was Lent – a time previously marked by severe and detailed laws of fasting in the Church. Eugene, with his spirit of oblation, wanted to be generous in everything. He wanted to be faithful in his observance, however, he … Continue reading

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THE HILL OF CALVARY IN MARSEILLE

The fury of the French Revolution had destroyed the magnificent Gothic Church of Notre Dame des Accoules in 1794 which had served the people of Marseille since 1205 (and as a parish from the 10th century). All that remained standing … Continue reading

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THE GOOD GOD KNOWS OUR NEEDS, THAT IS WHAT CONSOLES ME

In March 1821 we find Eugene and the Missionaries involved in their third successive prolonged parish mission in five months. Eugene was physically exhausted and also had to handle one of his companions who was not coping with the level … Continue reading

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THE MISSIONARY AS A CHANNEL THRU WHICH GOD BRINGS LIFE

Referring of the parish mission that they were involved in from 14 January to 25 February 1821 in the town of Brignoles, Eugene spoke of the responsibility involved in the ministry: it is no light matter to have the responsibility … Continue reading

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WITH GRATEFUL SONGS ECHOING ACROSS THE MOUNTAINS

At the end of the day, Eugene describes the return of the pilgrims to their mountainside villages. The mood is joyful because of the privileged moments lived in the presence of God in Mary’s sanctuary. The evening Office has just … Continue reading

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