Tag Archives: OMI Rule

OUR FIDELITY IN PRACTICING CONSTANTLY THIS RULE WHICH HAS HELPED THEM TO ARRIVE WHERE THEY ARE

Looking at the lives of the four Oblates who had already reached the end of their earthly journey, Eugene asks himself what the secret of their happiness was. I presume that our community above must be placed quite close to … Continue reading

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A RULE OF LIFE AS A LANTERN IN THE DARK

The Church’s approbation of our Rule of Life, on 17 February 1826, was a recognition and confirmation that our Oblate charism came from God, and that by following the Rule we were assured of walking on a secure road to … Continue reading

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IT IS NOT JUST A MATTER OF STEERING THE SHIP PROPERLY, YOU MUST ALSO SHOW ME YOUR CHART

Writing to Father Courtès about the behavior one of the members of his community: I am sending to you, my dear Fr. Courtès, the letter for Fr. Sumien that I had no time to write yesterday. I perceive on rereading … Continue reading

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I NEED TO BE SMUGGLED IN AMONG GOOD VIRTUOUS PEOPLE LIKE YOU

Exulting in the goodness and virtue of his Oblate sons, Eugene realizes his own lack of virtue in comparison with theirs. What virtue do you wish that I perceive in myself? Alas! I have no illusions! … since this tree only … Continue reading

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TWO HUNDRED YEARS LATER: RECEIVE WITH FRESH ENTHUSIASM THIS RULE OF LIFE THAT HAS BEEN JOYFULLY GIVEN TO US

In consequence, receive with delight this code of our Rules that I joyfully send you. Keep these Rules with the most scrupulous care; they have been judged by the Sovereign Pontiff as very appropriate to bring souls to perfection; may … Continue reading

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TWO HUNDRED YEARS LATER: A SPIRIT OF OBLATION TO CHANGE THE WORLD OF THE MOST ABANDONED

Eugene concludes his official narration of the events of our approbation with the exhortation to respond by making their own the words of Saint Paul: “I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls” (2 Corinthians 12:15) Now, … Continue reading

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TWO HUNDRED YEARS LATER: OUR HISTORY AS A VISION OF GOD’S CREATION ON THE MOVE

Thomas Jefferson said that he liked the dreams of the future better than the history of the past. Yet, for Eugene, our history and its human instruments helped us to understand God’s plan for us for the future. We have … Continue reading

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TWO HUNDRED YEARS LATER: THE CALL TO EXPRESS OUR GRATITUDE THROUGH A RENEWED APPRECIATION OF OUR RULE

What gratitude, in keeping with such a favour, can we possibly offer to God who is so great and so good? Continuing his reflection on the meaning of the papal approval, Eugene stresses that the only way that we can … Continue reading

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PAPAL APPROBATION: RECOGNIZING OUR RULE OF LIFE AS THE WAY TO LIVE OUT OUR DREAMS

From the time that Eugene brought the Oblates into existence in 1816 until the papal approbation, he insisted on the necessity for a commonly accepted vision statement and a rule of life that would keep all the members in communion … Continue reading

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THE OBLATE CONGREGATION IS LIKE A MOTHER REQUIRING OUR AFFECTION

Now that the Oblate Congregation has been approved by the Church, it has equal status with all the other religious congregations and equal obligations. The Oblates of the Holy and Immaculate Virgin Mary are a body, a Society, otherwise called … Continue reading

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