Tag Archives: priesthood

A NECESSARY SYSTEM OF PURIFICATION

Evangelization of the people necessitated good priests to accompany them in their conversion and spiritual growth. Eugene was committed to this ideal both as an Oblate and as Vicar General of Bishop Fortuné in Marseille. We are pursuing our system … Continue reading

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PERHAPS IT IS NECESSARY IN HEAVEN THAT THERE BE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LAMB REPRESENTATIVES OF ALL THE FAMILIES WHO COMBAT ON EARTH FOR THE GLORY OF HIS NAME

Two young Oblates, from Gap, were preparing for their priestly ordinations on 30 July 1826: Joseph Alphonse Martin and Victor Arnoux. The latter was young and needed a dispensation from the Bishop in order to be ordained. I hope that … Continue reading

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AS I GET NEARER TO THE PRIESTHOOD I BEG MARY TO TAKE ME UNDER HER PROTECTION

The last step before his ordination to the priesthood was ordination as a deacon. In his time of prayer before receiving diaconate, mindful of his unworthiness, he invited Mary to accompany him and intercede for him. As far as possible, … Continue reading

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HOLY PRIESTS, THIS IS OUR WEALTH!

After the priestly ordination of Hippolyte Guibert, Eugene wrote to Jean Baptiste Honorat, who had been unable to be present at the Oblate family celebration. God knows with what joy and with what unspeakable consolation I pronounced the “scio et … 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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DESPISED FOR THE LOVE OF GOD AND THE GOOD ACCOMPLISHED IN THE CHURCH

The words of Pope Francis: “Inconsistency on the part of pastors and the faithful between what they say and what they do, between word and manner of life, is undermining the church’s credibility,” find echo in Eugene’s writings. We have … Continue reading

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BOOKS THAT TRANSFORM

In using his retreat to reflect on his ministry, Eugene used books to seek advice to better realize the principles. Blessed Liguori and Blessed Leonard of Port Maurice contributed most to these precious readings. I was consoled to go over … Continue reading

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A PRIEST CANNOT PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL WITHOUT THE TANGIBLE WITNESS OF HIS LIFE

For 7 years Eugene had been in charge of the Missionaries, and now as Vicar General of Marseille, his main preoccupation was about the priests of the diocese, whose “model, stay and support” he tried to be. He realizes that … Continue reading

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RIVALRY BETWEEN CITIES

The heated feelings around the re-establishment of the Diocese of Marseille were also felt in Aix. A group of Aix priests, unhappy at the great popularity of the Mission church, were now accusing Eugene of being responsible for dividing the … Continue reading

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WE ALL BELONG TO GOD THRU THE SOCIETY TO WHICH WE HAVE PLEDGED OURSELVES

In trying to help the confused Bourrelier to return to a state of peace and good balance, Eugene reminds him that thru his oblation he has made himself a part of something bigger than himself: Remind yourself that we no … Continue reading

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