As we continue to explore the spirit and ministry of Saint Eugene with regard to his Youth Congregation, it is useful to keep in mind that his approach to the youth was the same as that operated in the preaching and evangelization of the Missionaries in their parish missions and other activities. It was a two-pronged approach of teaching who Jesus Christ was, and the leading them into a deeper personal encounter with Him. The privileged moments of encounter were in personal and communal prayer and in receiving the Sacraments.<\/p>\n
\nFamiliar with how much danger they are surrounded by in the world, and their need to draw new strength often from the sacraments established for this purpose by our Lord Jesus Christ, the congregants will confess at least once per month, and they will live in such a way as to be able to receive Holy Communion frequently.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
R\u00e8glements et Statuts de la Congr\u00e9gation de la Jeunesse, 1813, p. 24-25<\/em><\/p>\n
\u00a0This reflection came straight from the heart and personal experience of Eugene. He continued to give this advice throughout his life and, today, it continues in our Oblate Rule of Life:<\/p>\n
\nThe Eucharist, source and summit of the Church’s life, is at the heart of our life and action. We will live such lives as to be able worthily to celebrate it every day.<\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\u00a0Constitution 33<\/em><\/p>\n
\n\u00a0Art 8. The infallible means to succeed in this noble undertaking, is to frequent the sacraments. They are a fruitful source of grace from which we must draw life and the spiritual strength of our souls …<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Statuts, Chapitre XIII – Obligations spirituelles des congr\u00e9ganistes<\/em><\/p>\n
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\u201cWe learn by example and by direct experience because there are real limits to the adequacy of verbal instruction.\u201d <\/em>Malcolm Gladwell<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
As we continue to explore the spirit and ministry of Saint Eugene with regard to his Youth Congregation, it is useful to keep in mind that his approach to the youth was the same as that operated in the preaching … Continue reading