The letter from the Diocese of Digne offering the care of Notre Dame du Laus to the Missionaries stated that two priests would be needed. In the summer they would devote their whole time to the many pilgrims who came every day, and during the winter, they would evangelize the neighboring villages.<\/p>\n
Based on the M\u00e9moires of Marius Suzanne, Rey describes the discernment around the requests:<\/p>\n
\nThe Founder evaluated them. To avoid uncertainty, he decided to consult the companions that God has given him. He gathered around him the six priests that make up the small Society. He read them the letter from M. Arbaud, reading slowly and stopping at the most significant passages he urged them to give their opinion.<\/h5>\n
He was careful to point out that acceptance of this foundation would lead to huge consequences. Among others, that of the transformation of the Society, which would cease to be diocesan, and which could continue to exist only if all members committed themselves to it by religious vows.<\/h5>\n
This proposal did not alarm anyone, says Father Suzanne, and all gave their assent with enthusiasm to the foundation of the House of Our Lady of Laus.<\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Rey I, p. 228.<\/em><\/p>\n
Eugene was thus able to write to the Diocesan authorities of Digne:<\/p>\n
\n\u2026 if you think that the plan you have thought of might gain some glory for God and contribute to the salvation of souls, I am totally disposed\u2026<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Letter to M. Arbaud, 23 August 1818, O.W. XIII, n. 16<\/em><\/p>\n
\u00a0Today our Oblate Constitution 26 reflects this process:<\/p>\n
As individuals and as a community, we have the responsibility to seek the will of God. Decisions which express this will are best reached after community discernment and prayer.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The letter from the Diocese of Digne offering the care of Notre Dame du Laus to the Missionaries stated that two priests would be needed. In the summer they would devote their whole time to the many pilgrims who came … Continue reading