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 of catechetical teaching that the people required.<\/p>\n
\nSo I have begun to give the morning instructions and I will give them in the evening to the extent that circumstances permit (for one must observe correctness even on missions, by having my companion preach from time to time) but I will repair, in the announcements which follow the prayers, the omissions of my confrere.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
The Missionaries had a responsibility to give a solid and complete presentation of the contents of the faith to these people who had been abandoned since the Revolution. With this duty in mind, Eugene gives himself fully to the mission:<\/p>\n
\nAnd who will give me the strength? The good God, I hope… I am quite tired, my voice is hoarse and only with an effort can I raise it but what else can I do? After all one has to continue.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
The source of his strength is his relationship with God \u2013 his living \u201call for God\u201d in closeness to the people.<\/p>\n
\nThe good God knows our needs, that is what consoles me in our distress.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
… But God knows what his people needs. We have to leave matters to him, without however ceasing to ask him earnestly: \u201cut in messam suam mittant operarios secundum cor suum.\u201d<\/strong> [ed. Mt. 9, 38: <\/em>Rogate ergo Dominum messis, ut mittat operarios in messam suam, I Sam. 13, 14: <\/em>Quaesivii Dominus sibi virum juxta cor suum. \u201cPray then the master of the harvest to send workers\u201d… \u201cafter his own heart\u201d]<\/em><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Letter to Henri Tempier, 13 March 1821, EO VI n. 63<\/em><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
May today be peace within. <\/em>
\nMay you trust your highest power that you are exactly where you are meant to be… <\/em>
\nMay you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. <\/em>
\nMay you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you… <\/em>
\nMay you be content knowing you are a child of God…<\/em>
\n Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise, and love. <\/em>
\nIt is there for each and every one of you.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em>Mother Theresa of Calcutta<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"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