In August 1821 Eugene had the opportunity to travel to Notre Dame de Laus and to make an official visit (known as a \u201ccanonical visitation\u201d in church language). Its purpose was to be a fraternal visit to support the Missionaries and their ministry. As the major superior it was also to make certain that the spirit and functioning of the community and it mission were being faithful to the spirit of its God-given charism.<\/p>\n
After spending time with the community of Missionaries and the novices and students, and experiencing the ministry connected with the Shrine, he wrote in his official report:<\/p>\n
\nThe first duty that we have to perform on the occasion of the visit that we have done is to thank the Lord for all the blessings he has continued to impart on all the members of our community of Notre Dame du Laus.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
We were extremely edified by the spirit of piety, charity, and regularity that prevails among them, and we have no other wish than to see them continue to walk this path, which will lead inevitably to the holy state of perfection they have committed themselves to.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Acts of Visitation, 12 August 1821, Archives OMI, Rome<\/em><\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a joy which is not given to the ungodly, but to those who love You for Your own sake, whose joy You Yourself are. And this is the happy life, to rejoice in You, of You, for You. This is true joy and there is no other.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 St. Augustine<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
In August 1821 Eugene had the opportunity to travel to Notre Dame de Laus and to make an official visit (known as a \u201ccanonical visitation\u201d in church language). Its purpose was to be a fraternal visit to support the Missionaries … Continue reading