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 Archdiocese of Aix by pushing for the re-establishment of the diocese of Marseilles and consequently reducing the Aix Diocese. We need to bear in mind the ancient rivalry between the cities of Aix and Marseille, and that the city of Marseille (population 115 0000) was growing much faster than Aix (population 22 000).<\/p>\n
In\u00a0the priests’\u00a0harsh criticisms of the Archbishop of Aix and of Eugene for this move, Eugene counsels the Missionaries to not add fuel to the fire and cause further division. He advises them to focus on what a priest is truly all about, rather than being unkind:<\/p>\n
\nAlways treat with honor the reputation of these men, be considerate to them personally in deference to the priesthood with which they are invested\u2026 In no way provoke them but show a positive attitude everywhere.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Letter to Hippolyte Court\u00e8s, 5 May 1822, EO VI n 83<\/em><\/p>\n
\u201cBut forgiveness is not an emotion… Forgiveness is an act of will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Corrie Ten Boom<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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