The experience of August 15, 1822, had confirmed Eugene in his understanding of the vocation and purpose of the Missionary Society that he had brought to life nearly 7 years earlier. Despite the difficulties around him, we now find a renewed energy and missionary force in him. His early biographer, Rey, describes some of this.<\/p>\n
At the end of the mission, Father de Mazenod made a quick appearance at N. D. du Laus and, taking Father Tempier as a traveling companion, he went to the diocese of Nimes where the Bishop invited him to make a foundation at N. D. Rochefort, an almost completely abandoned shrine in honor of the Most Holy Virgin. The appearance of the place, but especially the shortage of members did not allow the founder to give effect to the proposal from the Prelate. At the end of the year 1822 the small Society had only twelve priests to maintain three houses, and it would have been tempting Providence.<\/em><\/p>\n Rey narrates how Eugene later regretted not having accepted the shrine to use as a novitiate and a retreat center. It was also clear that Laus was not the ideal place for the novices to undergo their formation \u2013 especially as Henri Tempier was feeling the burden of so many responsibilities. Rey also describes how Eugene was briefly tempted to buy the Island of Lerins, just off the coast of Cannes, to use as a novitiate. This ancient monastic island was available for sale at that time.<\/p>\n The project did not materialize but could be considered as one of the provocations of Divine Providence, inviting the Founder to expand his foundations thru these opportunities. His mission seemed to appear clearer and more evident. He fought with more courage and was decisive in his convictions as he energetically pursued his goal of having fully committed apostolic men who would give themselves for the salvation of the most abandoned souls, without counting the personal cost. He tried to prove himself worthy of marching at their head and of being a model missionary.<\/em><\/p>\n Rey 1 p. 284<\/p>\n <\/p>\n “A leader has the vision and conviction that a dream can be achieved. He inspires the power and energy to get it done.”<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ralph Nader<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The experience of August 15, 1822, had confirmed Eugene in his understanding of the vocation and purpose of the Missionary Society that he had brought to life nearly 7 years earlier. Despite the difficulties around him, we now find a … Continue reading