August 15 had given Eugene a renewed clarity of vision and injection of missionary zeal. The focus of the ministry of the community was more clearly on the aspect of \u201call for God\u201d\u00a0 and service to the most abandoned rather than on themselves and their personal difficulties and comfort.<\/p>\n
Writing to the Pastor of the town of Aubagne, in preparation for a mission, Eugene gave some indication of the lifestyle of the Missionaries when they were in a place for a period of 5-6 weeks of intense parish mission. \u201cSimplicity\u201d was the keyword.<\/p>\n
\nYou will help us greatly if you do not entrust the feeding of the Missionaries to some restaurant-keeper; the Parish Board will be responsible for finding some good lady who can do that service at less cost and in a more fitting manner. We are forbidden to take such items as poultry, game and pastry. So it will not be hard to find someone who can put a pot on the fire and make what we call in Provence “La Carbonade.”<\/strong><\/h5>\n
\u2026 Do not make any expenses for our lodging or furniture for the rooms you will assign to us. A bed, chair and table suffice for each Missionary. Only the Superior will need a desk to lock up the letters he receives.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Letter to Father Figon, Pastor of Aubagne, 5 October 1822, EO XIII n. 42<\/em><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
“I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.”<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Lao Tzu<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
August 15 had given Eugene a renewed clarity of vision and injection of missionary zeal. The focus of the ministry of the community was more clearly on the aspect of \u201call for God\u201d\u00a0 and service to the most abandoned rather … Continue reading