The Oblates were committed to the welfare of the local church, and this included providing good ministers either as Oblate missionaries or as diocesan priests.<\/p>\n
\nBe assured, Bishop, that we will neglect nothing to prepare ministers for the Church who are worthy to serve her. We have the consolation of seeing the Lord bless the efforts of our zeal for his glory, but it would be too happy a situation if we did not have to grieve over the infidelity to grace in the case of some of them.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
During 1825 several novices had left the Missionaries, and Fathers Bernard Vachon and Jean Joseph Touche, both from the Diocese of Digne, were on their way to doing so. For Eugene it was always a cruel blow when people did not remain faithful to their commitments.<\/p>\n
\nWe must share in the bitterness felt by the most Sacred Heart of Jesus at the treason of Judas. If I can judge by the sadness that I feel in regard to this kind of infidelity, it must have been excessive. It is a cruel balance to the delight that I reap from the perfection of life led by all those who are submissive to our Rule.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Letter to Bishop Miollis of Digne, 22 June 1825, EO XIII n. 46<\/em><\/p>\n
From our Rule of life:<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will help each other find joy and fulfilment in our community life and in our apostolate, supporting one another in our resolution to be faithful to the Congregation, whatever the circumstances which could provoke its dispersal or tempt us to withdraw from it.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n
CC&RR, Constitution 29<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cInconsistency on the part of pastors and the faithful between what they say and what they do, between word and manner of life, is undermining the Church’s credibility.\u201d Pope Francis<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Oblates were committed to the welfare of the local church, and this included providing good ministers either as Oblate missionaries or as diocesan priests. Be assured, Bishop, that we will neglect nothing to prepare ministers for the Church who … Continue reading