By the end of 1825 the Oblates consisted of 22 fully professed members (15 priests and 7 scholastics) and had communities in Aix en Provence, Notre Dame du Laus, Marseille and Nimes. An expanding mission needed sufficient personnel to support it, and it is here that we begin to see the difficulties that Eugene had. It was not a matter of merely filling positions with Oblates, but of balancing the needs of each community and mission with manpower that was capable of ensuring this. The men were young and needed guidance and training \u2013 hence the importance of the role of the local superior.<\/p>\n
Hippolyte Guibert, just ordained to the priesthood at the age of 23, was part of the Nimes community. In this regard Eugene wrote to Pierre Mie, its superior:<\/p>\n
\nIt is somewhat with regret that at the moment we rejoice in the promotion of our dear Father Guibert to the sublime priesthood of Jesus Christ, and when you may be looking forward to putting his zeal and goodwill to good account, I see myself obliged to announce to you that, as matters seem to stand, I will be obliged to take him away from you. You will be very upset and he will no doubt be even more sorry; for if I take him away from Nimes, it will be in order to name him superior at Notre Dame du Laus.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
As he gives the reason for this unexpected change of plan, we gain an insight into the very human situation in Laus described with a touch of humor and Provencal exaggeration, but not perfect nonetheless:<\/p>\n
\nSince your departure from this shrine, there has no longer been any order there and, in consequence, any regularity. Father M[arcou] has allowed himself to become persuaded that he is very ill; he has been to Veynes to have his health cared for; they have succeeded for he has sent word to one of our Fathers that he is perfectly restored but, too preoccupied with the prescriptions that the good women gave him on his departure, he spends his time and that of others in making remedies. Father T[ouche] being no longer held back by anyone, spends his time on the high road, giving forth in all directions sermons which interest no one. He continually goes to Gap and returns, having forgotten only the matter which he had to deal with there. No management, no interest in the welfare of the house. He has allowed to go sour in barrels the produce of two years and has not even obtained a penny of what is owing to us for services as auxiliary priests, money urgently needed for twenty hearty appetites which devour at Aix everything in sight <\/strong>[ed. he is referring to the young people in formation to become Oblates].<\/em><\/h5>\n
In short, it is indispensable and very pressing to put order in the whole affair\u2026<\/strong><\/h5>\n
There remains Father Guibert who, in spite of his youth, is well balanced and imposing thanks to his firm countenance. He loves order, he knows good management, he will without fail be pleasing to the Bishop of Gap. I realize the void he will leave at Nimes\u2026<\/strong><\/h5>\n
I await your reply and your observations but I abjure you to consider only the good of all independently of any personal consideration.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Letter to Pierre Mie, 22 August 1825, EO VI n. 196<\/em><\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cA leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.\u201d John C. Maxwell<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
By the end of 1825 the Oblates consisted of 22 fully professed members (15 priests and 7 scholastics) and had communities in Aix en Provence, Notre Dame du Laus, Marseille and Nimes. An expanding mission needed sufficient personnel to support … Continue reading