Reflecting on the effect on the Oblates of the misbehavior of Vachon, Eugene concludes that the only way to survive hard blows was to keep their attention firmly focused on the Oblate Rule of life. Living every aspect of one\u2019s life in its light (in a spirit of regularity) ensured a safe journey.<\/p>\n
\nI know we are not the only ones subject to such misfortunes; there is no society which does not have several of them; but our small number renders these blows most painful with negative effects on our spirit. We must nevertheless not fail to submit ourselves to the decrees of Divine Providence; the humiliation which results from this for the whole Society is perhaps a way more useful to us than prosperity, and we ought to profit from it to become more perfect and more faithful to the observance of our Rules and the spirit of our Institute.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Such is the conclusion I draw from all these woes which overwhelm us. Let them pay more attention than ever to the strict observance of the Rules. Keep a tight watch over that at Marseilles: things have never been as I have wanted. Cut out all that can be an obstacle in the way of regularity.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Never mind if a little less is done exteriorly; there is much to gain from perfecting oneself. It is only by the exact observance of the Rules that one renders them familiar to oneself and that one becomes consistently attached to them.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Letter to Henri Tempier, 26 November 1825, EO VI n. 208<\/em><\/p>\n
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\u201cHonest conviction is my courage; the Constitution is my guide.\u201d President Andrew Johnson<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Reflecting on the effect on the Oblates of the misbehavior of Vachon, Eugene concludes that the only way to survive hard blows was to keep their attention firmly focused on the Oblate Rule of life. Living every aspect of one\u2019s … Continue reading