In the letter that Eugene had written to the Archpriest (but never delivered) he set out very clearly why the Papal approbation of the Oblate Congregation was essential for their future survival.<\/p>\n
\nNow we find ourselves in a very critical situation. We have come to find strength and stability from the Holy See with a trust comparable to that of a child who speaks to a father whom he loves. If the Holy See does not give us its approval, we will have come, on the contrary, to receive the death-blow; because, at the point at which we are at now, not to approve us means to dissolve us. I have already taken the liberty to point his out to His Holiness when I explained to him the reasons for my request; I beg you to express it to him once again with your customary wisdom.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
The Bishops know that I have come to Rome to have the Society approved; such is their greatest desire. If it is not approved, they will suspect some secret motive which will make them wary. We take it for granted that this thought will not occur to them because of the esteem they certainly have for us; yet, we can fear that in an emergency when they deem they need priests for certain ministries incompatible with our duties and contrary to our Institute, they will remember that it is not approved and recall their subjects without ceremony; with that, our Society will be destroyed.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
On the other hand, the members of the Society themselves, all of whom expect this approbation, will, if it is refused, lose the esteem they have nurtured for it up until now and will no longer set value on their Rules. They will be tempted to consider their commitments as irrevocable no longer, and the administration of the Society as no longer stable. At the slightest dissatisfaction, at the least temptation, they will let themselves prefer the comforts, conveniences and prompt promotion of ordinary priests rather than the salutary constraint of a life according to a Rule. From then on, all is over: we have ceased to exist.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Letter to the Archpriest Adinolfi, Under-secretary for the Congregation of Bishops and Regulars, 23 December 1826, EO XIII n. 49.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
In the letter that Eugene had written to the Archpriest (but never delivered) he set out very clearly why the Papal approbation of the Oblate Congregation was essential for their future survival. Now we find ourselves in a very critical … Continue reading