Reflecting on the unexpected way in which the Pope had shown a special interest in the Oblates, Eugene drew conclusions for all of us.<\/p>\n
\nThese men of ours, do they at least know this? If they knew what all this means, they would jump for joy or be overcome with admiration.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
People here wait sometimes six months for a yes or a no, scrutinize a sign, try to guess the meaning of some thought of the Sovereign Pontiff \u2013 who for us has done everything. What right did we have to this? Who is it who gave me, in a single audience, the wherewithal to inspire in him an interest so strong, so real, so constant? How is it not possible to see the supernatural in this?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Because God was at work through the Pope, the Oblates need to be even more attached to the Congregation, aware that it was brought into existence by God.<\/p>\n
\nFrom now on how can we not be overwhelmed with gratitude towards God and, looking seriously at ourselves, not attach ourselves still more to the Society which has just obtained such convincing proofs of the protection of the Lord, to whom we now belong in quite another manner since, in the hierarchical order, it is by her that we are attached to the supreme Head of the Church who is the sovereign moderator thereof.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Our response to God\u2019s actions for us is the responsibility of being clear about our specific identity and spirit that makes us different to diocesan priests and other religious congregations. Unless we are clear about our identity in the Church, our future is jeopardized.<\/p>\n
\nNow is the time to adopt this “esprit de corps” which incites us not to be surpassed by any other community in faithfulness to the Rule, etc….<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Letter to Henri Tempier, 9 March 1826, EO VII n. 229<\/em><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.\u201d \u00a0 \u00a0 Confucius<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Reflecting on the unexpected way in which the Pope had shown a special interest in the Oblates, Eugene drew conclusions for all of us. These men of ours, do they at least know this? If they knew what all this … Continue reading