Writing to Fr. Court\u00e8s, superior of the Aix community, about Marius Suzanne gives Eugene the opportunity to look at the role of community for an Oblate. How tempted we are today to give in to the temptation of only looking outside of our community (or in our computer or television) for happiness. It is a temptation that touches families too\u2026<\/p>\n
\nI revert to the subject of Fr. Suzanne. You are afraid he is bored at Aix. You will admit that is quite wrong for, if I am not mistaken, we ought to find our happiness within the confines of our houses; far from seeking out and taking pleasure in the outside disturbance and relations that circumstances necessitate with persons outside, we ought, if we have the spirit of our calling, to groan, to be upset and do all that depends on us to extricate ourselves from it as soon as possible.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Marseilles would however only present to Fr. Suzanne distractions of this kind, I cannot believe he pines for them. The house of Aix as a community offers all the advantages that we can desire; the priests who live there are virtuous and exemplary, regularity is maintained, much good can be done there, the house is beautiful, the church is devout, all those who dwell therein are devoted to the Society, you yourself are there, for it is not forbidden to consider as an advantage to find oneself close to a veteran brother who deserves in every respect all our confidence and our friendship.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
There is more than enough to please a good religious. That will not prevent me from recalling him to Marseilles as soon as he is strong enough to endure the journey.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Letter to Hippolyte Court\u00e8s, 8 March 1827, EO VII n 265<\/em><\/p>\n
\u00a0Our Rule of Life reflects Eugene\u2019s ideal:<\/p>\n
\u201cA spirit of simplicity and joyfulness marks our communities. In sharing what we are and what we have with one another, we find acceptance and support. Each of us offers his friendship and places his God-given talents at the service of all. This enriches our spiritual life, our intellectual development and our apostolic activity.\u201d CC&RR, Constitution 39.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Writing to Fr. Court\u00e8s, superior of the Aix community, about Marius Suzanne gives Eugene the opportunity to look at the role of community for an Oblate. How tempted we are today to give in to the temptation of only looking … Continue reading