One of Eugene\u2019s constant concerns for his men was their health. They were so zealous as missionaries that they often sacrificed good sense when it came to looking after their physical wellbeing. He reminds the community superiors of their responsibility in this regard.<\/p>\n
\nIf this is so, how have you dared to let him undertake a mission? You could not do so in conscience… If Father Albini was unwell, why not wait for the help that I would have sent? In important matters, one must not follow one\u2019s own inclination.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Letter to Jean Baptiste Honorat. 23 August 1827, EO VII n 275<\/em><\/p>\n
\nLook after yourself and take great care of everyone for illnesses make for loss of regularity.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Letter to Hippolyte Court\u00e8s, 15 July 1827<\/em><\/p>\n
\u201cRegularity\u201d does not refer to being on time, but to living one\u2019s life according to the spirit of the Oblate Rule (\u201cregula\u201d). Writing to Marius Suzanne, Eugene refers to his own life as an example of having to ber careful. The accident referred to was a fall that had wounded his legs.<\/p>\n
\nI was wrong, my dear Suzanne, I admit, not to have gone into some detail about the accident which happened to my legs.\u00a0 Fr. Guigues will explain it to you, I have almost forgotten it. Since then other events have preoccupied my mind; the fear of seeing our brother Reynier perish from an inflammation, anxieties and exasperation, I do not know if I ought not to add fatigue, all that together have made me forgetful of my own suffering, of which besides I am always less conscious than that of others.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Letter to Marius Suzanne, 18 July 1827, EO VII n 273<\/em><\/p>\n
Suffering and illness, however must be used as a positive force to lead each one to holiness \u2013 to bring them closer to the God who suffered for each one.<\/p>\n
\nOn this subject, I will not hide from you that I have read with joy the journal you have sent me. By being faithful to it, you will soon repair the almost inevitable gaps that a long convalescence occasions to the detriment of our souls. One must be keenly on one\u2019s guard to sanctify oneself in these infirmities. One would think otherwise, but experience proves it.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Letter to Marius Suzanne, 18 July 1827, EO VII n 273<\/em><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cPrayer is an act of love; words are not needed. Even if sickness distracts from thoughts, all that is needed is the will to love.\u201d \u00a0 \u00a0 Saint Teresa of Avila<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
One of Eugene\u2019s constant concerns for his men was their health. They were so zealous as missionaries that they often sacrificed good sense when it came to looking after their physical wellbeing. He reminds the community superiors of their responsibility … Continue reading