After a long pause, Saint Eugene speaks to us again. My involvement in the illness and death of a close relative led to a much longer than expected interruption of these reflections.<\/p>\n
Throughout this period I experienced the presence and guidance of Saint Eugene. As I kept watch at a deathbed for nearly two weeks, I constantly remembered how important this activity was for Eugene, initially for the members of his youth congregation, then for the Oblates and members of his family. He taught me to see this activity as a ministry<\/p>\n
\nI regard it as a principal duty to assist all those of our brothers who are in danger of death and within reach of me<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Letter to Hippolyte Court\u00e8s, 22 July 1828, EO VII n 307<\/em><\/p>\n
There are many descriptions of how he accompanied the dying. I was particularly touched by the description of his presence at the deathbed of his father:<\/p>\n
\nWhat consolations religion brings in this supreme moment to the person who lives by faith! It is quite evidently beyond nature. What peace, what holy security, what sweet confidence, but also what eagerness to hear words about God, what gratitude for his blessings, what humility! It was beautiful and heart-breaking at one and the same time. He is asleep in the Lord who will take into account his many virtues.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
\u00a0<\/strong>Letter to the young Oblates and novices at Laus, 24 October 1820,\u00a0O.W. VI n.55<\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
A second guiding thought for me was Eugene\u2019s conviction that the death of every Oblate meant an addition to the Oblate community in heaven. Surely this holds true for everyone who is dying \u2013 an invitation to encourage them by recalling by name their loved ones who have gone before them and are waiting to welcome them into their community. A consolation for us too when the loved one has left us.<\/p>\n
\nNow we have four in Heaven; this is already a nice community. They are the first stones, the foundation stones of the edifice which must be built in the celestial Jerusalem; they are before God\u2026 We are attached to them by the bonds of a particular charity, they are still our brothers, and we are theirs; they dwell in our mother house, our headquarters; their prayers, the love which they keep for us, will draw us one day to them so as to dwell with them in the place of our rest.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Letter to Hippolyte Court\u00e8s, 22 July 1828, EO VII n 307<\/em><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile I thought that I was learning how to live, I have been learning how to die.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Leonardo da Vinci<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
After a long pause, Saint Eugene speaks to us again. My involvement in the illness and death of a close relative led to a much longer than expected interruption of these reflections. Throughout this period I experienced the presence and … Continue reading