Bishop Fortun\u00e9 de Mazenod was old, and thus handed over the pastoral visitation of seven outlying towns to his newly-ordained nephew, Bishop Eugene.<\/p>\n
\nMy dear friend, I am on my way to make a pastoral visitation in a part of the diocese. It will take me a fortnight and, please God. I won\u2019t be wasting my time.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Eugene had been a missionary for some 20 years and it was in his blood to think and act like one. It was with an Oblate heart and approach that he ministered to everyone.<\/p>\n
\nA bishop is primarily a missionary; I know my duty, it only remains for me to accomplish it as I ought.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
If resolve were all that were needed. I would have no doubts about it, but it is something that has to be earned, for what greater grace can a man have than that of doing his duty well. It needs prayers: it is up to you to give me your help, my dear children.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Letter to Hippolyte Court\u00e8s, 4 May 1833, EO VIII n 445<\/em><\/p>\n
Since then many Oblates have been called by the Church to become bishops. Each one\u2019s vocation has always been to be \u201cprimarily a missionary\u201d and approach people with an Oblate heart like St. Eugene was.<\/p>\n
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Bishop Fortun\u00e9 de Mazenod was old, and thus handed over the pastoral visitation of seven outlying towns to his newly-ordained nephew, Bishop Eugene. My dear friend, I am on my way to make a pastoral visitation in a part of … Continue reading