Eugene\u2019s own conversion experience had been the awareness of God\u2019s boundless love and mercy:<\/p>\n
\nBlessed, a thousand times blessed, that he, this good Father, notwithstanding my unworthiness, lavished on me all the richness of his mercy<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Retreat Journal, December 1814, EO XV n.130<\/em><\/p>\n
He describes how he experienced the closeness of God\u2019s love once he had acknowledged his sinfulness:<\/p>\n
\nyou forgot all my acts of ingratitude to help me as powerfully as if I had been always faithful to you; my tender father, who carried this rebel on your shoulders, warmed him against your heart, washed his wounds, etc.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Notes made during the retreat in preparation for priestly ordination<\/em>
\n1-21 December , EO XIV n. 95<\/em><\/p>\nHe is describing the experience of being \u201chugged\u201d by God<\/p>\n
Now, the Missionary \u2013 the \u201cco-operator of the Savior\u201d \u2013 has to treat the sinner in exactly the same manner as he has been treated:<\/p>\n
\nFor the rest, let the missionaries always be ready to welcome sinners with inexhaustible charity. Let them encourage the penitents by their pleasant manner, and by showing a compassionate heart.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
In a word, let them treat them as they themselves would wish to be treated if they were in the same unfortunate condition.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
1818 Rule Part 1, Chapter 3, \u00a72 Regarding Confession<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Eugene\u2019s own conversion experience had been the awareness of God\u2019s boundless love and mercy: Blessed, a thousand times blessed, that he, this good Father, notwithstanding my unworthiness, lavished on me all the richness of his mercy Retreat Journal, December 1814, … Continue reading