The Oblate General Chapter was cut short:<\/p>\n
\nDuring this interval, cholera, which was winding its way around the city for some time, broke out with much greater intensity. I hurriedly sent home all of our fathers, keeping here only those of the two houses which must brave the danger since they are at their posts.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Eugene de Mazenod\u2019s Diary, undated entry August 1837, EO XVIII<\/em><\/p>\n
Eugene had written to Fr Tempier, who had been alarmed by the arrival of the first signs of the illness in Marseilles<\/p>\n
\nYour cholera and your epidemic do not frighten me at all. I have always regretted that I did not die in 1814, when I had contacted typhoid in the prisons. I would ask for nothing better than to succumb to another attack especially if it is while fulfilling a duty of charity or of justice.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Letter to Henri Tempier, 26 July 1837, EO IX n 632<\/em><\/p>\n
Despite his private spiritual desire for martyrdom, Eugene was realistic about his responsibilities to the people of Marseilles:<\/p>\n
\nOn the feast of the Assumption, I officiated pontifically at the cathedral both in the morning and in the evening. I took part in the general procession and gave Benediction in the evening. On Sunday in the octave, I went to say Holy Mass at Notre-Dame de la Garde to place myself, all of our men, and the whole diocese, under the protection of the Blessed Virgin.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Eugene de Mazenod\u2019s Diary, undated entry August 1837, EO XVIII<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Oblate General Chapter was cut short: During this interval, cholera, which was winding its way around the city for some time, broke out with much greater intensity. I hurriedly sent home all of our fathers, keeping here only those … Continue reading