Easter Sunday 1839, within the context of a personal attack on him, we continue to read Eugene’s reflection on the love of Jesus Christ as the origin of his vocation, and the inspiration for all his actions. He recalls God’s loving role in his priestly ordination on 21 December 1811 and his first Mass on Christmas day.<\/p>\n
My first steps in the career that the good God had inspired me to embrace from an early age, were directed by this predominant feeling in my heart. I refused the venerable bishop, who had consecrated me a priest, to stay on with him as his vicar general and as his friend; these are the words that he used when he made the proposal.<\/strong><\/p>\n
The holy day of Christmas 1811, a memorable day for me, because it is the day given me to offer for the first time the Holy Sacrifice of our altars, I refused to give in to such a touching sign of his goodness so as not to be turned away from the vocation that called me to devote myself to the service and to the happiness of my neighbor whom I loved with the love of Jesus Christ for all people.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Eugene de Mazenod\u2019s Diary, 31 March 1839, EO XX<\/em><\/p>\n
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: From now on there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but to all them also that love his appearing<\/em>.<\/p>\n
2 Timothy 4: 6-8<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Easter Sunday 1839, within the context of a personal attack on him, we continue to read Eugene’s reflection on the love of Jesus Christ as the origin of his vocation, and the inspiration for all his actions. He recalls God’s … Continue reading