Father Vincens, the new novice-master was about to receive a new group of novices, for whose formation he was responsible. Eugene reminds him that the purpose of the novitiate is to make their oblation for life as religious and as missionaries.<\/p>\n
Stress very much the importance of the obligation undertaken by oblation. They are free not to advance that far, but this consecration cannot be revoked. It is perpetual. It is not without reason that this social commitment is made in the presence of Jesus Christ, the divine Master, who approves it by his holy Body and his precious Blood.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Eugene refers to the custom, at that time, to profess one’s vows kneeling before the Eucharist, and receiving Communion as soon as the words have been pronounced. He continues on the seriousness of this step:<\/p>\n
Woe to him, a thousand times woe to him who might break ties that should never be broken by the will of him who has taken them upon himself.<\/strong><\/p>\n
Those who do not attach themselves wholeheartedly to the Congregation are not made for it.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
It is the responsibility of the formators to ensure that the novices have fully understood the gravity of the step they undertake through oblation.<\/p>\n
It is up to you to elaborate on all these points and on others in the explanations that you are greatly obliged to give<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Letter to Fr. Joseph Vincens, 23 November 1841, EO IX n 751<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Father Vincens, the new novice-master was about to receive a new group of novices, for whose formation he was responsible. Eugene reminds him that the purpose of the novitiate is to make their oblation for life as religious and as … Continue reading