Dealing with some of the Oblates as their superior, was sometimes tricky for Eugene de Mazenod, especially if the person was difficult and sensitive. He confides in his diary:<\/p>\n
Who could foretell the sensitivities of this Father?\u00a0 He complains practically always that people lack esteem for him.<\/strong><\/p>\n
As for myself, I protest that, far from not attaching any importance to him, I have always loved him very much and very often have used too much tact to avoid displeasing him. With all due respect for his talents, my paternal heart would have liked something else to complete his good qualities;<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Being forthright in expressing himself, Eugene had obviously hurt the man in trying to help him:<\/p>\n
\u00a0whatever would have been my discretion in this matter, I have alienated his heart.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
It was not a new experience for Eugene, nor for anyone in leadership, to suffer alienation as a result of something that has to be said or corrected. Painfully aware of this, Eugene always looked to the Crucified Savior and offered it to him.<\/p>\n
I offer this pain to the Lord with many others of this type…<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Eugene de Mazenod\u2019s Diary, 19 January 1842, EO XXI<\/em><\/p>\n
It is difficult, and often painful, to journey with others who need to modify their behavior or attitude – St Eugene teaches us to do so in the presence of the Cross, especially in the face of hurt and rejection.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Dealing with some of the Oblates as their superior, was sometimes tricky for Eugene de Mazenod, especially if the person was difficult and sensitive. He confides in his diary: Who could foretell the sensitivities of this Father?\u00a0 He complains practically … Continue reading