Henri Tempier, Eugene\u2019s main support in the foundation of the Missionaries of Provence, did not actively participate in the mission to Grans, because one of the group had to stay behind to look after the youth congregation and direct their activities in the house in Aix. He notes:<\/p>\n
\n\u2026 To be sure, there was still a lot to be done in terms of the interior decoration and the building\u2019s furnishings; but in comparison to its original state of degradation, doing what was most urgent and having made it fit for the celebration of divine worship was already a great achievement<\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Henri Tempier, \u201cMemoires on the beginnings of the Congregation,”
\nin Collection Oblate Writings II,2\u00a0 p.203<\/em><\/p>\nAlthough not physically present in Grans, Henri Tempier was very much part of the mission in the heart and mind of Eugene.<\/p>\n
\nIt is absolutely impossible for me to write to you, my good brother and friend. We have no time to eat, nor even to sleep…<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Eugene, in staccato fashion, uses the short time snatched from the mission activities to share as much as he can of the excitement of their first mission:<\/p>\n
\nI send this to you as an open letter so that you may read it and have it read to our friends <\/strong>[ed; the members of the Youth Congregation].
\nWere I to enter into details, you would be moved to tears.
\nI miss you ten times daily.
\nReligion would be lost in this country without the mission. It is a triumph.
\nThough it be the death of us, I will not complain.
\nOur work is indispensable and only if we are twelve shall it be able to continue.
\nPlead for recruits in your prayers.
\nI shall regret all my life that you have not been here with us, but God will take into account your sacrifice.A thousand regards for all friends, great and small. I think of them every day in the holy sacrifice. Let them not forget us.<\/strong><\/h5>\nLetter to Henri Tempier from Grans, 24 February 1816, O.W. VI n. 10<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Henri Tempier, Eugene\u2019s main support in the foundation of the Missionaries of Provence, did not actively participate in the mission to Grans, because one of the group had to stay behind to look after the youth congregation and direct their … Continue reading