Eugene was not afraid to show his affective nature and express the importance of others. In his self-evaluation, written at the seminary when he was 26, he had said:<\/p>\n
\nI have always longed for a friend, but I have never found one, at least one such as I am seeking; it is true that I am hard to please for as it is my nature to give generously I expect the same in return.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Self-evaluation written for his spiritual director in 1808, O.W. XIV n. 30<\/em><\/p>\n
Now, nine years later, he has found this person in Henri Tempier, to whom he writes from Paris:<\/p>\n
\nI have come to spend half the day at Mont Val\u00e9rien, my very dear friend, and as I cannot enjoy something special unless you are part of it, I come to speak with you for a while.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
His affectivity, while having a unique depth with Henri Tempier, extends to the community of Missionaries, whom he considers as his family:<\/p>\n
\nI am sad indeed to find myself two hundred leagues from my dear, my very dear friends, from my family, my children, my brothers and especially from you who are unique to me;<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
This relationship is life-giving and a source of energy for Eugene in his efforts in Paris to ensure the continuation of the Missionaries of Provence:<\/p>\n
\nbut one must bear one\u2019s exile with patience and resignation. It will be prolonged until I have met and seen our new archbishop; it is with him that I must deal regarding our affairs. There is nothing to do at the moment with the Government\u2026<\/strong><\/h5>\n
\u2026Adieu, my dear, my very dear friend; I love you as myself, pray for me. Adieu.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Letter to Henri Tempier, 25 July 1817, O.W. VI n. 18<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Eugene was not afraid to show his affective nature and express the importance of others. In his self-evaluation, written at the seminary when he was 26, he had said: I have always longed for a friend, but I have never … Continue reading