Eugene and his Oblates have always been characterised as being close to the people. The Oblate Rule of life expresses it thus:<\/p>\n
\nOur communities seek to radiate the warmth of the Gospel to those around us
\n<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0(Constitution 41).<\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\nThe secret behind this pastoral attitude is found in the closeness that he wanted to see lived in his own community. It is the warmth of the Gospel that was expressed in every aspect of the lives of the community. Eugene\u2019s attitude of affection and concern for their physical and spiritual welfare was then reflected outside in their missionary relationships:<\/p>\n
\n\u00a0I call attention to your health and to that of the whole of our dear family. Observe indispositions from the moment they begin. Watch out for the lungs of our young men. Give me news of each one in particular. Let them get lots of rest; be willing to let them remain an extra hour in bed. During vacations, when they no longer have the daily exercise of going to and from the seminary, have them go for a walk two or even three times a week if necessary but do not allow them to go until the sun is declining; the midday heat will be more harmful to them than useful.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
But after having cared for their bodies, see that they do not neglect their souls. Let fervour be sustained, interior life, love of abnegation, of mortification, solitude, assiduity for study. All that is necessary.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Tell them they are ever before my eyes, that I think of them, that I love them.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Letter to Henri Tempier, 26 July 1817, O.W. VI n. 18<\/em><\/p>\n
It is the superior of the community who is saying: \u201cTell them they are ever before my eyes, that I think of them, that I love them.\u201d How revolutionary and life-giving it would be today if every person in authority were able to say the same thing to the members of the community entrusted to his care. Imagine the renewed heart, the renewed spirit and the renewed mission that would result!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Eugene and his Oblates have always been characterised as being close to the people. The Oblate Rule of life expresses it thus: Our communities seek to radiate the warmth of the Gospel to those around us \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0(Constitution 41). The … Continue reading