Eugene was in Paris precisely because some of the priests of Aix were attacking the Missionaries of Provence and he needed support to counteract this and to ensure the survival of his missionary community that was doing so much good in Provence among the youth, the inhabitants of the poor villages, and those who came to the Church of the Mission to find meaning in their lives. Ironically, by reaching out to the people abandoned by the structures of the church in Aix, Eugene and the Missionaries were helping the whole church of Aix and the pastors who were not in a position of reaching all of their flock.<\/p>\n
Certain\u00a0priests did not see the situation in this light and felt threatened in their authority, hence they turned against the Missionaries in a malicious and deceitful way, and influenced the opinions of some of the \u201cupper-class\u201d of the city. Eugene is angry because they fail to see the wonderful fruits being produced, and become like canker, a plant infection that destroys the good leaves.<\/p>\n
\nDeceitful or malicious priests are the great wound of the Church. Let us do all that we can to lessen this consuming canker by distancing ourselves by our attitude and our behaviour; we must not be afraid to be singled out for this.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Were we to behave like them, they would be our friends. On those terms, I prefer to have them as adversaries and slanderers.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Eugene encourages his Missionaries to remain firm in the storm:<\/p>\n
\nSaints have had to put up with this before our time. Let us imitate them and rejoice to be treated like them.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Venerable Paul, of whom I spoke a little while ago, wrote one day to one of his friends, at a time when he was much opposed: \u201cOh God! how the demons rage and what a tumult is raised by evil tongues! I do not know which side to turn and God knows in what a state I am… Patience, we must pray hard because storms arise on all sides and contrary winds blow from all quarters. May God be blessed!\u201d<\/strong><\/h5>\n
\u2026 So speak the saints, so they behave. On they went and prayed, letting others say what they would. Let us do the same!<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Letter to Henri Tempier, 12 August 1817, O.W. VI n. 20<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Eugene was in Paris precisely because some of the priests of Aix were attacking the Missionaries of Provence and he needed support to counteract this and to ensure the survival of his missionary community that was doing so much good … Continue reading