The cancellation of the Concordat between the Pope and the King of France meant that the arrival of the new Archbishop in Aix was delayed for another two years. In the meantime the Capitular Vicars continued their administration, and the Missionaries were able to continue their work despite the ongoing\u00a0criticisms and opposition of some of the priests.<\/p>\n
\nIs it possible that our patience has failed to soften the anger of these good parish priests? The only thing that afflicts me in all this is that these people, with dispositions so contrary to charity, do not refrain from ascending to the altar. If I had the misfortune to do a hundredth of what they permit themselves to do, I would celebrate the sacred mysteries only after having done penance, while not only asking God\u2019s pardon but also making reparation to my neighbour. And these are men who have one foot in the grave! I pity them with all my heart yet, apart from the offence against God which I regard as very grave, I am little concerned about their wrath.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
\u00a0As for the unbecoming remarks they let fall in my regard, how I laugh for pity\u2019s sake. If I had as little fear of God as they, I would have defied them. But far be it from me to render them evil for evil; on the contrary, I would well wish to do them all the good they could desire for themselves.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Letter to Henri Tempier, 24 November 1817, O.W. VI n. 30<\/em><\/p>\n
On the topic of unhappy priests, I can\u2019t resist sharing this quote from St Theresa of Avila:<\/p>\n
\nHow did those priests ever get so serious and preach all that gloom?<\/h5>\n
I don\u2019t think God tickled them yet.<\/h5>\n
Beloved \u2013 hurry.<\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The cancellation of the Concordat between the Pope and the King of France meant that the arrival of the new Archbishop in Aix was delayed for another two years. In the meantime the Capitular Vicars continued their administration, and the … Continue reading