As the size of the group increased, it was necessary that there be a common Rule to capture the spirit of the group and how to live by this spirit. Eugene\u2019s letters from Paris clearly indicate that he was preparing this text. In his letter on formation issues, he refers to the process again:<\/p>\n
\nIn the meanwhile, until we decide what must be added to the Rules\u2026<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Those who were coming forward to join the Missionaries were young and mostly straight out of school. A certain amount of discipline was necessary in order to let them be formed into Missionaries.<\/p>\n
Eugene wanted them to be clear about how to think and be and live \u201call for God\u201d \u2013 they needed to be trained to live according to the spirit of the cenacle. The advice he gives them on how to behave on their way to classes is aimed at this. Today, 200 years later, some of the prescriptions appear rather strange for us, but let us remember that his only goal was to help them to become missionaries who were \u201call for God.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nIn the meanwhile, until we decide what must be added to the Rules, as soon as the bell for departure has been rung, the student novices must present themselves before the superior to receive his blessing; they will thence proceed to the church to adore Our Lord; after that they will leave and go in silence to the seminary, two by two or three by three, but not in a group. They can however break silence to speak in a low voice and without gesticulating, only with their companion and about class subjects. <\/strong><\/h5>\n
Once arrived at the seminary, if it is not time to enter into class, they will go into the church to adore the most holy Sacrament. If they are obliged to wait, they will study their lesson and continue to observe the strictest silence. In class they will follow the seminary rules exactly and will leave as soon as it is ended, again entering the church to thank Our Lord. They can never penetrate within the seminary to speak even with a director without having obtained permission before leaving the house and when they are in the superior\u2019s presence. He will give such permission only reluctantly because the others would be obliged to wait for whomever had gone into the seminary so that all can always return together in silence. In the case of not having foreseen the need to speak with someone at the seminary and this being truly indispensable, permission should be asked from the most senior who would be obliged to refer the matter to the superior on reaching the house; it is to him that they present themselves after having adored the Blessed Sacrament. If anyone commits some fault against the Rule during the walk or at the seminary, he will accuse such to the superior on returning.\u00a0<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Letter to Henri Tempier, 4 November 1817, O.W. VI n. 29<\/em><\/p>\n
Lest we be tempted to think that Eugene was forming little self-centred pseudo-monks, let us not forget that as a result of their training, these young men became courageous, self-sacrificing missionaries who gave their lives generously to bring the Gospel to countless poor and abandoned people in many countries of the world. They became Oblates in the full sense of the word.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
As the size of the group increased, it was necessary that there be a common Rule to capture the spirit of the group and how to live by this spirit. Eugene\u2019s letters from Paris clearly indicate that he was preparing … Continue reading