On a practical level, the zeal of the Missionaries also depended on the generosity of others. They offered their services to a village parish but expected no remuneration. To one of the pastors Eugene wrote:
The funds you have seem sufficient to me since we receive no personal salaries at all and follow to the letter the Master’s words: “Freely you have received, freely give” [ed. Matthew 10,8].
It is enough to cover the missionaries’ travelling expenses and that they are given hospitality where the mission takes place. That is the rule of our little Society.
Letter to the Pastor of Salernes, 15 June 1818, O.W. XIII, n.13
He repeats the same idea to the pastor of Barjols:
All expenses amount only to frugal meals for the missionaries; we do not receive any salaries at all for our fatigue and work which can be repaid only by the Lord.
Letter to the Pastor of Barjols, 20 August 1818, O.W. XIII, n.14
“The labourer is worthy of his hire” Luke 10,7