The early biographer, Rey, had this to say of the mission in Rognac: “it was plagued by bad weather, the rain continued for almost the entire time of the religious exercises. No one was waiting for the missionaries, the mission wasn’t prepared, the diocesan administration had imposed it on the parish. The setting up took place in conditions that tested the faith, patience, and dedication of God’s missionaries.” (Rey I p.240)
But here it is really painful. They tell us that our arrival caused terror in the whole district. I believe, however, that this is only the word of a few, a very small number, who no doubt judge the opinion of others by their own feelings. We will not delay to get more information on this.
We are neglecting nothing, we try to offer to God whatever is painful about our stay in this area, for the conversion of the people. I assure you that, to encourage and support myself, I often have to remind myself that Blessed Leonard was sent on a mission to save only one soul and that St. Francis de Sales, when preaching to only three people, converted one who was to deny the faith the very next day.
Letter from Henri Tempier to Eugene de Mazenod, 16 November 1819, Oblate Writings II.2, n. 20
Eugene animated them as he responded:
Why so discouraged, dear friend, why the complaints? You do not realize enough all the advantages of your position. You naturally suffer, so much the better. Besides you are only beginning, you were not expected, you arrived when work is in full swing, people are caught up. Pray, preach, knock on the door, do not be discouraged…
I have seen people of the region who have told me that practically everybody goes to your instructions; you must therefore appeal to God to make your words penetrate into hearts that are hardened but still accessible to holy truths.
Letter to Henri Tempier, 22 November 1819, O.W. VI n.48
Successful people are always looking for opportunities to help others. Unsuccessful people are always asking, “What’s in it for me?” Brian Tracy
I am reminded when reading Eugene’s words to Henri of a loving parent, teacher or perhaps an incredibly close friend. Of someone perhaps offering/instructing/sharing a new way of focussing on it the situation. The conditions of giving this mission in Rognac sound incredibley horrid and certainly unacceptable, not only the physical conditions of where they stayed and what was and was not provided for them, but also the attitudes of those receiving them and their message. These are what I call the ‘heart and soul destroying’ conditions for they do go deep in and can side-track any of us. For the three of them to remain faithful to their mission had to have been incredibly trying on all fronts. Perseverence. Although the word itself sounds very ideal and lofty, holy even – the lived reality of it can be another story. It seems to come up again and again in so many different ways. That last paragraph from Eugne seem to offer a way of looking at it differently and a way to persevere for the right reasons (vs ‘whats in it for me’). I guess I might need to ask myself not only why do I persevere in some situtations, but also how.