I am often asked, “In the first years of their existence where did the money for the livelihood of the Missionaries come from?” This letter to the new Archbishop of Aix gives an idea of the situation at the end of 1819.
Telling him the story of the origins of the Missionaries Eugene explains:
I took it upon myself to acquire at my own expense the place which was to serve as a dwelling place for the new community. But the diocese would have to rightfully furnish the missionaries’ upkeep. …but I don’t know by what chance, that arrangement was never carried out…
But now our resources are all dried up; and it is not just now that such is the case. And how could it be otherwise? For the five years that we have been established, we have between all of us taken only 1162 francs from the diocese which, divided by and five and shared out to seven, the number of missionaries, comes to an annual income of thirty-three francs and a few pennies for each missionary, the only resource they have to feed and clothe themselves.
I don’t think I am offending my co-workers when I say that they are as rich in virtue as they are poor in material things.
So, up to now I have been obliged to supplement what has not been done for them, whether by my own special means, or by the help I have procured in contributions from a very limited number of people of good will. These resources have dried up at the same time. The expenses of the establishment which cost me more than twenty thousand francs that I’ve not yet been able to finish paying, make it impossible for me to supply any longer from my own account the upkeep and food for my co-workers. My friends on their part have become tired in seeing no end to our needs; so the missionaries find themselves at the point of having nothing more to live on.
Consequently, I am in the absolute necessity of having recourse to the Archbishop’s kindness, an Archbishop who is too just to allow priests who sacrifice themselves in such a demanding ministry as preaching missions, priests who are always ready to move quickly at all times and at the least sign to that place where obedience shows us that some good is to be done, to suffer from not having the necessities of life. They are certainly far removed from wanting to rake in money; and so I’m asking for them only a sufficient salary to pay for their food and upkeep which I estimate to be four hundred francs per person.
Letter to Archbishop de Bausset of Aix, 16 December 1819, O.W. XIII n.27
On December 22, 1819, Fortuné wrote to Eugene’s father: “[Your son’s] memorandum has been approved and gained for him an account of 1500 francs which he immediately withdrew.”
“Ever more people today have the means to live, but no meaning to live for.” Viktor E. Frankl
It’s funny how lucky I am.
I can honestly say I have no money and yet I want for nothing.
In the hierarchy of society, I stand at the bottom but I am in good company – it’s where Christ hangs out; it’s where I get to hang out with, talk with, help (not financially) as I can the “outcasts.” I belong. I was/am one. I can relate. They trust me.
As an Oblate, I don’t preach the gospel, I just TRY to demonstrate it.
And in return, magically, my bills are paid, I have food on the table, I have a new family that truly loves me, and He even throws in the odd pleasure.
It took me 60 years to fight my way down here but the rewards make the journey worth it.
Incredible the hardships that existed! “My all for God” takes on yet another dimension. I must be honest and say that although I ‘knew’ that they did not have a lot back then, I did not know just how little they had.
Last Sunday we reflected on how some of us, when we were a lot younger, some of us gave away everything we had, our clothing, furniture, books, records, everything we owned, for love of God. Some of us went to live in communities, secular or religious. And we reflected on what we have today – homes, beautiful clothes, books, our little collections, houses, cars, holidays away in exotic and beautiful locations where we are guarded from the ‘native peoples’ who have nothing. I had to look at myself and my life and be honest. Although I do not own a home or a vehicle I have more than I will ever need, in fact more than enough. Perhaps I need to relook and try to live more with what is ‘enough’.
For sure God has given me a lot, and I am so very grateful for all that I receive. For me, if I have too much I get more easily distracted. As I said perhaps I need to relook and and determine exactly what is enough.
”Ever more people today have the means to live, but no meaning to live for.” Viktor E. Frankl
great quote Frank. And this was written I would guess in the 50s or 60s?
But this could also be translated into, we have more communications today and more lonely people.
As I read today’s reading what touches me in my own experience is that when in ministry we relied on others and there creative generosity there was a vibrant ministry, and when outside funds came in the creative generosity dried up.
I think in the end, it is about trust and relationships. Trusting providence and then sharing our gifts what ever they may be with each other. Yes, it make us vulnerable and maybe even weak, but is that not the paradox of the spiritual life?