In August 1821 Eugene had the opportunity to travel to Notre Dame de Laus and to make an official visit (known as a “canonical visitation” in church language). Its purpose was to be a fraternal visit to support the Missionaries and their ministry. As the major superior it was also to make certain that the spirit and functioning of the community and it mission were being faithful to the spirit of its God-given charism.
After spending time with the community of Missionaries and the novices and students, and experiencing the ministry connected with the Shrine, he wrote in his official report:
The first duty that we have to perform on the occasion of the visit that we have done is to thank the Lord for all the blessings he has continued to impart on all the members of our community of Notre Dame du Laus.
We were extremely edified by the spirit of piety, charity, and regularity that prevails among them, and we have no other wish than to see them continue to walk this path, which will lead inevitably to the holy state of perfection they have committed themselves to.
Acts of Visitation, 12 August 1821, Archives OMI, Rome
“There is a joy which is not given to the ungodly, but to those who love You for Your own sake, whose joy You Yourself are. And this is the happy life, to rejoice in You, of You, for You. This is true joy and there is no other.” St. Augustine
I wonder what Eugene would write today if he were to visit all of the houses and communities around the world today. I find myself again this morning questioning the “holy state of perfection”. I am sure that I heard of it, read it before but I think that I must of passed right over it, I find myself putting up ‘walls’ with that one word of ‘perfection’ and will need to ask about it.
I found much to ponder though on St. Augustine’s quote. This joy that is sheer gift – I want to call it “perfect joy” because it comes inspite of the mind, the ego. It is true and more real than anything of this world, it is a state of being that we move to and from, within. It is in and of God and is from that place deep within where we touch the divine. Never to be called up on demand, and yet there waiting to be lived. It colours and lights and affects all that we do, all that we are. This joy which is a state of being more than a meer degree of happiness. It is there silent and deep and carries us through the darkness of sorrow and pain. It is when we are in ‘communion with’ and sparks a heart that is gratitude. Joy that is love, that is God, finds us, fills us. It is the riches and the enough. Impossible to capture, to describe, I will wait for it in the sunrise and the day unfolding.
Is this the ‘perfection’ Eugene speaks of?
“state of perfection’ found it – in the Oblate Dictionary of Values. And wall(s) I want to errect around the word perfection – well it’s a word. I must say that the piece on Holiness opened up some brand new doors for me and invited me to respect and speak my truth. Eugene you have opened up yet another way for me to look at and be. Thank you and guide me on this part of my journey.