From Rome, Eugene shares his concern about the finances of the Oblates and the obligation to provide for the needs of the members in future.
I would wish you not to overlook a matter which preoccupies me constantly and that is that no one of our Congregation has any money and that the day when certain sources will dry up, it will be impossible to know how to feed and clothe so many people;
I know that we must count on divine Providence as Christian wisdom counsels us.
That is why my purpose has always been to set aside a fund which could furnish the most pressing necessities of life, not of course with a thought of hoarding, but in order to supplement the endowments that all Congregations have in all countries of the world, for should it happen one day that we are reduced to relying only on Mass stipends, there will not be enough to keep our communities going. If we were to use this money for building, that would reduce us to zero. Think well on this, for those who give themselves to God in our Congregation have a right to have their needs looked after.
Letter to Henri Tempier, 20 January 1826, EO VII n 219
“The future starts today, not tomorrow.” Pope John Paul II
Finances, fundraising. Stewardship. As I sat here this morning I felt for Eugene because his concern was very real. Would I not worry for my own family, for my own parish community, my own chosen community? I look around my community of Oblates and Oblate Associates, further to my parish community at those who do not always seem to have quite enough to enjoy what I do, meals and clothing, extra to spend on treats and goodies. How do I share with them? It is not always monetary because I am not rich enough for that. But I can share of myself, of what I have.
I also need to be honest and look at my future. Have a I planned and prepared for my future? What will happen when I die? Have I set aside enough to pay for my own funeral so that I will not be a burden to my family, friends or even the more anonymous city and province governments? Not what Eugene was thinking of but just what this small reflection as brought forth. Looking after my own needs and then others. Where have I relegated God to in all of this?