I NEVER LOST HOPE. I HAD UNLIMITED CONFIDENCE IN THE GOODNESS OF GOD AND IN THE PROTECTION OF THE HOLY VIRGIN

Posted on June 24, 2024 by franksantucci

Fr.  Jean-Pierre Bernard (24 years old) had been ordained a priest by Bishop de Mazenod in September 1847, and within days had left for Canada. On the same day Fr. Augustin Gaudet had been ordained and the two had travelled together to Canada. Eugene wrote to Gaudet:

The good Father Bernard who had so well endured the ocean crossing, being so strong and well constituted, I saw him at death’s door; what grief I felt! But I never lost hope. I had unlimited confidence in the goodness of God and in the protection of the Holy Virgin

Letter to Fr. Gaudet in Montreal, 29 April 1848, EO I n 94

REFLECTION

God heard these prayers and Jean-Pierre was restored to health and was to be a zealous missionary in Canada, USA, and France for the next 37 years.

The circumstances we ask God to CHANGE are often the circumstances God is using to CHANGE US. (Mark Batterson)

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1 Response to I NEVER LOST HOPE. I HAD UNLIMITED CONFIDENCE IN THE GOODNESS OF GOD AND IN THE PROTECTION OF THE HOLY VIRGIN

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate Associate says:
    June 24, 2024 at 13:18

    I find myself reflecting on the word “Hope” this morning. It is one of the graces of strength that accompanies daring and trust. It is listed as occurring in seven of the Constitutions in the Oblate Rule of Life, and was the name of both the 34th General Chapter (2004) titled “Witnessing to Hope” and more recently in the name of the 37 General Chapter (2022) titled “Pilgrims of Hope in Communion” as well as our Province’s Convocation titled “Dare We Hope?”this past May.

    It is with hope that we are called to face the world and all those we meet; as models of God’s love for all. Hope was given birth to me when I first heard Jesus say my name.

    It was in the early 2000s when I heard the words “Immense Hope” from an Oblate priest: which rocked my comfortable world and pointed to a life’s path that I was invited to follow. It became foundational within me, a part of who I am and which I breathe in and out.

    Birth and renewal – together we dare to hope.

    Reply

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