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- ONE HAS NO INFIRMITIES AND FEELS AS THOUGH ONE WERE ONLY THIRTY YEARS OF AGE
- GOD WILL REWARD HIM, BUT THE DEATH OF A GOOD SUBJECT IS A GREAT LOSS FOR THE CONGREGATION
- THESE FEW LINES ARE A WITNESS OF MY REMEMBRANCE AND TENDER AFFECTION FOR YOU
- A CONSOLATION FOR ME TO KEEP WATCH BEFORE THE LORD’S TABERNACLE WHILE ALL MY CHILDREN ARE RESTING IN QUIET SLEEP
- OUR GREAT PLAGUE IS IGNORANCE – WE MUST DO ALL WE CAN TO COUNTERACT IT
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- Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate Associate on GOD WILL REWARD HIM, BUT THE DEATH OF A GOOD SUBJECT IS A GREAT LOSS FOR THE CONGREGATION
- Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate Associate on THESE FEW LINES ARE A WITNESS OF MY REMEMBRANCE AND TENDER AFFECTION FOR YOU
- Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate Associate on A CONSOLATION FOR ME TO KEEP WATCH BEFORE THE LORD’S TABERNACLE WHILE ALL MY CHILDREN ARE RESTING IN QUIET SLEEP
- Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate Associate on OUR GREAT PLAGUE IS IGNORANCE – WE MUST DO ALL WE CAN TO COUNTERACT IT
- Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate Associate on ENCOURAGE THEIR EFFORTS, SHOW YOURSELF TO BE HAPPY WITH THE LITTLE THEY DO, THINGS WILL GO MUCH BETTER LATER
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“A father’s communication with his many children… that is one of the most agreeable occupations of my life” 1857
What a tender image Eugene presents as he speaks of his conversation Fr. Dassy. Not so much as we would normally think of a conversation, but rather one of their two hearts meeting as they are able. And then Eugene goes on to remind him of his prayers for all of them during Mass and in the evening through the practice of silent prayer – that is Oraison which is “also a consolation for me to keep watch before the Lord’s tabernacle while of [his] children are resting in quiet sleep.” A practice of that which happens today.
With the emergence of COVID19 we had to find ways to continue to converse with others. Zoom and similar technologies because a daily and weekly part of our lives, not only to those we are sent, but each other within our Oblate Family. We met our doctors and therapists; we gave and received through technology with apps like Zoom. This is a practice that continues today for some of us who share a “focus for Oraison” between two neighbouring countries and across different continents. I picture in my mind the article from Cor Unum, OMIWorld with a picture of the Team from around meeting on Zoom as they begin to look at the possibility of updating Fernand Jetté’s “OMI The Apostolic Man” which is a commentary on the 1982 edition of the Oblate Constitutions and Rules.
And it was only yesterday that email delivered a link to Cor Unum and Eugene Benedict, OMI who wrote about Religious Fundamentalism: A Challenge to Global Peace. I found myself looking at the small, personal ways in which I might still be carrying my own fundamentalism(s) which close the windows and door of my heart rather than opening it to the world and allowing grace to grow among us.
Technology allows us to serve each other well. Just as some of us continue to meet for “Spiritual Direction” using telephones or email – what could be more intimate? It is similar with Oraison as we dare to enter into the heart of Jesus, his presence within each of us. Something that we are invited to enter into via the heart of Jesus in much the same manner as Eugene speaks to us daily in this place.
Some believe that certain processes can only be found with in-person gatherings so that they can flourish and grow. Not true: for all things are possible with God. Physical things cannot stop the loving heart from beating.
All things and ways are possible when we are joined by love.