We are here under the fatal influence of cholera, which takes from us some 40, or 30, 20, or 25 people each day. Those who come here are in danger. Yesterday a whole family of five people died on coming back to the city after having gone away at the beginning of the epidemic. You must know that I did not consider this danger when my duty called me back to my flock, but up to now I have felt no symptoms of the illness. None of ours has been attacked.
Letter to Fr. Ferdinand Grenier, in Nancy, 30 September 1849, EO X, n 1023
Bishop Eugene and the diocesan and Oblate clergy courageously ministered to those afflcited by the cholera epidemic.
The cholera continues with the same intensity; but sudden horrible cases are rather rare. Since I’m back, I have gone to confirm many of these poor victims on their death-bed, and I have felt no other pain than the anguish, which I cannot guard against in the sight of such disasters.
Letter to Fr Ambroise Vincens at N. D. de L’Osier, 12 October 1849, EO X n 1024
REFLECTION
“The end of life deserves as much beauty, care and respect as the beginning.” (Author unknown)
I think of Bishop de Mazenod, climbing the dark awful smelling staircases in the tenement buildings so as to bring the sacraments to those who were dying. This was a journey of trust in God, and love for all he met. It is how he accompanied the poorest of the poor in their lives and in their deaths.
Here I am, Lord.
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord,
if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
Today’s world is once again under attack by epidemics of hatred and violence towards any who look different or think differently than we do. These epidemics measure others by their seeming unworthiness and intelligence. It is so easy to follow others who will tell you that they are closer to God than anyone else – no matter their gender, education or role in life.
Being a passionate loving being, Eugene would go out to serve all he met. I wonder if we would recognize him if we saw him standing with the person we had crossed the street to avoid? He did not seem to be bothered by the stench or cries of someone who appeared to be less than human. Odd that he did not seem to notice us at all as he allowed the street person to touch the large cross he wore. He seemed almost to be led by his heart rather than having any fear of the other…
How do we dare to love?