I AM GIVING YOU, TO BEGIN YOUR APOSTOLIC WORK, A MISSION TO GO TO ALGERIA, WHERE AN IMMENSE GOOD AWAITS YOU

Posted on October 28, 2024 by franksantucci

Within days of his priestly ordination, Fr Grenier received his first mission assignment.

My very dear Fr. Grenier, I have been wanting to write to you for several days. I have been prevented from doing so by my activities which are always increasing in number. I am longing, however, to tell you that you must come to me as soon as possible. I am giving you, to begin your apostolic work, a mission to go to Algeria, where an immense good awaits you. We are aiming at the conversion of the Arabs in continuing the way we are on at the moment. Come then as soon as possible. There will be two of you who will go and join three of our men who are already at work. Bring all the things you need with you. I shall not write any more now since I expect soon to embrace you against my heart.

Letter to Fr. Ferdinand Grenier, in Nancy, 26 October 1849, EO IV (Africa) n. 9

REFLECTION

“God, send me anywhere, only go with me. Lay any burden on me, only sustain me. And sever any tie in my heart except the tie that binds my heart to Yours.” (David Livingstone)

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1 Response to I AM GIVING YOU, TO BEGIN YOUR APOSTOLIC WORK, A MISSION TO GO TO ALGERIA, WHERE AN IMMENSE GOOD AWAITS YOU

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate Associate says:
    October 28, 2024 at 11:42

    This morning I am invited to think about the “quality of presence” which would be greatly needed for the men who were sent to Algeria to convert the Muslim people to Catholicism. Fr. Grenier would need it not only for his short time in Algeria, but also when he came to North America and spent the best part of his life in Quebec, Canada.

    It was a gift shared with David Livingstone in how he expressed his way of being sent out to all those he met in his travels across the great continent of Africa. It can be seen by many who are sent to us and hopefully by those to whom we are sent. I see in many of the members of our Oblate Family as well in other families and communities around the world. Not only are we blessed to know others who live in this light, but also that we have been gifted with the eyes to recognize them.

    I dare to say it is the gift of being present to others, while standing in the presence of God. And while it is not always evident when measured against what a person does for a living the size of their house or even the amount of land that they own it can be seen beneath the light that shines of those who live in the shadow of the cross.

    Reply

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