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

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)