WHAT A SIGHT MY DESK IS!

Posted on January 16, 2025 by franksantucci

An insight into the daily life of Bishop de Mazenod, Bishop of the second-largest diocese in France, Superior General of a missionary Congregation in four continents. He writes to Fr Casimir Aubert, who had been his secretary for Oblate affairs but who had had to be sent to England to bring some order to the nascent Oblate province.

What a sight my desk is! At this moment, there are at least 150 letters, amongst which a great number are waiting for a reply… Has a Superior General ever been left alone who must correspond with the four quarters of the world and who for the ledger, monstrous as it is, is obliged to copy those of his letters of which he must keep a record. It is thus that I have compiled, since my return, twelve enormous pages of this immense register, the great in-folio that you know about, entirely written by my hand in small characters.

I want you to know, before stones are thrown at me, that last Friday I sat down at my desk at seven o’clock after coming down from the chapel and that I did not stir from it until six o’clock in the evening when they came to fetch me for dinner. I had not even left the place to take the cup of chocolate that they bring me at midday for my collation and it is a bishop who is almost a septuagenarian that is made to do this grind!

Letter to Fr. Casimir Aubert, Visitator in England, 24 November 1849, EO III n 33

REFLECTION

I am always amazed by the energy and amount of work that Eugene was able to do. The key to his ability is found in the focus given to him each day in his time of morning prayer of the breviary, meditation and Scripture reflection and his evening oraison (sometimes late at night). These he never missed.

“If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it. The more things you do, the more you can do.” (Lucille Ball)

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2 Responses to WHAT A SIGHT MY DESK IS!

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate Associate says:
    January 16, 2025 at 12:59

    Today we are invited to look at the personal hardships and sacrifices that we experience in keeping abreast of all that we have said yes to when we first made our own oblation to God, the Church, our Charismatic Family and to the many poor we serve. An oblation which is more than a one-time event; rather it is dynamic and foundational part of our being. And like Eugene it is this gift first given to us and that we readily share with each other…

    Our nourishment can be found in our prayers, meditation, scriptures and oraison (which can also take place during the day – moments rather than minutes) so as to continue to share and serve with out complaining or getting mad. We need to acknowledge within ourselves that we do get upset and even begin a few steps of the self-pity dance before continuing to love and serve.

    For many if not most, our days will be filled with great numbers of actions and ways of being that we see as small and ordinary, and hopefully as small points of light. It might take special efforts to accomplish those small efforts, but they are not measured; they are simply seen as small moments of love and caring because they have been born out of the greatest love possible.

    It is from Eugene and his sons and daughters that I experience this way of living. But I also recognize that although I try to walk in the footsteps of St. Eugene, his footprints are much greater than mine.

    Reply

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