Tag Archives: illness

IN WORKING FOR OTHERS I HAVE BEEN TOO FORGETFUL OF MYSELF

In December 1814 Eugene did a private retreat, at one of the most significant moments of his life. He had touched death and had been left physically weakened by the illness, and was now discerning the future direction that his … Continue reading

Posted in RETREAT NOTES | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

TO GO OFF AND BURY MYSELF IN SOME WELL REGULATED COMMUNITY

Eugene continues to reflect on his process of discerning God’s will for him as he recuperates from his near-fatal illness. His desire to be “all for God” draws him to a monastic existence. Yet, he is living the “all for … Continue reading

Posted in LETTERS | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

THANKSGIVING TO GOD WHO IS NEVER DEAF TO THE PRAYER OF THOSE WHO PLACE ALL THEIR TRUST IN HIM

A public act of thanksgiving for Eugene’s healing On May 3, feast of the Finding of the True Cross, I convoked all the congregants in the Madeleine Church to assist at the Mass I owed it them to say at … Continue reading

Posted in DIARY | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

FINALLY, THE LORD YIELDED TO THE PRAYERS OF THIS BAND OF YOUTH

Eugene continues to describe the prayers offered which led to his healing All who witnessed it shed tears and could not refrain from joining in this exercise of charity and truly filial piety. And why should I refrain from adding … Continue reading

Posted in DIARY | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

SNATCHED FROM THE JAWS OF DEATH

While most people who had contracted typhus died, Eugene’s near-miraculous recovery is attributed to the prayers of the young people That is when they displayed those feelings of faith and trust in God that I pray the Lord will keep … Continue reading

Posted in DIARY | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

THE YOUTH LEAVE SCHOOL TO ACCOMPANY THE PRIEST WHO WOULD GIVE EUGENE THE LAST SACRAMENTS

How the members of the youth congregation reacted to what they thought was Eugene’s “imminent death.” As soon as I had arranged for the sacraments that I thought would be the last I would receive in my life to be … Continue reading

Posted in DIARY | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

HOW COULD I NOT HAVE FOR YOU A FATHER’S HEART AFTER YOU HAVE PROVED THAT YOU LOVE ME AS IF YOU WERE MY CHILDREN?

The Diary entry continues with a reflection on the relationship between Eugene and the members of the Youth Congregation. It was not just as a chaplain to a group that he functioned, but he worked at developing a bond with … Continue reading

Posted in DIARY | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

A GRATEFUL EUGENE REDOUBLES HIS EFFORTS FOR THE SALVATION OF THE YOUTH

After his illness, Eugene resumes writing the Diary of the Christian Youth Congregation and describes the affectionate reaction of the youth to his illness. The best way for him to show his gratitude is by working even harder for their … Continue reading

Posted in DIARY | Tagged , | Leave a comment

AN ILLNESS THAT BROUGHT ME TO DEATH’S DOOR

In January 1814,  Napoleon’s armies were in retreat as the powers against him invaded France. He sent two thousand Austrian prisoners of war to Aix. Typhus broke out, and doctors and the chaplain died of it. Eugene became aware of … Continue reading

Posted in LETTERS | Tagged , | Leave a comment