Tag Archives: all for God

A SOLEMN COMMITMENT

Once the six-month probationary period was completed, the young person could apply for full admission. His application and qualities were discussed by the council, who if they found him to be suitable, would recommend that he be accepted by the … Continue reading

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200 YEARS AGO: THE DAY BEFORE EUGENE’S PRIESTLY ORDINATION

Today, exactly 200 years ago, we find the 29 year-old Eugene de Mazenod on retreat on the day before his priestly ordination. Reading though his retreat notes I am struck by the centrality of his desire to love God as … Continue reading

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AMONG THE POTS AND PANS

One of the greatest Christian mystics and contemplatives, Saint Teresa of Avila, lived in the awareness of God in her everyday activities and was able to proclaim: “The Lord walks among the pots and pans.” It is this same attitude … Continue reading

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CALLED TO FOLLOW IN FRIENDSHIP

The Youth Congregation required a set of regulations to observe so as to achieve its ideals. In 1813 Eugene provided this rule of life in the Statutes. N.B. As we will reflect on some sections of this rule of life … Continue reading

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A GROUP THAT WOULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN AIX

In his first version of the Statutes of the Congrégation de la Jeunesse Chrétienne, written in 1813, Eugene defined its main purpose in the city of Aix: To form a body of very pious young people in the city, who … Continue reading

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SEARCHING FOR GOD’S PRESENCE

Eugene’s desire to live “all for God,” led him to want to live in an awareness of the presence of his “beloved” throughout the day. The many demands and activities of each day made it necessary for him to have … Continue reading

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LIVING EACH DAY AS A PRAYER

The spiritual tradition of the “practice of the presence of God” was an important element of Eugene’s lived relationship with God. He referred to it in this retreat of 1817 that we are examining and would do so regularly in … Continue reading

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SEEKING A BALANCE BETWEEN THEORY AND PRACTICE

As Eugene takes stock of his life, he makes some practical resolutions to keep himself focussed each day. I will make it an irrevocable rule of conduct that nothing on this earth shall constitute a habitual threat to my own … Continue reading

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CHECKING THE COMPASS IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM

The year 1817 had been a seesaw of events and emotions. The successful ministry of parish missions in the villages, the ministry of the community in Aix itself, and the ministry with the Youth Congregation was counterbalanced by the destructive … Continue reading

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FORMATION: THE DISCIPLINE OF MAINTAINING THE SPIRIT OF THE UPPER ROOM

As the size of the group increased, it was necessary that there be a common Rule to capture the spirit of the group and how to live by this spirit. Eugene’s letters from Paris clearly indicate that he was preparing … Continue reading

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