Tag Archives: community

HOLY PRIESTS, THIS IS OUR WEALTH!

After the priestly ordination of Hippolyte Guibert, Eugene wrote to Jean Baptiste Honorat, who had been unable to be present at the Oblate family celebration. God knows with what joy and with what unspeakable consolation I pronounced the “scio et … Continue reading

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TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER

Eugene’s concern for the Oblates was not confined to their ministry, but he was especially interested in the quality of their lives, of their “being in order to do.” Writing to the new community in Nimes he gives them advice … Continue reading

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COMMUNITIES COOPERATE WITH ONE ANOTHER TO ENSURE THE SUCCESS OF THE MISSION OF THE WHOLE CONGREGATION

The new community in Nimes had committed itself to conducting a retreat for prisoners. As it was a delicate undertaking, Eugene expresses doubts about the ability of the actual community to conduct it well because they did not have sufficient … Continue reading

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NURTURING THE NEW PLANT

Very soon after the arrival of the new community of Oblates in Nimes, Eugene wrote them a letter full of advice. It gives the impression of a an anxious parent standing by as he watches a child taking his first … Continue reading

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ALWAYS CELEBRATE THE JOY OF EASTER WITH THE COMMUNITY

The turning point of Eugene’s life came with his experience of God’s love for him as evidenced on the Cross. His Good Friday experience was the door that opened for him to welcome the Risen Christ at Easter. Because of … Continue reading

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FRATERNAL CORRECTION – BEING MINISTERED TO

We saw above how the new priest, Bernard Vachon, had been reprimanded by his superior in Aix, and was upset by it. Eugene’s letter continues to reassure him, in a fatherly way, that no personal harm was intended or done. … Continue reading

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LOVE THE UNLOVABLE – FRATERNAL CORRECTION AND FORGIVENESS

One of the challenges of living together in community is having to get on with the different personalities of people. One of the pivots of successful community living is the ability to be honest with one another – particularly when … Continue reading

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MISSIONARY ENTHUSIASM HAS TWO HANDS

The young community was growing – and so were their expenses! In particular, all the candidates who came to join the Missionaries brought no income into the community during their years of formation. This was to be an ongoing source … Continue reading

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EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT PHYSICALLY A PART OF IT, ALL MINISTRY BELONGS TO THE COMMUNITY

Once Eugene had chosen which Oblates would participate in the parish mission in Allauch, one member of the community remained disappointed at not having been chosen for the team. Eugene wrote to him: Don’t be anxious, what is postponed will … Continue reading

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THE DELIGHT THAT IS MINE WHEN I AM WITH OUR OBLATES IS WORTH MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE

At the end of October each year the Oblate community in Aix would have their annual retreat, and this year Eugene had come from Marseille to join the community for it. He wrote to Henri Tempier in Marseille: If it … Continue reading

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