Tag Archives: prayer

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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PRAY ALWAYS

Living “all for God” does not just happen simply because one wishes it. There is a certain discipline and effort involved in training oneself consciously to be aware of the presence of God. Ephesians 6:18 calls on Christians to “pray … Continue reading

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I MUST BECOME INVISIBLE

Having reminded himself of the cardinal points of his spiritual practices, Eugene revises his daily timetable. To this end, there is absolutely no time to waste, and what is left over after the day’s business must be well used. I … 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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TO ACT ALWAYS IN A PERFECT DEPENDENCE ON GOD’S WILL, IN PERFECT LIBERTY OF SPIRIT, IN UNION WITH GOD

Eugene’s retreat notes continue with many resolutions on his prayer life, Eucharistic devotion, praying the breviary etc. Realizing how his busy-ness can disturb his moments formally dedicated to prayer, he expresses an attitude of fundamental importance: Since I am so … Continue reading

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A LITTLE MORE PRAYER, MUCH LESS WORRY AND CONTROL

I must really be persuaded that although God makes use of men for his works, he does not need them. And so I will make a lot more progress in what he deigns to confide to me if I live … Continue reading

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I WILL NEVER FAIL IN MY RETREATS TO PUT IN WRITING AT LEAST SOME OF THE GOOD THOUGHTS GOD IN HIS GOODNESS GIVES ME

The 1816 retreat notes were written in the notebook in which he kept all his previous retreat notes (cf Oblate Writings XIV and XV). Today the word “journalling” is used for this type of spiritual exercise. Eugene notes the direction … Continue reading

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THE OBLATE CHURCH IN AIX – CENTRE OF INSTRUCTION AND PRAYER

Leflon’s description of the early days of the church of the mission gives a good idea of the foundations laid by Eugene and his first companions in 1816: In fact, the public also attended Mass there; their number soon became … Continue reading

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