Tag Archives: health

NEGOTIATING THE LABYRINTH OF A MOST BUSY LIFE

Shaken by the deaths of two Oblates in quick succession, Eugene wrote to the overly-enthusiastic and impetuous Honorat with advice on how to look after himself, pace his work and plan his work more carefully. Changing the circumstances to our … Continue reading

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THE NEED TO BE REMINDED OVER AND OVER AGAIN

In response to reading one of Eugene’s many calls to his zealous Oblates to look after their health, a lay associate wrote, 200 year later: “When I take care of myself then I will also be able to care for … Continue reading

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CEMETERIES ARE FULL OF INDISPENSABLE PEOPLE

Fathers Honorat (28 years old), Martin (24) and Sumien (25) were conducting a parish mission in the village of Condoulet. These three young Oblates were full of zeal and enthusiasm, and Eugene was concerned about them burning themselves out. I … Continue reading

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WHAT HAS ALWAYS EXHAUSTED US MOST ON MISSIONS IS LACK OF SLEEP

While delighting in the conquests of the team of Oblates succeeding with he jubilee mission at Roquevaire, Eugene kept his feet on the ground and worried about the missionaries burning themselves out by sacrificing sleep in favor of work. He … Continue reading

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ONE MUST KNOW WHEN IT IS TIME TO CLOSE ONE’S DOOR

Most of us do not know how to reasonably close our doors and evaluate the requests made on our time and energy. After the exertions of a hard mission, is it abnormal that I demand that you rest and that … Continue reading

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A HEART WHICH CANNOT BE OUTDONE BY ANYONE WHEN IT COMES TO LOVING

Perturbed by the zealous frenetic activity of his missionary Oblates, Eugene writes to Fr Courtès, the superior of the Aix community, recommending that he watch over the health of those entrusted to his care in the community. … Adieu, be … Continue reading

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THERE ARE ONLY TWO OF YOU AND YOU TAKE ON WORK ENOUGH FOR SIX

Nine days after his previous instructions to Fr. Mie, Eugene’s patience with this missionary’s misplaced zeal begins to wear thin. I told you positively to do only one mission when you left Marseilles and I even fixed a limit, as I … Continue reading

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MY CONSCIENCE REQUIRES THAT YOU REST YOURSELF WELL

At the beginning of September Eugene had written to Father Mie insisting that he take a period of rest. A month later, not only had he not taken a rest but had become involved in another pastoral commitment that upset … Continue reading

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EXHAUSTED MISSIONARIES STARVED FOR THE SALVATION OF THE POOR

The Oblates were conducting a mission among “poor abandoned mountain people,” and the team wanted to prolong their time with them. Acknowledging their generosity, he still demands that they not prolong the mission and take a period of necessary rest. … Continue reading

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EXHAUSTED PERSONS MAKE THEMSELVES POWERLESS

The excessive zeal of the Oblate missionaries had a tendency to drain their physical energy – and to lead to disagreeable consequences. An exhausted missionary makes for a useless missionary. Once again, Eugene expresses his concern for the welfare of … Continue reading

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