Tag Archives: poor

FEELING WITH AND RESPONDING TO THE VICTIMS OF THE REVOLUTION

Why did Eugene become a priest? Because he was moved by the condition of the poor whose faith had been weakened or destroyed by the Revolution. Looking at them through the eyes of the Savior urged him to dedicate himself … Continue reading

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I TRY TO OBTAIN FOR THEM ALL THE COMFORTS THAT DEPEND ON ME

Leflon writes: “Installed on December 30, 1806, ‘Demazenot fils’: immediately assumed the duties of the Semainier (the director in charge for one week), and, in this capacity, presented, on January 6, 1807, a report that had the Mazenod touch, and … Continue reading

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AN EVENT THAT SHOWS THE CAPACITY FOR SURVIVAL AND RENEWAL

The blessing of the church at the Calvaire was a historic moment. For the Oblates it was a milestone in their ministry to the poor of the Marseille harbor area and the popular quarters surrounding it. What had begun as … Continue reading

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WE ARE THE BISHOP’S MEN… OR ARE WE?

“We are the Bishop’s men” is a slogan that has been much used and abused throughout the history of our Congregation. Taken out of context, it has been interpreted as a reason for an Oblate to be a “jack-of-all-trades-minister” in … Continue reading

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WHO, BEING LOVED, IS POOR?

“Seeing the world through the eyes of Christ the Savior” Eugene and the Oblates had a special sensitivity and outreach for those who were not being adequately ministered to by the structures of the church. In some cases it was … Continue reading

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MINISTRY TO IMMIGRANTS RECOGNIZED

Marius Suzanne seemed to have teased Eugene about a civic honor he had just received from the King of Sardinia: I really think you make fun of me in your manner of remarking about my knighthood. Letter to Marius Suzanne, … Continue reading

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A PREACHER WHO CONNECTED WITH THE POOR

During the jubilee preaching in Marseille, Rey describes a revealing incident: “An unexpected event provides a basis for comparison between the preaching of the missionary of the poor and a more elevated level of eloquence. Father Enfantin reappeared in Marseille … 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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IF, IN THE PLACE OF THIS SHOW, THEY HAD EVANGELIZED THE POOR ABANDONED SOULS

With his Roman visit over and the Oblate Congregation formally approved, Eugene now settled back into his regular occupations in Marseille – as Vicar General of the diocese and as Superior General of the Oblates. Unfortunately for us, we do … Continue reading

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TWO HUNDRED YEARS LATER: A SPIRIT OF OBLATION TO CHANGE THE WORLD OF THE MOST ABANDONED

Eugene concludes his official narration of the events of our approbation with the exhortation to respond by making their own the words of Saint Paul: “I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls” (2 Corinthians 12:15) Now, … Continue reading

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