Fr. Yvon BEAUDOIN has recently published a book about
the Founder: Anecdotes and Fioretti about
Saint Eugene de Mazenod. These anecdotes show us a saint who, in the course
of his long life, joked about his enthusiasm and his faux pas; who organized a
serenade for an elderly lady; who lamented his own boredom; who could laugh at
the distractions of others and could admit his own; who was not afraid to show
his emotions.
For those who have already been fascinated by this
man, as well as for those who are just getting to know him, reading this book is
an invitation to be unafraid of getting one’s hands dirty in one’s journey to
God, while living a totally human life.
This publication and its distribution have been made
possible thanks to the financial contribution of the Region of Canada-United
States and of the Province of Italy. Published and distributed in French,
English and Italian, it is being made available to the whole Congregation. Besides
offering us this new resource for knowing and listening to the Founder, Fr.
Beaudoin makes it possible for us to continue our deep reflection on the Oblate
charism. The missionary challenges of today invite us to constantly study our
roots in order to better respond to these calls with daring and creativity.
The book contains 10 beautiful illustrations by
Barbara Calcei, an Italian artist.
The 85 year old Fr. Beaudoin spent 60 years at the
Oblate General House in Rome, meticulously and diligently studying St. Eugene
and the history of the Congregation. This book is his final “Roman opus,” but
he continues to work at the Deschâtelets Archives in Ottawa.
