Eugene’s crisis as Bishop of Icosia is far from over however on November 9, 1833 Eugene wrote to Henri Tempier:

“My notes have been much appreciated both at the Secretariat for State and by Bishop Frezza. They have all acknowledged that I have put my finger on the nub of the question and thought it through correctly. My effort will not be wasted; they are going to make a protest to protect the Holy See’s rights.”  (474:VIII in Oblate Writings)

To be recognized and supported by the Church gave Eugene courage and strength – not that he was ready to quit, but support by others always helps and Eugene seems to have received support from the Church – he was not totally alone, “my effort will not be wasted’.  Not yet out of the woods there was hope and he worked as he had to, not giving into despair for running from his trials.

This past weekend we celebrated the Triduum and the beginning of Easter Season.  There were several occasions where the Passion was read – but this time I seemed to experience it a little differently.  Usually during the reading of the Passion – my mind centers on what Jesus experienced but this time I experienced it in a slightly different way – with an added dimension.  So strongly has my ‘walking with St. Eugene’ affected me and my experience of prayer and scripture that I was able to relate not only to Jesus and his passion, but I could see how Eugene’s experience as Bishop of Icosia ran parallel with that – living the Paschal Mystery.  In his living out his all for God he too experienced in his life the entry into Jerusalem, the farce of the charges against him, of his long slow trek to Golgotha and then the crucifixion – not a literal physical experience but more mystical.  The Paschal Mystery – more than a one time event it continues throughout all of time.