| From 1808 to 1812 as a member of the Seminary of Saint-Sulpice in Paris, Eugene de Mazenod was guided by Monsieur Emery and Monsieur Duclaux. These holy men encouraged Eugene to continue developing a spirit of fervor, regularity and industrious ness. Eugene, notwithstanding personal risk, committed himself to faithfully serve and assist the Pope who at this time was a prisoner of Napoleon at Fontainebleau. Eugene's desire to become a priest of the poor continued to develop. Direct contact with impoverished youth and prisoners of war strengthened Eugene's desire to devote himself entirely to these forgotten people. Simultaneously he continued to harbor a desire to make atonement, both for his own sins and all Christians who had abandoned the Church. Thus he participates in the activities of the Marian Congregation and a missionary group established by his friend and confrere Charles de Forbin-Janson. Repeatedly he expressed the desire to cooperate with Christ in the salvation of the world, so that the shedding of the blood of Christ might be efficacious for others as it had been for him. |
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