Blessed Marie-Eugene: Contemplation and Mission
Why are we in this world? The great reason is that God is love and that He has loved us. He created you out of love, He called you out of love, and this love remains alive. What He has loved, He still loves; what He has given, He will never take away. As St. Paul, who deeply understood God’s nature, reminds us: “The gifts of God are irrevocable” (Rom 11:29), and what He has begun, He will bring to completion!
God cannot let us go, He cannot abandon us, because He loves us. Our great hope is God; our great hope is eternity! He sees all things in truth and clarity, while we only see appearances. He sees us in our eternal reality. He longs to share His vision with us, to awaken our hope in this eternal reality.
Blessed Marie-Eugene of the Child Jesus
Homily, 1 December 1963 (excerpt)
Blessed Marie Eugene of the Child Jesus dedicated his life to helping souls discover and respond to God’s love. Born Henri Grialou in 1894 in Le Gua, France, he discerned his call to Carmel while still a seminarian but was delayed by military service during World War I.
Ordained in 1922 for the Diocese of Rodez, he soon followed his call to the Discalced Carmelites, taking the name Marie-Eugene of the Child Jesus. His life was marked by a deep trust in the Holy Spirit and an unwavering commitment to the teachings of St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross.
One of his greatest contributions was the foundation of the Secular Institute Notre Dame de Vie in 1932. He envisioned a path where secular laity and diocesan priests could integrate deep contemplative prayer with their daily lives in the world, living out Carmelite spirituality while remaining in their respective vocations.
As Vicar General of the Discalced Carmelites, he was also instrumental in restoring unity among the Discalced Carmelite nuns in France, fostering their collaboration and guiding them in implementing Pope Pius XII’s Sponsa Christi. His efforts laid the groundwork for the federations that continue to support Carmelite nuns today.
Discover more about Blessed Marie Eugene’s life and spiritual wisdom in our latest podcast episode, embedded below. Listen in as we reflect on his teachings and explore how his legacy continues to inspire us today.
https://youtu.be/pI4LVrSt5fM
Translation from the French text is the blogger’s own work product and may not be reproduced without permission.
Featured image: Blessed Marie-Eugene of the Child Jesus is featured in this vault painting by Maltese artist Manuel Farrugia in the Church of St. Teresa, administered by the Discalced Carmelite friars in Cospicua, Malta. Image credit: Discalced Carmelites