A Feast of Hope and Renewal
On this Feast of Saint Eugene de Mazenod, Fr. Andrzej Stendzina, OMI, Provincial of OMI Lacombe Canada, shares a message of gratitude, hope, renewal, and encouragement as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the approbation of our Constitutions and Rules and continue preparing for our upcoming Convocation.
May 19, 2026
Dear Oblates and Oblate Associates of OMI Lacombe Canada,
As we celebrate the feast of St. Eugene de Mazenod, I would like to extend to each of you my gratitude, prayers, and best wishes.
This year’s feast carries special meaning for us as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the approbation of our Constitutions and Rules — a moment that reminds us of our identity and why we continue to exist as Oblates. For two centuries, the spirit and vision of Saint Eugene have guided missionaries through times of strength, uncertainty, change, and renewal. Today is no different.
We know the reality in which we are living. Our Province is smaller, our members are aging, and ministries have closed or changed. At times, it is easy to focus only on what has been lost.
Yet the feast of Saint Eugene reminds us that the Oblate story was never built on numbers, comfort, or security. It was built on faith, courage, community, and a deep love for the poor and the most abandoned. Saint Eugene himself lived through uncertainty and struggle, yet he never stopped believing that God was leading the mission forward.
This Jubilee Year calls us to renewal as pilgrims of hope in communion. Hope does not ignore difficulties. Real hope sees them clearly and still chooses to move forward with trust. Communion means that we do not walk alone.
Our mission continues because we continue together — Oblates and Oblate Associates, younger and older members, those in active ministry and those who support the mission through prayer, presence, wisdom, and encouragement. I am grateful for our Oblate Associates. You are not simply helping us in mission; you are true partners in the charism of Saint Eugene. Thank you for your generosity, faith, and dedication.
As we continue preparing for our Convocation, I hope this gathering will be more than simply another meeting. I pray that it will become a moment of listening, honesty, renewal, and concrete decisions for the future. We are being invited not only to remember our history, but also to choose together what kind of missionary presence we are called to become in the years ahead.
I pray that new life will continue to emerge in our Province. May new ministries take shape where people are most in need. May new partnerships grow. May young people continue to hear the call of God. And may new members join us in carrying forward the Oblate mission in Canada and beyond.
The future may not look exactly like the past, but that does not mean there is no future. The mission of Christ continues. The poor are still waiting to hear the Good News. The Church still needs witnesses of hope, compassion, and communion. And the spirit of Saint Eugene is still alive among us.
On this feast day, let us renew our trust in God, our commitment to one another, and our love for the people we are sent to serve.
May Saint Eugene de Mazenod intercede for us and guide us into this next chapter with courage and hope.
Happy Feast Day to all of you.
Fr. Andrzej Stendzina, OMI
Provincial
OMI Lacombe Canada