Animation Material for the Constitutions and Rules

Back

Animation Material for the Constitutions and Rules

DOWNLOAD CCRR ANIMATION MATERIAL HERE: ENGLISH / FRANÇAIS / ESPAÑOL

To all Oblates and members of the Charismatic Family,

As we approach the 200th anniversary of the approbation of our Constitutions and Rules, the 37th General Chapter invites us to embrace the grace of our religious life and missionary spirit through our Book of Life. The Chapter emphasizes: “Reading, praying, and providing animation on the Constitutions and Rules helps us to live out these texts and ensure that they inspire, encourage, and guide us as a united missionary body evangelizing the poor and the most abandoned.” (PHC, no.7.1)

From the earliest days of our missionary family, our Founder recognized the essential role of the Rules in a missionary’s life. He consistently urged us to strive for holiness. Following the approbation of our Constitutions and Rules, he wrote to Fr. Tempier:

“My dear friends, we must work, with renewed ardour and still more total devotedness, to bring to God all the glory that stems from our efforts and, to the needy souls of our neighbours, salvation in all possible ways, we must attach ourselves heart and soul to our Rules and practice (more) exactly what they prescribe to us… They are Rules approved by the Church!” (Oblate Writings 7, p.40).

In response to the call to return to our roots, as outlined by the 2022 General Chapter, a session was held in June 2024 in Aix-en-Provence to develop animation materials for the Constitutions and Rules. This initiative was made possible by the efforts of 19 animators, Oblates, and lay associates alongside the organizing team: Fr. Sakubita Lawrence LIKE, head of the Committee for Constitutions and Rules; Fr. Paolo ARCHIATI, Superior of the Aix Community; and Fr. Henricus Asodo ISTOYO, Assistant General for Formation. They dedicated themselves to creating materials for personal renewal and group engagement, including unit assemblies, local superiors, and ongoing formation for young and senior Oblates, lay associates, and youth.

This material is now available digitally for all. Adapt it to your local context as needed. Let us renew our religious life and missionary commitment, remembering that our Book of Life teaches:

“The Constitutions and Rules set out a privileged means for each Oblate to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. They are inspired by the charism lived by the Founder and his first companions; also, they have received the approval of the Church. Thus, they allow each Oblate to evaluate the quality of his  response to his vocation and to become a saint. “(C 163)

Laudetur Jesus Christus et Maria Immaculata!

Paolo ARCHIATI
Sakubita Lawrence LIKE
Henricus Asodo ISTOYO

Published on the OMI World website