New episcopal assignment is a homecoming Before May 19, Bishop-designate Ken Thorson, OMI, was primed and excited over his next appointment from the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate Canada: serving as pastor of St. Joseph’s Church in Ottawa. “My heart was set on being with the people...
Pictured left: Chief Tony Alexis, whose Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation helps run an annual to Alberta's Lac Ste. Anne, is pictured July 21, 2019. Indigenous leaders and scholars joined with Roman Catholic bishops and scholars in Edmonton May 26-29, 2026, for a "knowledge-sharing symposium" about...
Today we joyfully celebrate the remarkable 70th priestly ordination anniversary of Father Maurice Joly, OMI, giving thanks to God for his faithful ministry and generous response to the Lord’s call. Fr. Maurice was born on July 5th, 1929, in St. Paul, Alberta. Drawn to a life of...
The mission of the Oblates continues every day through the people, ministries, parishes, and communities that make up OMI Lacombe Canada. One of the best ways to stay connected is by following us on Facebook and Instagram. Our social media channels share stories of faith, mission,...
Pictured left: Fr. Ken Thorson, OMI (Photo by Kiply Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News) Born in Saskatoon, growing up there and in Nipawin, and ordained a priest in 1999 with the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Fr. Ken Thorson 59, has been appointed the next Bishop of Prince...
On May 25th after slightly more than one year as pope, Leo XIV released the first encyclical of his pontificate. While centered on artificial intelligence (AI), the text was titled, in Latin, “Magnifica Humanitas” – my preferred translation would be “Humanity in All Its Grandeur.” While...
The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Kenneth Thorson, member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (O.M.I.), as bishop of the diocese of Prince Albert, Canada. Curriculum vitae Msgr. Kenneth Thorson, O.M.I., was born on 19 September 1966 in Saskatoon, in the diocese of the same...
Throughout 2026, we are excited to launch a special new series called “Meet an Oblate” - an opportunity to discover the stories, ministries, and lived experiences of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate serving in communities across Canada and around the world. We begin this special...
Pictured left: Twenty Oblate Bishops pray together at the OMI General House in Rome. Credit: Vatican News As the Oblates of Mary Immaculate celebrate the congregation's 200th anniversary, 20 missionary Oblate Bishops from 12 countries gather in Rome to renew their call to serve as "Pilgrims...
Fr. Raymond Cook, Provincial Superior of the United States Province, has addressed a letter to the Superior General entitled "Navigating Technology as Oblates - Reflection on Magnifica Humanitas." In it, he offers a timely and thoughtful response to Pope Leo XIV's first Encyclical Letter, Magnifica...
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...
"We must attach ourselves heart and soul to our Rules and practice more exactly what they prescribe to us ...
Pictured left: A painting capturing Fr. Alexander Taché, the Oblate missionary who would go on to become the first Archbishop of St. Boniface. Photo courtesy of Fr. Ken Forster, OMI Two centuries since Pope Leo XII approval order that helped shape Canadian west, north “Will you come and...
Pope Leo XIV’s recent journey across Africa shows us a Church that is fully alive and deeply connected to the global family. For the Oblates, this visit points to our history in Algeria and the joy of the young men currently joining our mission. A Shepherd...
Pictured left: Pope Leo XIV meets with members of the board of Ending Clergy Abuse, a coalition of survivors and human rights advocates working to end clergy abuse, enforce accountability and promote justice and truth, during an audience in the library of the Apostolic Palace...
For the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI), May is an incredibly significant month because it weaves together traditional Marian devotion with the celebration of our holy founder. We must not forget Blessed Joseph Gerard and the other Oblates who are on the path toward...
As we celebrate the bicentennial of the approval of our Constitutions and Rules, we prepare to enter the Novena for the Week of Prayer for Oblate Vocations, from May 21 to 29. These reflections invite us to return to the living source of our charism, renewing...
On May 1st, 2026, in the chapel of the General House in Rome, Scholastic Brothers, Chanel Kuyituka Gianga and Alphonse-Thomas Kabamba Mukuti, both members of the Province of Congo (DR), made their Perpetual Oblation as Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. The Superior General, presided over the...
Two hundred years later, the Oblate Constitutions and Rules continue to guide those who seek to follow Christ in the spirit of St. Eugene de Mazenod. Born from the vision of a small missionary community in Aix-en-Provence, they remain a living expression of the Gospel...
When Jesus promised the gift of the Holy Spirit after his Resurrection, he promised more than just the gift of consolation. On the contrary, Jesus promised his disciples the gift of courage through the Holy Spirit. Before the Resurrection, the disciples were hidden, anxious, and...
On April 14, 2026, the Superior General with the unanimous consent of the Council, appointed Fr. Jacques LALIBERTÉ as Provincial for a second term of three years. Published on the OMI World website...
For many Canadians, Easter is a time for family and friends, celebratory dinners and children hunting for chocolate eggs. For those of the Catholic faith, it’s also a time when new members are welcomed into the church thorough baptism and confirmation. On Saturday, there were 27 people...
Pictured left: The Outdoor Way of the Cross event is a slow-paced two-hour walk that began and ended at Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples on Friday, April 3, 2026. Photo by Shaughn Butts/Postmedia Hundreds of people marched through Edmonton’s core and prayed for justice...
We are pleased to announce the release of the latest update to the OMIWORLD App, your gateway to staying connected with the global Oblate family. This new version brings improved performance, a refreshed design, and new features to make your experience smoother and more engaging. What’s New? *...
Photo credit: Vatican Media At the Easter Vigil Mass in the Vatican, Pope Leo says that "God responds to the hardness of sin - which divides and kills - with the power of love, which unites and restores life". Pope Leo XIV reflected on good, evil, and...
Dear Oblates and Oblate Associates of OMI Lacombe Canada, in Canada and in Kenya, Christ is risen! Alleluia! Easter lies at the heart of our faith. It reminds us that life is stronger than death, hope is stronger than fear, and that God is still at work—even...
Over 300 young adults filled the pews of St. Joseph’s Church at 174 Wilbrod Street in Sandy Hill for Laetare Sunday, March 15, with Archbishop Marcel Damphousse presiding at the 7:00 PM Mass. The Archbishop of Ottawa-Cornwall had been invited as part of the commemorative...
“If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?” For decades, philosophers have debated how best to answer this question. Many suggest that existence in the absence of an observer is at best a conjecture...
The St. Eugene Scholasticate Community in Mexico City warmly invites all Oblates and members of the Oblate Charismatic Family to our Last Online Animation meeting on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 2:00 pm (Rome Time). Over the past year, scholastic communities from across the Oblate world have...
EWTN documents Church's history in this land Francis Denis created his new 10-part documentary Catholic Canada, which recently debuted on EWTN, to highlight the people and stories shaping the Catholic Church in Canada. “It's really designed to present the life of the faith in Canada and how the grace of...
Facing the unknown requires more than just human effort. It demands a faith-filled optimism that transforms fear into a mission of hope for the world. Navigating the Risks of New Beginnings Fear, confusion, anxiety, indecision, and despair often accompany major changes in life such as a new...
The ad hoc Restructuring Committee, on behalf of the Superior General and his Council, presents a document containing structural proposals for the ongoing Congregation-wide consultation on restructuring. These proposals stem from the recent Interchapter, held in India in August 2025. DOWNLOAD PDF HERE All Oblates are invited...
DOWNLOAD PDF HERE Published on the OLGC website...
With an average age of 85, the Oblates of Notre-Dame-du-Cap might seem like a group nearing the end of their journey. However, during their provincial assembly this week, they discovered that a new wave of renewal is just beginning to sweep through their mission. A day...
Over 200 people attended a lecture by Anishinaabe writer, editor, professor and activist Niigaan Sinclair at St. Joseph’s Church in downtown Ottawa on March 5. Entitled “The Top Five Struggles of the Reconciliation Journey for the Church and Indigenous Peoples Following the 2021 Papal Apology,”...
After the 200th anniversary celebrations for the approval of the Constitution and Rules, most members of the General Administration turned their attention outward to mission. They are setting out to attend regional assemblies and meetings of general committees and hold consultations for provincials and their...
Welcome to the Aix Experience 2026 Blog! From March 9–19, 2026, twelve pilgrims from across Canada will journey to Aix-en-Provence to follow in the footsteps of St. Eugene de Mazenod, founder of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, and to deepen their understanding of his charism. We...
Bishops from across the Americas have joined together to issue a call for the church - and policymakers - to defend the rights of migrants. The February 17 statement released in English, French and Spanish, and signed by the Leadership of the Episcopal Conferences of...
The bicentenary of “our Book of Life” is a great feast observed in several countries around the world. For us here in Canada, particularly in the Notre-Dame-du-Cap Province, it is a beautiful celebration, one that rekindles memory, reminds us of where we come from, and...
Pope Leo encourages the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles to continue their mission in difficult regions across the globe and amongst those most in need. In a speech to two religious congregations, Pope Leo XIV encouraged them to continue their...
On the evening of February 17, the parish hall and church at St. Albert were filled with quiet anticipation and grateful joy. About 150 people gathered in person, with another 50 joining by livestream, united in prayer and thanksgiving. Thirteen Oblate priests and three Oblate Brothers...
Pictured left: At the bishopric in St. Albert. ARCAE-P-A-3-0511 (Credit The Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton) The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate invite the faithful of the Archdiocese of Edmonton to join them in a moment of profound thanksgiving and renewal as they celebrate the 200th anniversary...
Pictured left are Bro. Donald Claerhout, Fr. Ed McSheffrey, Fr. Les Kwiatkowski, Fr. Joe Jacek, Fr. Gerry Le Strat, Fr. Alfred Groleau, Fr. Wladyslaw Karciarz and Fr. Gordon Cook. (Credit - The Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton) At the Foyer-Lacombe, life moves at a gentler pace—but it...
Pictured left: Oblates concelebrate Mass at St. Peter's in New Westminster as the parish celebrated its sesquicentennial anniversary. The Oblates of Mary Immaculate had stewarded the parish since its founding 150 years earlier. (B.C. Catholic file photo) In Western Canada — including British Columbia and the...
Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass on the 30th World Day for Consecrated Life, praising consecrated men and women for living out their steadfast faith even in the most difficult of circumstances, and inviting them to be 'leavens of peace' and 'signs of hope.' “Through your commitment...
Pictured left: Archbishop Murray Chatlain of Winnipeg lays hands and prays in silence during the episcopal ordination of Archbishop Susai Jesu, OMI in the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas. (Photo by Dan Friedt, courtesy of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate - OMI Lacombe Canada) With files...
On January 28, 2026, the Superior General, with the consent of his Council, appointed Fr. Jacek Nosowicz, OMI, to a second term as Provincial of the Assumption Province. We give thanks for this appointment and pray for Fr. Jacek, asking the Holy Spirit to guide and...
This past Saturday, January 24, on the eve of the anniversary of our foundation, the Oblates at the General House commemorated 210 years of our Congregation’s history with a solemn Eucharistic celebration. This celebration accelerates the pace of preparations for the Bicentennial of our Pontifical...
In his homily marking the 210th anniversary of the origin of our community and missionary life, and in the year of the bicentenary of pontifical approval, the Superior General spoke of this jubilee time as an opportunity to return to what is at the heart...
Pictured left: Sr. Grace Akunna John-Emezi of the Congregation of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus presents Aug. 9, 2025, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, during the third Pan-African Catholic Jubilee Congress on Theology, Society and Pastoral Life organized by the Pan-African Catholic Theology and...
A fire lit once does not survive by accident. It lasts only if someone carries it, protects it, and dares to pass it on. #ConnectedToTheCharism That quiet truth sits at the heart of #ConnectedToTheCharism, a new video series that reflects on how the Oblate charism, born two...
(Ottawa) — The recently-launched National Ecumenical Strategy of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) lays particular stress upon “spiritual ecumenism,” defined as “the heart of the ecumenical movement.” This includes “praying for and with other Christians, promoting prayer for unity in local parishes, and participation in the...
As the doors of the Jubilee Year of Hope close and Rome still echoes with the footsteps of pilgrims coming and going, the Central Government enters a time of intense discernment and service. Today, January 12, 2026, the Central Government began its 10th Plenary Session, scheduled...
It's a wonderful feeling when someone recognizes you from a year ago and picks up a conversation right where it left off. From Columbus to Fort Worth, SEEK 2026 brought together 26,000 young people, and the Missionary Oblates were right there in the thick of...
Pictured left: Pope Leo XIV holds a consistory with cardinals from around the world at the Vatican Jan. 7, 2026. OSV News Photo/Simone Risoluti, Vatican Media At first consistory, pontiff shows his papacy will be one of continuity with the Gospel After an intense day of roundtable discussions,...
Pictured left: Father Victor Lopez from Spain and other priests studying at pontifical universities in Rome attends Mass with Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Oct. 27, 2025. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez) Thanking priests, he urges clergy to recognize gifts of laypeople. At a...
We are grateful that the Constitution and Rules are alive and well in the Congregation! Thanks to the many animation activities, publications, and shared reflections of this year, many in the Oblate Charismatic Family have been helped to rediscover the riches of this treasure, which...
For those of us who have reached a certain age and who lived through the years after the Second Vatican Council, Advent awakens memories of childhood. It also carries echoes from adolescence. This year marked sixty years since the close of the Council, on December...
As pilgrims of hope, we joyfully anticipate the coming of Christ this season of Advent. We are happy to share the Good News with you, your families, friends, and community with this professionally-produced video recording of 15 schools' performances thanks to the support of the...
Indigenous Christianity – Winter 2026 Follow the event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14TS7qFXhkD/ Wednesdays, 5 to 8 p.m. ET Starting January 14 and ending April 8 SIGN UP HERE Syllabus Course description Historically, the experiences of Indigenous Christians in the churches have not been honored or valued. At best, they were marginalized, and this is...
On December 8th, we celebrated the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, our patroness, a feast that stands at the heart of the Oblate family. In preparation for this day, we shared a nine day online Novena from November 30 to December 8, which led into...
DOWNLOAD PDF: ENGLISH / FRANÇAIS / ESPAÑOL With Mary, let us try everything to be sowers of hope Buenos Aires, 8 December 2025 Dear Oblates, brothers and sisters of our charismatic family. We celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, giving thanks to God for the graces...
More than 160 Catholic young adults gathered on Sunday, November 23 at 7:00 pm to celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe at St. Joseph’s Parish in downtown Ottawa — in a Neo-Gothic church consecrated in 1932. They were joined...
Pope Leo has appointed the Most Reverend Stephen A. Hero, Bishop of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, as the eighth Archbishop of Edmonton. [caption id="attachment_20379" align="alignright" width="400"] Archbishop-Designate Stephen Hero. Source: Archdiocese of Edmonton[/caption] The Vatican announced the appointment on November 21. “I am very humbled and grateful for the...
On November 20, 2025, Fr. Andrei Yukhnevich, OMI, was released from a prison in Belarus after more than eighteen months of detention. Arrested in May 2024 and later sentenced in April 2025 to thirteen years, his release marks an important moment for the Church in...
Pictured left Archbishop-Elect Susai Jesu, OMI. (Photo courtesy of the Archdiocese of Edmonton) The Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas is pleased to announce that His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has appointed Rev. Susai Jesu, O.M.I., as the next Archbishop of Keewatin-Le Pas, a territory encompassing 725,000 square...
Pictured left: Cardinal Francis Leo (centre) is flanked by the cardinals, archbishops and bishops who concelebrated the Mass where he took titular possession of Santa Maria Della Salute Church in Rome on Nov. 15. Notably, Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops President Pierre Goudreault (second from...
The memory of the Oblate missionary, killed on 10 November 1987, lives on in Buttala, the village where he went to live to defend the rights of the poor. According to local Buddhist monks, older residents remember the light he brought to the village. One...
To mark the 200th anniversary of the Constitutions and Rules, a commemorative logo has been designed, rich in symbolism and deeply rooted in the Oblate spirit. Each element has been carefully crafted to express a layered narrative of history, spirituality, and forward-looking vision. 1. “200 Years”:...
Rome, November 4, 2025 I am pleased to announce that Pope Leo XIV will hold a private audience with the Congregation on Saturday, February 21, 2026, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Papal Approbation of our Constitutions and Rules, originally approved by Pope Leo XII in...
OTTAWA, 1 November 2025 – Today, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation of the Most Reverend Douglas Crosby, O.M.I. as Bishop of Hamilton, and appointed the Most Reverend Joseph Dabrowski, C.S.M.A., presently Bishop of Charlottetown, as his successor. He is the tenth Bishop of Hamilton. Bishop...
I’ll bet you’ve heard people ask, “Who is this Pope Leo, and where do you think he plans to lead the Church?” Is Leo likely to continue in the line of his predecessor, Pope Francis, or did the cardinals elect someone who’ll change course? What does...
On Tuesday, October 28, the Superior General led the Major Superiors on a pilgrimage to St. Peter's tomb in the Vatican Basilica. They celebrated the Eucharist on the feast of Saints Simon and Jude, apostles and early witnesses of faith. The basilica, built on the...
Every era produces its own prophets, voices of moral conscience who go the extra mile to share the hope they carry in their hearts. Pope St. John Paul II was one such prophetic figure, guiding the Church through times of immense global challenge. His mission was...
DOWNLOAD PDF HERE: ENGLISH / FRANÇAIS / ESPAÑOL Rome, October 19, 2025 Anniversary of the Beatification of Eugene de Mazenod At the beginning of this message, I would like to extend my greetings, wishing peace and joy and renewed hope to each and every Oblate and all those...
From October 17 to November 1, 2025, newly appointed Oblate provincials, delegation superiors, and vicars will meet in Rome for the Orientation Session for Major Superiors. The gathering offers guidance for their new responsibilities and time to reflect on leadership as service. Together with members of...
Pictured left: Pope Francis arrives with Indigenous leaders for a meeting with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities at Maskwacis, Alberta, July 25, 2022. What does it mean to be created in God’s image? We know from Genesis 1.27 that people are created in God’s image....
Pictured left: Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate priest Nnameka Ali during a gathering with First Nations elders in Canada in September 2025. (Courtesy: Fr. Nnaemeka Ali, OMI) Fr. Nnaemeka Ali, OMI, on a powerful experience of encounter and meditation with First Nations elders in Canada. Among my...
Pictured left: Artwork on the grounds of the former Queen's House retreat centre will soon have a new home: Knights of Columbus members are working on moving the Stations of the Cross to the Blackstrap Youth Camp. Several K of C members recently gathered at...
Pictured left: Students from Hamilton diocese Catholic schools mark Ash Wednesday. The diocese is seeing a rise in youth engagement post-COVID. Accompanying young a focus of 'Moving Forward Together in Christ' initiative A post-pandemic resurgence is being felt through a revitalized youth and young adult engagement in...
This retreat guide was developed by the Congregation's General Service of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (GS-JPIC), in response to a mandate of our 37th General Chapter. It has been prepared as a guide for individuals and communities to pray using Pope Francis' 2015...
Young Oblates from seven countries retraced the steps of François de Laval, the first bishop of Quebec in Canada. When he arrived in 1659 with fewer than ten priests, he worked with Jesuits and other communities to establish the Church and turn an immense territory...
“Community.” The very term is a source of diverse reactions for many Oblates. Whether one values community as a value in its own right, or as a form of Apostolic witness, or simply as a needed support for mission, or even as a difficulty, the...
From August 3 to 10, 2025, in Aix-en-Provence, lay people from across the globe came together to listen to the Holy Spirit and discern new paths for living and sharing the charism of St. Eugene de Mazenod among the laity. At the conclusion of the International...
Seeds of Peace and Hope Dear Brothers and Sisters! The theme of this World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, chosen by our beloved Pope Francis, is “Seeds of Peace and Hope”. On the tenth anniversary of the establishment of this Day of Prayer, which coincided...
On Saturday, August 30th, at the InterChapter, the Superior General offered his closing comments. With gratitude and vision, he encouraged us to carry forward the grace received during these days of communion and discernment. His words were both a reflection and a call to action,...
Picture left: Oblate Father Ronald Rolheiser delivers the keynote address during the opening of the National Catholic Educational Association's annual convention in Boston April 11, 2012. Credit: CNS photo/Gregory L. Tracy. The Pilot Few books on spirituality have been as helpful to me as the wonderful...
Join Our Ministry Team as Program Coordinator Are you passionate about supporting others on their spiritual journey? The Star of the North Retreat Centre, a ministry of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate / OMI Lacombe Canada in St. Albert, Alberta, is seeking a dedicated and compassionate...
Bishop Leopoldo Ndakalako of the Catholic Diocese of Menongue in Angola has hailed the pastoral and missionary growth in his Episcopal See over the past five decades and noted an increase in vocations to Priestly and Religious Life. In his homily during the closing Mass of the Golden Jubilee celebrations,...
After walking alongside the laity during their Congress in Aix, we now continue our pilgrimage of communion and hope with the participants of the Inter-Chapter Session. They have already begun their journey to the Inter-Chapter, meeting a few challenges along the way. On this shared...
During my travels around the Oblate world, communities are often looking for materials to foster sharing at the local level, whether for Personal, House, or District gatherings. The irony is that many are available, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start! Our Oblate...
Last week, August 3-10. 2025, in Aix-en-Provence, lay people from all around the world gathered together to the Holy Spirit and discern new ways forward for promoting the charism of St. Eugene de Mazenod among the laity. They came from all five Oblate regions and brought...
The scars still borne by survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and still visible on the cities' streets and buildings are a plea to pursue peace and disarmament, Pope Leo XIV said. "True peace demands the courageous laying down of weapons — especially...
ROME (AP) — Italy agreed Thursday to a Vatican plan to turn a 430-hectare (1,000-acre) field north of Rome, once the source of controversy between the two, into a vast solar farm that the Holy See hopes will generate enough electricity to meet its needs...
This question has been showing up everywhere on social media lately. Pope Francis had already spoken openly about how important mental health is. He had helped break down some of the stigma that surrounds mental illness. He even shared that he had experienced mental health...
On July 28 and 29, we celebrated the first Jubilee of Catholic Digital Missionaries and Influencers, an event the Church organized to send a clear signal. This kind of missionary presence is not only legitimate. It is needed. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say...
Young pilgrims from the Oblate world have set out to walk in the footsteps of St. Eugene de Mazenod, founder of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. This is more than a trip. It is a chance to encounter the heart of a man who gave...
In just a few days, young people from all over the world will arrive in Rome to celebrate the Jubilee and meet Pope Leo. Oblate youth, too, will be on the move, walking in the footsteps of Saint Eugene. This very week, as we prepare...
Prayer, insights into scripture, faith reflections, hospitality, community building, and music are all part of a seven-day Festival of Faith organized by St. Philip Neri Parish this summer. The Festival of Faith continues until Tuesday, July 15. “Sent to Bring Good News to the Poor: Called...
In his Message for the 10th World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, Pope Leo XIV quotes extensively from Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato si', denouncing environmental and social injustice and noting that God's creation is not intended to be a battleground for vital...
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11,28). Across the world, people pause at different times for holidays. Schools and universities close. Many take leave from work to rest, spend time with family, or explore the...
On June 11, 2025, Sister Louise Charbonneau, received the Eugene de Mazenod Medal at Saint Paul University in Ottawa. The award recognized her years of service in Canon Law and marked 180 years of shared ministry between the Sisters of Charity of Ottawa and the...
Since 2021, Pope Francis invited all persons of good faith to “walk together” on a synodal journey – under the themes of “Communion, Participation and Mission.” Local, regional, national and continental phases of dialogue led to Synods in Rome in both October 2023 and 2024....
The Oblate Scholasticate Community in Yaoundé, Cameroon, warmly invites all Oblates and members of the Oblate Charismatic Family to join our 6th Online Animation Meeting on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 14:00 (Local Time in Rome). As we journey toward the 200th anniversary of the approval...
The first thing that comes to mind when speaking about Oblate Brothers is the image of a genuine friend. The Brothers are a witness to charity and fraternity in the community. Life becomes warm, joyful, and welcoming with their presence. A Shared Mission In the Constitutions and...
The 37th General Chapter mandated the Superior General to “draft a restructuring plan for the entire Congregation” and present it at the upcoming Inter-Chapter meeting. The Chapter clearly stated that this plan must be prepared “through a synodal process.” With just two months to go,...
The court upheld the fair decision of the court of first instance to return St. Nicholas Church to the Catholic parish in Kyiv. St. Nicholas Church Transferred On 5 June 2025, the Court of Appeal in Dnipro upheld a lower court ruling to transfer St. Nicholas Church...
SASKATOON — The Carter House has taken over the facility at the former Queen’s House Retreat and Renewal Centre, continuing the latter’s mission of healing while helping individuals struggling with substance abuse and other addictions reunite with their families and reintegrate into the community. The retreat...
DOWNLOAD PDF HERE: ENGLISH / FRANÇAIS TREATY 1 TERRITORY, WINNIPEG, May 29, 2025 – The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) and the Oblates of OMI Lacombe Canada (the Oblates) continue their collaborative efforts to ensure residential school Survivors, their families, and communities have access to...
On Saturday, May 24, all the members of the Central Government were invited by the Sant’Egidio Association in Rome to join them for Sunday evening Mass. Every week, their community gathers in the beautiful church of Santa Maria in Trastevere, a truly special place where...
Pictured left: Father Jim Bleackley, OMI, left, and Victoria Bishop Gary Gordon (right), present Joan Darragh of Whitehorse with a certificate of honour from the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace in 2007. Father Bleackley, the first Yukoner to become a priest, died April...
We're pleased to share a chapter from the newly published book on the history of St. Joseph's Parish, 100 Stories from the History of St. Joseph's Parish, written by Terry V. Byrne and 50 authors. This particular chapter, authored by Chris Adam, Executive Director at...
In 2025, we will celebrate two important anniversaries: 50 years since the beatification of Eugene de Mazenod and 30 years since his Canonization. Pope St. Paul VI beatified him on Mission Sunday during the Holy Year of 1975. In his homily, he described St. Eugene...
[caption id="attachment_19782" align="alignright" width="225"] Fr. Ron Rissling, OMI[/caption] After a two-month break due to my hip replacement surgery, my volunteer and I were finally able to resume our Oblate Street Ministry here in New Westminster, now in its third year. Though I'm still using a cane,...
On May 9, 2025, Fr. Luis Ignacio Rois Alonso, OMI, Superior General of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, sent a heartfelt letter to Pope Leo XIV, offering congratulations and spiritual solidarity as the new pontiff begins his ministry. Delivered through the Office of the Procurator...
Fr. Louis LOUGEN, OMI, former Superior General, has been under medical care in recent weeks, and we thank God for the excellent support he continues to receive. His medical team is optimistic about the treatment, though the recovery process will take time and can be...
The passing of Pope Francis invites us to reflect on a papacy that, though Jesuit in formation, often felt deeply Oblate, marked by simplicity, humility, and a preference for the poor. Simplicity that Speaks From his early years as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Bergoglio chose to live...
Today, May 1st, 2025, in the Chapel of the General House in Rome, Scholastic Brothers YEGA Martial Moudoue (Cameroon) and IKYOHOA Bonaventure Segun (Nigeria), both members of the Province of Cameroon, made their Perpetual Oblation as Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. The Superior General, presided over...
We regret to inform you that on April 30, 2025, Father Andrzej JUCHNIEWICZ, OMI, pastor of Our Lady of Fatima in Shumilino (Vitebsk diocese) in Belarus, was sentenced to 13 years of imprisonment. The sentence is not final, and his lawyer has confirmed that an appeal...
The Oblate family joins the universal Church in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, giving thanks for his life, witness, and words that stirred hearts across the world. Among the memories we cherish is his message to the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate at our 37th...
Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples held a special dedication ceremony to unveil and bless its new stained-glass window—an artistic representation of resilience, reconciliation, and unity through Indigenous and Catholic symbolism. The window’s central image, a vibrant tree representing the Sacred Heart community, was inspired by...
I travelled to Manitoba for Holy Week to assist with the liturgies in South Interlake District in the parishes of Stonewall, Stony Mountain and Teulon, where Fr. Vijay Deivenayagam, OMI, is the pastor. He also has a number of parishes further north, around and including...
Former AFN chief Phil Fontaine says Francis set the stage for reconciliation with church in Canada Pictured left: Pope Francis prays at a gravesite at the Ermineskin Cree Nation Cemetery in Maskwacis, Alberta, during his papal visit across Canada on Monday, July 25, 2022. (Nathan Denette/The...
Pictured left: Pope Francis greets nuns during his general audience in the Paul VI hall at the Vatican on Jan. 5. Francis has said women religious play an essential role in the synodal process through their prayers and participation and by listening to people not...
We are living the Easter season—a time of joy. But it’s also a time to witness the Resurrection. That’s our calling as Church, as the People of God. One line from Evangelii Nuntiandi, later echoed in Redemptoris Missio, still rings true: “Modern man listens more...
Pictured left: Pope Francis receives a Star Blanket, a gift from parishioners at Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples, Edmonton, July 2022. With deep gratitude and sorrow, we learned of the death of Pope Francis, earlier today. Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis called the Church to...
We are reaching the climax of the Lenten season and have entered Holy Week, a time laden with key events that truly tie us to Christ and His cross. A Pilgrimage of Suffering and Solidarity This week is a pilgrimage to commemorate the beginning of Christ’s journey...
Ten years ago, Pope Francis wrote Laudato Si', setting out a bold vision for our common home. While we celebrate 10 years of prayer and action together, we look ahead to an even brighter future. The next chapter of Laudato Si' begins with us. A special...
In the early months of 2025, the CRC invited their JPIC network members to a series of meetings with some of their partner organizations. Among other things, they hoped to learn more about current issues in the run-up to the next federal election. Based on the...
Yesterday, in the Gospel of the Fifth Sunday of Lent (Jn 8,1–11), we saw Jesus confronted by the Pharisees with a woman caught in adultery. Their intention was to test him. Would he condemn her according to the law of Moses, or would he do...
Pictured left: Margie Duthie and Joan O'Connell collected over 120 Jubilee signatures at St. Joseph's, located in downtown Ottawa. Photo credit: Joe Gunn In the Gospel reading of the last weekend in January, the lectionary recounted Jesus’ first words ever spoken in public. (So, the message...
The Foundation House in Aix eagerly awaits participants for the next de Mazenod Experience sessions in French (September 2025), English (April 2026) and Spanish (September 2026). The de Mazenod Experience (DMX) is an ongoing formation renewal programme which enables participants to make a personal assessment of their...
Policies protecting minors and vulnerable adults aren’t merely requirements to qualify for grants from Global Oblate Fundraisers or the Oblate Solidarity Trusts. They are not the primary ways to avoid difficult legal situations. They flow from our charism as Oblates, who care for the poorest...
Pictured left: Thousands of worshippers take part in a procession in Caracas, Venezuela, Feb. 26, 2025, in honor of Blessed José Gregorio Hernández, known as the "Doctor of the Poor," after Pope Francis approved his canonization, making the doctor the Caribbean nation's first saint. The...
The Oblate statistics presented herein draw from a comprehensive database housed within the General Secretariat at the General House. This database is continually updated and refined through the integration of reports from diverse Oblate Provinces, Delegations, and Missions. Each year, the compilation of data is informed...
The Christian mission involves an encounter with multiple cultural realities. First, a missionary comes with his/her own cultural background; secondly, he/she has to learn to live with other missionaries coming from different cultural regions from the time of his/her formation; thirdly, the missionary also encounters...
What began as a pilgrimage to see the Pope during his visit to South Sudan in 2023 is now an annual journey, walking from parish to parish and breaking down barriers along the way. In 2023, young Catholics from the Diocese of Rumbek, South Sudan, organized...
What does the Oblate Charism have to offer in a context of inter-religious dialogue? The experience of the Asia-Oceania Region over the past few weeks, has given us a new perspective of the ‘Washing of the Feet’ in John’s Gospel (John 13:1—17) in so far as...
Pope Francis releases his message for the upcoming World Day of Prayer for Vocations, and invites young people to listen to God's voice in their hearts so they may be signs of His love for our world. As he recovers from bilateral pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli...
Pictured left: Archbishop J. Michael Miller (left) welcomes Archbishop Richard Smith to the John Paul II Pastoral Centre for his first official visit to his soon-to-be home and archdiocese. (Nicholas Elbers photos) John Paul II Pastoral Centre staff lined the balcony and crowded the ground floor to...
On Saturday, March 8, 2025, lay and Oblate delegates from around the world came together for the first online meeting in preparation for "Aix 2025: Charting New Paths for Oblate Laity." The role of lay associates within the Congregation This in-person gathering, set for August 3–10, 2025,...
Pope Francis’ words resonate deeply with millions who face this reality every day. Human migration is not new, even the Holy Family experienced it. For us, as missionaries, it presents a challenge: to evangelize both those on the move and those receiving them. The situation...
The Honourable Murray Sinclair's memoir, Who We Are: Four Questions for a Life and a Nation, offers a profound reflection on identity, justice, and reconciliation in Canada. As a lawyer, judge, and Chief Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Sinclair played a pivotal role in...
Cor Unum In 2004, Fr. Nestor Grégoire, an Oblate from Lacombe Province, offered his fellow Oblates a daily meditation series, “Praying the Oblate Constitutions and Rules.” He began his month-long reflections with two compelling questions: How do we make the Oblate Constitutions and Rules truly “user-friendly”?...
DOWNLOAD LETTER IN PDF: ENGLISH / FRANÇAIS / ESPAÑOL Dear Oblates and all the brothers and sisters of our charismatic family. We are living in a time of grace that illuminates our pilgrimage. The celebration of the Jubilee Year of the Catholic Church has the added incentive...
Pictured left: Pope Francis meets with a delegation of World Union for progressive Judaism at Paul VI Hall on May 15, 2024 in Vatican City. (Photo by Vatican Media via Vatican Pool / Getty Images) The Catholic Church maintains two separate departments, called “dicasteries” — one...
[caption id="attachment_16944" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Fr. Andrzej Stendzina, OMI[/caption] On January 31, 2025, the Superior General with the unanimous consent of the Council, appointed Fr. Andrzej STENDZINA, OMI as Superior, OMI Lacombe Canada Province for the first term of three years. Click HERE for short bio of Fr. Andrzej Stendzina, OMI. Published on the OMI...
On Sunday, February 2, the Church celebrated the 29th World Day of Consecrated Life. This year’s theme, set within the context of the Jubilee Year, carried a distinctly missionary emphasis: “Pilgrims of Hope, on the way to Peace.” This is precisely the vocation of consecrated...
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...
A pilgrim journey that serves God’s dream only makes sense and brings joy when we’re not doing it alone. The synodal Church is calling us to walk this path together, not as solo travelers. The beauty of our mission isn’t just about keeping the charism...
Pray with Pope Francis Transform the world through prayer and action with the Pope's Official Worldwide Prayer Network. Right to An Education – Monthly Prayer Good Father, You want all of us to contribute to building a better world, creating bridges instead of walls. Today, we especially pray for migrants,...
Download job description here: ENGLISH / FRENCH The Oblate Conference of the Canada-US Region (CROCUS) is seeking to fill the position of Executive Secretary. This bilingual (English/French) role may appeal to individuals familiar with the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (or, more generally, with Catholic religious life)...
One positive outcome of the pandemic has been the way Oblate superiors from different units across Latin America continue to meet virtually every month. These meetings allow us to check in, reflect on our missionary challenges, and strengthen our commitment to walking together in mission....
The annual Knights of Columbus Carol Festival is a cherished tradition that is firmly rooted in our school division’s identity and culture, and we are grateful for the efforts of staff, students, and faith community who have made the event possible for over 65 years. With the generous...
As I look back over the years, I realize that my work as coordinator of lay associates and associations has given me an incredible gift: the opportunity to meet extraordinary people. Every encounter is a blessing, a reflection of our shared mission and charism. A Journey...
On November 30, 2024, the Orientation Session for Major Superiors concluded in Rome. This session brought together 15 major superiors, including provincials, vicars, and delegation superiors, alongside members of the Central Government. Advent, a joyful time of preparation The program offered opportunities for rich exchanges and fostered...
On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, on Treaty 1 Territory, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) and the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate OMI Lacombe Canada came together to sign a supplemental agreement marking a pivotal step in the ongoing journey of truth and...
Letter of the Superior General, December 8, 2024 - DOWNLOAD PDF HERE L.J.C. et M.I. Holy Year: Renewing Our Oblation as Pilgrims of Hope Dear Oblate Brothers and Members of the Charismatic Family, Happy Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary! “Rejoice, full of grace!” These words, spoken by God’s messenger...
HOMILY: CLOSING EUCHARIST, NOVEMBER 30, 2024 On December 3, we will remember the anniversary of the canonization of our Founder. On that occasion, Pope John Paul II said: “Eugene de Mazenod was a man of the Advent, a man of the coming. Not only did he direct his...
DOWNLOAD PDF HERE: ENGLISH / FRANÇAIS TREATY 1 TERRITORY, WINNIPEG, December 3, 2024 – The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) and the Oblates of OMI Lacombe Canada (the Oblates) have signed a supplemental agreement to accelerate access to personnel files of Oblate members who worked...
Pictured left: Rev. François Paradis receiving the 2024 St. Philip Neri Award from Archbishop Francis Leo of Toronto “My life will forever change by this workshop. I was wounded and my life was shattered to pieces. Now I can make things right for myself, family and...
On November 2nd, I, along with Bishop Martin Laliberté, P.M.E., of Trois-Rivières, participated in a purification and reconciliation ceremony in Wemotaci. As many will have seen on Radio-Canada, one of our confreres was convicted for sexual abuse committed against minors in the basement of the...
Last Sunday, we meditated on how Jesus watched people giving money in the Treasury of the Temple. While many put in large amounts, one widow caught his attention. She gave just two coins. Calling his disciples over, Jesus said something remarkable – this woman gave...
DOWNLOAD PDF Ottawa, ON – November 12, 2024 The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate of OMI Lacombe Canada have decided to withdraw from a mutual fund that held its only remaining investments in coal, oil and gas companies. Responding to the 2019 Canadian Parliament declaration of a...
What does Jubilee mean to the ordinary person? The Bible and our Church tradition describe it as a special year, a holy time of forgiveness, a moment of grace, liberation, a period of respite and thanksgiving, a celebration. At its heart, Jubilee invites us into...
Canadians seem to have a high regard for Francis. Many see him as a breath of fresh air - perhaps even the kind of man that they’d love to welcome as their own parish priest. At the same time, the Catholics I know don’t spend...
Two things are uppermost on my mind at this time: the conclusion of the second session of the Synod on Synodality and, the end of the month dedicated to mission in the Church. On Sunday, October 27, the Holy Father presided over the Eucharistic celebration marking...
On October 21, 2012, I went to the canonisation of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha without really knowing who she was or the Aboriginal nation from which she came. Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, a sister and a bridge for our times That day in the Vatican, surrounded by the faithful,...
ROME — Ken Thorson hopes a final report from a month-long theological conference highlights the need for Canadian Roman Catholics to engage with Indigenous people. “I hope it prioritizes and invites churches to be open to Indigenous people and their concerns,” Thorson, head of the Missionary...
Thanksgiving, celebrated across North America, is a special time for sharing and giving thanks. This celebration varies according to historical interpretations: whatever the differences, Thanksgiving remains a holiday imbued with symbolism and gratitude, marking the end of the harvest and the beginning of a period...
On January 12, 2024, in the quiet morning hours, Bro. Collins MASINDE, OMI, a scholastic brother from the Kenya Mission studying at St. Joseph’s Oblate Scholasticate in Cedara, South Africa, was at the beach near the retreat house. At approximately 11:00 am, a strong wave...
At a UN work session, the Holy See calls for new policies to support the economies of landlocked and small island developing states. For the Holy See, sustainable development and international cooperation are pivotal in ensuring the world’s most vulnerable populations have access to a safe...
Fr. Luis Ignacio Rois Alonso, OMI, the Superior General of our Congregation will pay an official visit to Sri Lanka from October 14 to November 2, 2024. He is expected to travel around the beautiful island nation, visiting Oblate Districts and communities of both the Provinces,...
The Synod of Bishops for the Pan-Amazon region, which met in Rome in 2019, paved the way for the current synod on synodality, said the region's top cardinal. Before the synodal process began in 2021, "We were a church on a mission, now we are a...
Etymologically, fundamentalism is a return to the core principles of anything. At first glance, it may appear to be an effort to preserve original truths in the face of liberalism and societal change. However, religious fundamentalism has become universal, posing a significant threat to all...
“In these eight days that follow I imagined that Juan is in his spiritual exercises, as was in his plan”. So Thelma consoled herself as she walked thoughtfully with her daughters Claudia and Julia behind her husband’s coffin in the parsimonious funeral march in the...
The Catholic Church cannot be credible in its mission of proclaiming Christ unless it acknowledges its mistakes and bends down "to heal the wounds we have caused by our sins," Pope Francis said. In an unusual penitential liturgy Oct. 1, the pope had seven cardinals read requests for...
Religious life often leads us to encounters with diverse cultures and faith traditions. These experiences can profoundly challenge our long-held beliefs and sometimes become bridges across cultural and spiritual divides, enriching our journeys of faith. This month, we asked our panelists: When have you engaged with people...
October is approaching, a month known as Missionary Month because World Mission Sunday is celebrated in many places. This special day unites Catholics around the world in prayer, solidarity, and support for the Church’s missionary efforts. This year, Pope Francis invites us to reflect on...
Le Centre Oblat welcomes a new leader: Tara Hurford. Founded in 2019 and located within St. Paul University in Ottawa, the Centre has been a place dedicated to justice, addressing issues such as Indigenous rights, human rights, and ecological sustainability. It wasn’t a typical evening at...
A long-standing retreat and renewal centre has closed its doors and will soon hand over its keys. After 66 years, the Queen’s House in Saskatoon is saying goodbye. The space was home to around 150 community groups and helped put on everything from Catholic programming to...
For the Algonquin people, the Three Sisters - corn, beans, and squash - are more than mere crops; they are the lifeblood of both physical sustenance and spiritual vitality. These sacred plants, believed to have miraculously sprung from the body of Sky Woman’s daughter, were a...
TÉLÉCHARGEZ VERSION FRANÇAISE ICI Trois-Rivières - September 13, 2024 - A symbolic place renowned for its atmosphere of serenity and peace, the Notre-Dame-du-Cap Sanctuary is a haven of tranquillity and a welcoming space for visitors seeking reflection, meditation, or spiritual renewal. Many individuals work there daily to...
[vc_video link='https://youtu.be/HO7_2blgVaE'] Named after Saint Eugene de Mazenod, the patron saint for the poor, De Mazenod’s Door in Hamilton aims to serve, and has been since 2016. Operating out of St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, the organization serves over 700 meals a day — but on Wednesday,...
Pictured left: Striking Kenya government medical doctors block the main road in the center of Nakuru City March 26. The strike ended May 8, after 56 days of protests. Doctors in government-run hospitals frequently go on strike to force the government to address their concerns....
On August 15, we will celebrate the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven. This annual feast reminds us of God’s faithfulness to Mary and our shared destiny. This year, I will celebrate the feast with the Oblates of the Colombo province...
Every year, from August 7th to 15th, thousands of pilgrims converge on the Sanctuary of Notre-Dame-du-Cap. This gathering is a privileged moment where culture and spirituality intertwine, revealing the richness of Quebec's religious and cultural landscape. Although this year is still marked by the lingering effects...
From July 7 to 12, Washington, DC, hosted the Canada-USA Joint Session, a crucial meeting for the Central Government of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Well organized by local Oblates and lay staff, the session was led by Dr. Scott Woodward, who recently retired...
Faith, while often intangible (Hebrews 11:1), finds its most profound expression in concrete and visible actions. With this idea in mind, the Oblate youth group from Sacred Heart Parish in Ottawa recently organized an innovative event called "Faith in Colors: Painting a Bible Verse." A Creative...
CLICK HERE FOR THE ENGLISH PDF VERSION CLIQUER ICI POUR CONSULTER LE PDF DE LA VERSION FRANÇAISE Father Ken Thorson, OMI (Provincial of OMI Lacombe Canada), and Père Jacques Laliberté, OMI (Provincial of Notre Dame du Cap) are pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Tara Hurford...
Pictured left: Hundreds gathered at Queen's House and virtually online to bid farewell to the retreat centre established in 1958 by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. The building has been sold and Queen's House Retreat and Renewal Centre will close July 31, 2024. (Photo by...
As we mark two years since Pope Francis’ historic visit to Canada, the Archdiocese of Edmonton continues to support and advance healing and reconciliation programs with First Nations, Metis and Inuit Peoples. “The anniversary of the Holy Father’s penitential journey is a reminder that we are...
In his final address at the Joint Session in Washington, DC, Fr. Chicho, Superior General of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, called upon the Canada-USA Region to seek a deep sense of renewal, a renewal centered on holiness and unity. "We need saintly Oblates...
Joint Session of the Central Government and the Canada-US Region Day 5 - Friday, July 12 Today, CROCUS 2024 Joint Session participants rolled up their sleeves and plunged into the final stages of the discernment process, sharpening their shared vision for the region’s renewal. With determination and...
Running from July 7-13, the US-Canada Joint Session aims to enhance understanding and strengthen the bonds between the four Oblate units: Assumption Province, Notre Dame du Cap Province, US Province, and OMI Lacombe Canada. Fostering Understanding and Unity The main goal is to share the experiences and...
Over the past two weeks, the Central Government has visited many ministries and communities across the four provinces in the Canada-United States Region. This region used to be made up of nineteen provinces. Despite changes and a drop in numbers, thinking this area doesn’t have...
St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta saw her ministry as “doing something beautiful for God.” That saying resonates with the Aurora Living process at the Star of the North, which completed its first three-year course on June 1st, 2024, with seven graduates. The development of this unique program...
After wrapping up the orientation session for the new Major Superiors in Rome, we’re packing our light pilgrim gear again and heading to the Canada – United States Region. Over the next few weeks, all members of the Central Government will be visiting the Oblates...
At the invitation of the Daylu Dena Council, I attended the Grand Opening of the Daylu Dena Multi-Purpose Centre in Lower Post, BC. For many years, the community used the former Lower Post Residential School as the community centre, but the memories associated with the...
In a cold, remote corner of northern Quebec, a sexual abuse scandal pushed a church to the edge. The Rev. Gérard Tsatselam, from Cameroon, must comfort the afflicted to bring it back. The Rev. Gérard Tsatselam boarded the ferryboat and settled in his usual place, on...
Une version française suit le texte anglais. DOWNLOAD PDF VERSION HERE We, the co-chairs of Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle, on behalf of the Circle, encourage the Catholic community and all people in Canada to answer the call of Elders and Knowledge Carriers across the land to...
Missionary zeal and closeness to the poor remain as the burning heart of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, the order of priests and brothers who founded the Archdiocese of Edmonton and were essential to the evangelization of the Canadian West. Between May 13-17, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate...
A new six-part series explores the history of the First Nations peoples of Canada and aims to provide a path forward for Truth and Reconciliation in the country. Understanding Indigenous History: A Path Forward, produced by University Canada West, is hosted by award-winning Canadian broadcast journalist...
A Group of Committed International Students The Oblate youth in Ottawa are composed of international students enrolled in various universities in the Canadian capital. Most of them are still continuing their studies, while some, having just completed their degrees, have entered the job market. Their fields...
During the second half of May, I had the chance to spend a week in Ukraine. It was a tense time, right when Russian army attacks were escalating in the east of the country, especially in Kharkiv. Rumors of a possible world conflict were everywhere...
DOWNLOAD PDF: ENGLISH / FRANÇAIS OMI Lacombe Canada, Assumption and Notre Dame du Cap Provinces of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate Are hiring for the position of Executive Director of Le Centre Oblat Part of the worldwide congregation of priests and brothers called The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Oblates...
Blessed Joseph Gerard, OMI - Apostle of Lesotho (1831-1914) Joseph Gerard, the youngest Oblate sent to Natal by St. Eugene de Mazenod, faced the challenges of one of the most arduous missions undertaken by the then newly founded Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate Perseverance in Mission An encounter...
[vc_video link='https://youtu.be/-kr6QfCqvbg'] Let us pray that migrants fleeing from war or hunger, forced to undertake journeys fraught with danger and violence, may find welcome and new living opportunities in their host countries. Pope Francis – JUNE 2024 Dear brothers and sisters, this month I would like us to...
Pope Francis receives in audience the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) gathered, in Sacrofano, near Rome, for their Annual General Assembly, and encourages them to be creative and tenacious in the face of difficulties, recalling the example of martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for their...
Oblate Novena for Vocations - May 2024 - Download PDF here: ENGLISH / FRANÇAIS / ESPAÑOL During these holy days, we are encouraged to pray for vocation, to reflect on our personal vocation stories and unique responses to Jesus’ call in our lives. We’re privileged this...
Pictured left: François Paradis, OMI in Clementine Hall of St. Peter's Basilica, established by Pope Clement VIII to honour Pope Clement I. The Oblate will be honoured with Catholic Missions in Canada's St. Philip Neri Award at the annual Tastes of Heaven Gala May 9. Fr....
Today, on the feast of Saint Joseph, the worker, the Catholic Church celebrates, Religious Brothers Day. The day offers an opportunity to celebrate the gift of religious brotherhood to the church and the world and to give thanks for the Oblate brothers in our lives. With...
David Perrin's newest book, Studying Christian Spirituality, 2nd edition, has just been published by Routledge Publishing. It proposes a framework to discover how spirituality – both as a faith-based reality as well as a secular one – can be understood beyond the conventional boundaries that...
Enhancing our previous app, we’ve developed a more powerful and feature-packed platform to better engage with you, our community! Here’s what you can look forward to: NEWS: Keep up-to-date with the latest developments and announcements through our dedicated news feed. COR-UNUM: Read insightful weekly reflections directly from...
A CBC story (article and video) on urban gardening featuring Clint Porritt. Clint serves as Communication and Programs Coordinator at Star of the North. Study finds food from urban agriculture has a footprint 6 times greater than conventional agriculture Pictured left: Clint Porritt, director of Star Community...
Intellectual Growth: For some, ongoing formation means getting more degrees. Spiritual Growth: For some, ongoing formation is a time for renewal and refreshment. Emotional Growth: For some, ongoing formation is a time for rest after years of ministry. Fr. Luis Ignacio ROIS ALONSO, OMI, Superior General of the Missionary Oblates...
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) warmly invites the Catholic faithful to celebrate National Family and Life Week 2024 (NFLW), which will take place from 13 – 19 May 2024. This year’s theme, “Love hopes all things,” is inspired by the words of Saint Paul, the Apostle: “[Love]...
As every year in the second Easter Sunday, we celebrate the “Divine Mercy Sunday.” The message of this day is a proclamation and at the same time an invitation. Pope John Paul II in the homily during the Mass on this Sunday in 2000 said…...
The hospitality of the Aix community was profound, making us feel deeply connected to the place, which still echoes with the spirit that once inspired St. Eugene and his first companions. The meeting, a significant departure from our previous online interactions, was embraced with both...
[vc_video link='https://youtu.be/OMUs5H_pVFU'] Let us pray that the dignity and worth of women be recognized in every culture, and for an end to the discrimination they face in various parts of the world. Pope Francis – APRIL 2024 In many parts of the world, women are treated like the...
People would really wake up early to join the procession and the “salubong” in a designated place usually a crossroad. The place is already jampacked with people. The images will come from both ends of the road slowly approaching one another and once the images...
Picture left: Undated photo of Father Jean-Marie-Raphael Le Jeune's grave at the Oblate Cemetery in Mission. The Archdiocese of Vancouver and the Kamloops Indian band discovered a mutual respect for Father Le Jeune, which will be acknowledged on Easter Sunday at a reconciliation event in...
Reactions have poured in since the Oblates of Mary Immaculate published the Report of the Oblate Safeguarding Commission, authored by retired Superior Court of Quebec Justice André Denis, on March 19. The most consequential revelation of this 57-page report is that Rivoire was guilty, based...
Declaring the YEAR OF CONSECRATED LIFE from 30th November 2014 to 2nd February 2016, Pope Francis shared insightful reflections: “Every consecrated person is a gift for the People of God on a journey. There is much need of their presence, that strengthens and renews the...
Port-au-Prince - March 13, 2024 Misadventures of the Oblates in the city of Port-au-Prince in these last days. The city of Port-au-Prince, which has been exposed to all kinds of problems since February 29, is subject to a situation that is far too delicate for its population...
Pictured left: retired Superior Court of Québec Justice André Denis Following an exhaustive investigation, retired Superior Court of Quebec Justice André Denis concluded French priest Joannès Rivoire was guilty of sexually assaulting five minors in Naujaat, Nunavut, between 1968 and 1970, and one in Arviat and...
TÉLÉCHARGEZ VERSION FRANÇAISE Following a commitment to independently review the congregation’s response to historical allegations of sexual abuse against Joannès Rivoire in present-day Nunavut, including the circumstances under which he left Canada, OMI Lacombe Canada and the Oblates of the Province of France (the “Oblates”) appointed...
Kateri Native Ministry is offering an opportunity for your parish to experience the KAIROS Blanket Exercise (KBE). This 2- 3-hour session is an experiential way to understand our shared history as Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. It includes a talking circle so we can...
One thing the season of Lent reminds us of is the reality of pain and suffering. Christ went through pain to attain our healing and redemption. Amid this Lent in 2024, there is so much needless pain in the world. As pilgrims of hope in...
[vc_video link='https://youtu.be/dfkh0jaGg5Y'] At the Sunday Angelus appointment, Pope Francis says our Lenten journey beacons us to build a greater sense of home with God by strengthening our relationship through prayer, trust, and intimacy, while also building fellowship and fraternity with our brothers and sisters. Addressing visitors and...
In a gesture that honors the essence of humanity, President Mattarella will bestow the prestigious Order of Merit of the Italian Republic upon thirty Italian citizens whose tireless efforts have forged paths of hope and resilience. These individuals stand out for representing the treasured values...
During his weekly Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis offers the faithful a 'good Lenten resolution', inviting them to open themselves to the light of Jesus and to never let anything divert their glance from it. [vc_video link='https://youtu.be/xQTqnRtOh5k'] "Let's open ourselves to the light of Jesus, and let's never...
God listens to the prayer of the Muslim and the Christian It’s still dark. The armored police vehicle is permanently outside the station door for our “protection”. The policeman is alone. The others are located at the four sides of the house. It’s time for the...
At OMIWORLD, we're always looking for exciting ways to inform, inspire, and bridge the digital gap within our Charismatic family. And here's our latest masterpiece: the OMI Events page! More than just another webpage, it’s a pulsating hub where members of the Charismatic family can come...
The Holy Father has appointed Bishop Luis Alberto Huamán Camayo, OMI, as metropolitan archbishop of the Archdiocese of Huancayo, Peru, transferring him from the titular see of Tepelta and the office of auxiliary bishop of the same archdiocese. Curriculum vitae Archbishop-elect Luis Alberto HUAMÁN CAMAYO was born...
I had always thought to myself that when I retired as a priest, I would work on the streets with the homeless and addicted. It is the type of work our Founder of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate did. It seems that these are the...
In his homily on February 2, Pope Francis said: “By welcoming the Lord, the past opens up to the future, the old in us opens up to the new that he awakens. This is not easy, we know this, because, in religious life as in...
Pope Francis addresses a message to participants in the 4th International Congress of the University Research Platform on Islam, held in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The event marks the fifth anniversary of the signing of the joint Declaration on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living...
[vc_video link='https://youtu.be/INHZL289JQ8'] Pope Francis celebrates Mass on the World Day for Consecrated Life highlighting the importance of perseverance and asking for the courage to make room for God's action. As the Church marks the 28th World Day for Consecrated Life on Friday, Pope Francis has encouraged the world’s...
Pope Francis releases his prayer intention for the month of February 2024, and invites everyone to pray for the terminally ill and their families. [vc_video link='https://youtu.be/PVJNlDhLmYE'] Pope Francis' monthly prayer intention this February is for the terminally ill and their families. The Pope invited the Church to pray...
Homily, January 25 Dear Brothers and Sisters. Today we celebrate the Feast of the conversion of St. Paul and we remember the beginning of our community and missionary life 208 years ago. These two events are linked by one word: conversion. St. Paul’s conversion caused him to...
Greetings from the Central Government as we commemorate the 208 years of the First Community of the Congregation. On January 25, 1816, the day the Church celebrates the conversion of Saint Paul, marks the beginning of our missionary family in Aix. As our history narrates, Eugene...
In a preface for Cardinal Comastri's new book, "Praying Today. A Challenge to Be Overcome", Pope Francis invites Christians to prepare for the 2025 Jubilee through fervent prayer for our conflict-ridden world. In the preface of a book published on Tuesday, 23 January, Pope Francis emphasises...
Even with the best intentions, even with no malice inside us, even when we are faithful, we sometimes cannot not hurt each other. Our human situation is simply too complex at times for us not to wound each other. Here’s an example: Soren Kierkegaard, who spent...
Saint Paul University is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Louis Patrick Leroux as the university's next rector. Selected through rigorous and independent process, the Board of Governors unanimously endorsed Dr. Leroux for the position. He will officially begin his term as Rector later this...
Two letters are delivered to Pope Francis by Fernando Clavijo, president of the Canary Islands, who spoke with the Pope about unaccompanied minors and migration. "I am no one to ask anything of His Holiness, but if he thought it opportune and convenient, he could devote...
Inspired by the parable of the Good Samaritan, this year's Week of Prayer for Christian Unity invites us to pray for love of God and neighbour. For more than fifty years, the Catholic Church has joined with other Christian communities in the initiative of the Week...
Since his election, Fr. Chicho has diligently embraced his role in the Congregation, our shared home, inspired by the Constitutions and Rules: “The Superior General is the Congregation’s living bond of unity, and through his example, apostolic zeal, and affection for all Oblates, he catalyzes...
The period between the last session and the upcoming one has been notably active, with members diligently visiting units for consultations and retreats to show support for each unit’s missionary endeavors. 2024 Plenary Session In the past three months in Rome, numerous meetings have transpired, including the...
Looking back at 2023, there are many reasons to feel despondent: the violent wars between Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Palestine, the widening gap between the rich and the poor, the number of migrants who continue to die as their attempt to get to a...
As part of the ongoing discernment on the outcome of the Queen's House Retreat and Renewal Centre property, we are inviting those who wish to respond to a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) to have their submission sent and received no later than January 31st...
The annual Knights of Columbus Carol Festival is a cherished tradition that is firmly rooted in our school division’s identity and culture, and we are grateful for the efforts of staff, students, and faith community who have made the event possible for over 65 years. With...
DOWNLOAD PDF: ENGLISH / FRANÇAIS OMI Lacombe Canada, Assumption and Notre Dame du Cap Provinces of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate Are hiring for the position of Executive Director of Le Centre Oblat Part of the worldwide congregation of priests and brothers called The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Oblates...
On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the presentation of Pope Francis's "Laudate Deum," a high-level event in Geneva featured speeches by Archbishop Ettore Balestrero and Sr. Alessandra Smerilli. "The universality of human rights and the universal responsibility...
A devotion which marked the Founder’s spiritual life Eugene de Mazenod founded our Congregation to preach the Gospel to the poor, but he saw this goal enhanced by preaching devotion to Mary, a devotion which marked his own spiritual life. In 1826, after we received the...
On December 4th, before his trip to Lesotho, The Superior General presided over the opening Mass and met with the committee to provide them with guidance following the General Chapter. The main focus of this meeting is to work on the mandates and recommendations outlined...
DOWNLOAD PDF VERSION: ENGLISH / FRANÇAIS / ESPAÑOL Dear Oblates and members of our charismatic family Once again this year, we gather around our Mother on the Solemnity of her Immaculate Conception. I thank God, Mary and all of you for your prayerful company during this year...
Pope Francis emphasises the importance of vigilance at his Sunday Angelus, highlighting this does not mean living in fear, but rather waiting in loving anticipation of Jesus' arrival. [vc_video link='https://youtu.be/d12Bja8myWY'] In his catechesis for the first Sunday of Advent, Pope Francis focused on the theme of vigilance. He...
Each day of Advent, beginning December 3rd and going through December 24th, you can hear a new Advent Reflection written by Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI. Produced with music and professional voices, these 2 to 4-minute reflections will enhance your Advent experience and help you remember...
The objectives of the meeting were to review, in the light of the letter and questionnaire of the Superior General, the proposals on restructuring that were presented to the Congregation in 2010. In his Letter and questionnaire regarding restructuring the Superior writes, “I would like to...
A STEP INTO THE OBLATE HISTORY OF THE NORTH COAST On October 20, Father General visited Pessamit. During his visit, we went to the old cemetery to pray at the tomb of the Oblate pioneers on the North Coast. We were also guided by three Innu...
[caption id="attachment_17418" align="aligncenter" width="526"] An 1890 photo at St. Mary's Mission shows Father Jean-Marie Le Jeune, back row, tall priest fourth from the right. Father Le Jeune made it possible for First Nations members to rend and write in the Chinook shorthand he developed. Also...
Retracing the Oblates in North America Retracing the footsteps of those first Oblates, Fr. Chicho landed in Montreal on October 17, 2023, just as the first Oblates in 1841. He then traced their journey through Richelieu and Quebec, along the Saint Lawrence River, meeting with the...
This is the name of a Youth initiative taken on by two Oblate Parishes, St. Albert Parish and Lac St. Anne Parish and its missions. Pope Francis was explicit with his words to Catholics when he pilgrimed here to Canada to see first-hand the pain...
Holiness is a gift everyone receives with baptism, and it is a journey to be made together with the help of the saints in heaven, Pope Francis said on the feast of All Saints. The saints "are our elder brothers and sisters, on whom we can...
This visit holds great significance as it coincides with the 175th anniversary celebrations of the University of Saint Paul in Ottawa. Additionally, Fr. Chicho takes this opportunity to install the Provincial of the Oblate Province of Notre-Dame du Cap and pay tribute to two of...
[vc_video link='https://youtu.be/G9LzGQpxMj0'] Around 300 people live in the Kenyan village of Amboseli and are facing great hardship due to problems caused by climate change. A team of young economists, nutritionists, doctors and educators from the Economy of Francesco has brought them assistance so they can improve...
This visit will be an opportunity to meet his confrères and their communities. To welcome the Superior General, the Provincial Council of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate and Saint Paul University are organizing two days filled with meetings and activities to strengthen the relationship between...
For over a decade, these brother Oblates have sacrificed a part of their lives as religious to serve the needs of the Congregation, leaving an indelible mark on our Mazenodian charismatic family. With selfless generosity of their time and talents, Fr. Marek and Fr. Marc...
Last week's release of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation, “Laudate Deum” has been received by The Ecclesial Networks Alliance for Integral Ecology (ENA) “as a most positive encouragement for ENA’s mandate and ministry,” said ENA Convenor, Father Rigobert Minani Bihuzo. The Ecclesial Networks Alliance for Integral Ecology...
Pictured left: Canadian delegates to the International Conference on Catholic Indigenous Ministry in Washington, DC. Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen, left, and Edmonton Archbishop Richard Smith, right, went on to the Canadian bishops' plenary assembly afterward. (Submitted photos) Canada’s bishops are restructuring their Indigenous Council to include...
Pope Francis presides at the Holy Mass in St Peter’s Square for the Opening of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, and invites the faithful to walk with the Holy Spirit, “in trust and with joy”. [vc_video link='https://youtu.be/rl20ygGD7nw'] The Solemn Mass for the...
“Hearts on Fire, Feet on the Move” In the Catholic Church, October has long been associated with mission. The month starts with the feast of St Thérèse of Lisieux and draws to a close with World Mission Sunday – a special day of prayer and global solidarity celebrated in all...
A simple country funeral Mass was all Archbishop Adam Exner, OMI, desired, and that’s what he received Wednesday in the small rural church of St. Mary’s in Grayson, Sask. “Bishops bury bishops, not simple rural pastors,” mused St. Mary’s Pastor Father John Mock during his homily. “But...
Pictured left: Pope Francis arrives for a meeting with the rectors of public and private universities from Latin America and the Caribbean at the Vatican Sept. 21, 2023. Responding to questions, the Pope said his new document on the environment would be called 'Laudate Deum'...
On September 15, 2023, the Superior General received the consent of the Council for the appointment of Fr. Jacques LALIBERTÉ as Provincial of the Notre-Dame-du-Cap Province for the first term. Published on the OMI World website...
On September 15, 2023, the Superior General received the consent of the Council for the appointment of Fr. Raymond Clark COOK, OMI as Provincial of the United States Province for a first term. Published on the OMI World website...
A plaque will be installed next to the C&E Trail south of Red Deer to recognize the former site of a stop for traveller and missionaries at Mission Hill. The plaque will be located next to the C&E Trail about 10 km southwest of Red Deer...
OTTAWA, September 7, 2023 – Yesterday, the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, OMI Lacombe Canada Province leadership announced the difficult decision to close two of the Province’s retreat centres: Queen’s House Retreat and Renewal Centre (Saskatoon, SK) and Galilee Mission Centre of Arnprior (Arnprior, ON)....
Jeannie Marie-Newell of Fort Smith, NWT, said sheltering out of the region for over two weeks has begun to “take a toll” on wildfire evacuees. “Initially, it was surreal and scary, but I was not mentally prepared,” said Marie-Newell, who served as the first female speaker...
Pictured left: Pope Francis shares a laugh with a group of nuns at the end of his weekly general audience in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican Aug. 30, 2023 (CNS Photo/Vatican Media) Like St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the first native North American woman to...
Pictured left: (Back row L-R) Formator, Bro. George Litiya, OMI, Jesus Javier Lopez, (US) Chandu Ponugumai, (India) Alvaro Esteban Zapata Chapa (US) (front row L-R) Elisha Chisanga, (Zambia) Robby Mukangwa (Zambia) Fr. Frank Kuczera, OMI, Superior, Fr. Louis Studer, OMI, US Provincial. Oblates and friends gathered...
Fr. Ismael, an Oblate of Mary Immaculate from the Mediterranean Province, recently participated in the World Youth Day activities in Lisbon. The Experience provoked in him some deep reflection, here he shares with us his reflections on this unforgettable experience. 32 years ago, I was fortunate...
In early July, Joe Gunn participated in a three-day gathering in Rome at the Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development. The name of the gathering was “Giving Voice to the Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor.” Along with Joe,...
Pictured left: Rev. Susai Jesu (left), pastor, Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples, Edmonton, and Rev. Mark Blom, associate pastor, Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples take part in an impromptu mass at the Lac Ste. Anne Pilgrimage in Lac Ste. Anne, Alta....
I wrote my doctoral thesis on the value of various philosophical arguments that try to prove the existence of God. Can there be such a proof? Brilliant philosophers, from Anselm, through Aquinas, through Descartes, through contemporary intellectuals like Charles Hartshorne, submit that the existence of...
The superior of the Oblate mission in Nigeria has sent a message in which he updates the Oblate family on the condition of Fr. Marcellus OMI. At the same time, he offers his heartfelt gratitude for the support and prayers. He also appeals for more...
2023 Theme: Reach every victim of trafficking, leave no one behind Global crises, conflicts, and the climate emergency are escalating trafficking risks. Displacement and socio-economic inequalities are impacting millions of people worldwide, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation by traffickers. Those who lack legal status, live in...
Jubilee Year The Oblate Delegation of Bangladesh inaugurated their Golden Jubilee year of the Oblate presence in the country on July 29, 2022, in Lokhipur Parish. The first Oblates arrived in the country on July 29, 1973. Oblates are currently serving in four dioceses in Bangladesh:...
Pictured left: A wreath of flowers thrown by Pope Francis floats in the Mediterranean Sea in the waters off the Italian island of Lampedusa in this July 8, 2013, file photo. The pope threw the wreath to honor the memory of immigrants who have died...
[vc_video link='https://youtu.be/luckJcd1kc0'] Let us pray that Catholics place at the centre of their lives the Eucharistic Celebration, which transforms human relationships profoundly and opens up an encounter with God and their brothers and sisters. Pope Francis – July 2023 If you are the same at the end of...
This second meeting was to review the Committee’s objectives as mandated by the 37th General Chapter. It was also to look at developing a plan for animation and also its collaboration with the Oblate International of Aix-en-Provence in that task. The meeting culminated in a discussion of...
June 21 is a time for all Canadians to celebrate more than the arrival of the Summer Solstice - National Indigenous Peoples Day should be a moment when Christians take time to stop and reflect on our past history. More importantly, how will we live...
When prelates and lay delegates gather in October for the Synod of Bishops, they will be asked to directly confront a number of pressing questions — including the possibility of women deacons, access to the priesthood for married men, the integration of LGBTQ+ Catholics, and...
THE OBLATES DECIDED TO CLOSE THE FRENCH GUYANA MISSION THE REASONS FOR THIS DECISION Currently, there are 12 Oblates in the mission of Guyana, in the diocese of Cayenne, including 11 Haitians from the Province of Haiti and a father of Hmong origin from the Province of...
DOWNLOAD PDF (ENGLISH & FRENCH) HERE On behalf of the Survivor-led Steering Committee overseeing the Residential School National Monument initiative, I am writing to extend a heartfelt invitation to you to attend the site selection ceremony for the Monument. This historical event will take place on...
Dear young people, It is with great joy that I greet all of you. I hope we can meet in person when I visit each of your countries in the coming years. For me this moment is much more than just a virtual meeting. My gratitude...
Pictured left: Sr. Jannifer Hiuhu hands over food rations to Chepokoronto Lotingora, a 33-year-old mother of eight. After a fie destroyed Lotingora's former home and claimed two of her children, the Incarnate Word Sisters helped her rebuild her home and provided her with food to...
Stefano Dominici: During the April-May 2023 Plenary Session, the Superior General, Fr. Luis Ignacio ROIS ALONSO received the consent of his Council to establish in the congregation the position of Coordinator of Lay Associates and Associations. Father General has appointed Mr. Stefano Dominici, a lay associate from Italy, as...
St. Anne’s Catholic Indian Church on Tzouhalem Road is one of the most historic churches on Vancouver Island. Since the mid-19th Century it has been served by a long list of missionaries, priests and bishops, many of whom were Oblates (OMI). In 1973 after his...
DOWNLOAD PDF HERE Twenty years ago, the Québec National Assembly unanimously adopted the Act to combat poverty and social exclusion. Today, Québec society is still marked by significant socio-economic inequalities. These inequalities have even increased since the law came into force in March 2003. The Church of...
2023 marks the 60th Anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations Vocation: Grace and Mission DOWNLOAD PDF HERE Dear brothers and sisters, dear young people! This is now the sixtieth time that we are celebrating the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, established by Saint Paul VI...
On April 28, 2023, the Superior General received the consent of the Council for the appointment of Fr. Constant KIENGE-KIENGE as Provincial of the Province of Congo for a first term....
During the week of April 17-21, 2023, Oblates who are involved in vocation and formation ministries within the Canada-US region gathered at Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre in Mississauga, ON. It was a time of discernment and fraternity that echoed the sentiments expressed by Pope...
UKRAINE During a special meeting of the Kyiv Province State Administration (Kyiv Military Administration), honorary certificates were awarded to representatives of churches and religious associations involved in humanitarian aid and educational activities during the hostilities caused by the aggression of the Russia against Ukraine. Among the...
OTTAWA – The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) have issued the North American Final Document for the Continental Stage of the 2021-2024 Synod: For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission. Begun in late 2022, the Continental Stage...
In 1997, the Brazilian government awarded the Karipuna tribe more than 377,890 acres of their ancestral land in the Amazon region to create the Jacy Parana Reservation. The land, larger in area than Los Angeles, was to be their safe haven, to grow food, hunt...
Pictured left: Pope Francis thanks a Ukrainian girl for the gift of a doll after his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican April 5, 2023. During the audience, praying for peace in Ukraine, the pope asked people to remember the Ukrainian...
Pictured left: Indigenous people listen to Pope Francis celebrating mass at the National Shrine of Saint-Anne-de-Beaupré, Canada (2022 Getty Images) Bishops' Conferences from Canada and the United States issue statements supporting the Holy See in its recent Document repudiating the "Doctrine of Discovery". With regards to the...
These two days, while distinct, are obviously very closely linked and flow together as they focus on the great- God-given gift of Creation, our planet, and its relationship to the wider universe. They flow together as water is the major component of our earth, as...
Translation: FRANÇAIS - ESPAÑOL 1. In fidelity to the mandate received from Christ, the Catholic Church strives to promote universal fraternity and respect for the dignity of every human being. 2. For this reason, in the course of history the Popes have condemned acts of violence, oppression,...
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (“CCCB”) is grateful that the Dicastery for Culture and Education and the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development have issued a Joint Statement addressing the concept of the “Doctrine of Discovery,” including the question of certain papal bulls of...
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION The General Formation Committee (GFC) consists of Fr. Asodo Henricus, OMI, Assistant General, Fr. Frank Kuczera, OMI, for Canada – US Region, Fr. Edward Terreros Inga, OMI, for Latin America Region, Fr. Sebastian Luszczki, OMI, for Europe Region, Fr. Gabriel Pathou Matakumba, OMI, for...
Introduction: The source for Oblate statistics is the database of members in the General Secretariat at the General House, updated and adjusted with reports which come in from the various Oblate Provinces, Delegations and Missions. The records of first vows, final vows, ordinations, departures and deaths...
Well, it finally happened. I had to miss a University class. I had to miss the first class of the semester in The Church and Indigenous People class. This class will focus on Reconciliation, primarily from the perspective of non-Indigenous Canadians and Catholics. We will...
Pictured left: Cardinal Francis George of Chicago speaks during the midday Ash Wednesday Mass at Holy Name Cathedral February 9, 2005 in Chicago, Illinois. (photo: Tim Boyle / Getty) The late Chicago Archbishop, as chronicled in a new biography, made 'the holiness of his people his...
Greetings and welcome to the inaugural edition of ORCIE Offerings, from the Office of Religious Congregations for Integral Ecology, where Catholic religious congregations are collaboratively increasing impact on policy change towards social and ecological justice. To read this inaugural edition of ORCIE Offerings, click on this...
Pictured left: Pope Francis goes to confession during a Lenten penance service in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican March 25, 2022, as part of the "24 Hours for the Lord" Lenten prayer initiative. This year, the Vatican said, he will open the annual service...
Pictured left Fr. Bernard Fwamba talks to youth in Chelelemuk village in Busia County about the consequences of substance abuse and early pregnancies. (GSR photo/Doreen Ajiambo) On a recent Monday morning during a weekly youth group meeting, Kevin Otieng sat in a blue plastic chair outside...
Pope Benedict XVI on a visit to Marseille. What would have happened if Pope Benedict and Bishop Eugene de Mazenod had met? Pope Benedict XVI on a visit to Marseille. What would have happened if Pope Benedict and Bishop Eugene de Mazenod had met? An ideal...
Pictured left: Brian Hunt with Father Oscar Pauwels, who died Jan. 22. Brian and his wife Clara would visit the Oblate weekly. "All those Saturdays with a man who served God for more than 70 years and for others. He inspired me to becoming Catholic,"...
The Catholic Women’s League has returned with strength and vision to Sacred Heart Church of The First Peoples. [caption id="attachment_16135" align="aligncenter" width="800"] A blessing over the return of the Catholic Women's League to Sacred Heart Church on February 19, 2023. Picture: Mary Malloy[/caption] At the 11:30am Mass...
Watch the interview with Fr. Cornelius Ngoka, OMI, the former Assistant General for Formation from 2010 to 2022. 00:00 – Introduction 00:36 – Who is an Assistant General 01:27 – Your vocation story? 03:03 – What was the positive influence those great Oblate personalities had in your life? 04:00 – What was your experience as...
Fr. Frank Santucci, OMI, Kusenberger Chair of Oblate Studies, Oblate School of Theology From Ash Wednesday until Good Friday, St. Eugene Speaks will provide daily reflections for your Lenten spiritual journey. Visit www.eugenedemazenod.net or subscribe to receive reflections by e-mail by writing to oblatestudies@ost.edu The reflections are...
Pictured left: Canossian Sr. Catherine Gonsalves, center, a former pupil of Nirmala Niketan, with beneficiaries at a self-help group meeting in Mahim, a suburb of Mumbai, India (Courtesy of Catherine Gonsalves) Hundreds of nuns and priests serving the Indian church as social workers say they owe...
On 8 February 2023, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops issued the following four pastoral letters on reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. Intended as a framework for local engagement with Indigenous Peoples, the letters are the fruit of many months of listening, encounter, and dialogue with...
Care for our common home so that it becomes a missionary home for the poor DOWNLOAD PDF HERE: ENGLISH - FRENCH - SPANISH Dear fellow pilgrims, Oblates and members of our charismatic family, The months of January and February are marked by two important dates for our family:...
Canada's Catholics are not done with reconciliation. Four pastoral letters from Canada’s bishops released today urge Indigenous and non-Indigenous Catholics to seek ways to journey together, build relationships, know and understand their history and end the two solitudes in the country and in the Church...
At times, more than mega events, simple and modest events can draw the interest of the general public. They touch their hearts and become an unforgettable memory of the past, while the highly organised events might simply remain in historical records. When it was decided by...
[vc_video link='https://youtu.be/2Frp18nyKr8'] Posters, gadgets and 'Bienvenue Pape François' flags line the streets of Kinshasa as the Democratic Republic of Congo welcomes Pope Francis at the start of his 40th Apostolic Journey abroad. "Pape François engumba Kinshasa eyambi yo na esengo." On the dusty streets of Kinshasa, crushed by...
We live in a world of deep divisions. Everywhere we see polarization, people bitterly divided from each other by ideology, politics, economic theory, moral beliefs, and theology. We tend to use over-simplistic categories within which to understand these divisions: the left and the right opposing...
[vc_video link='https://youtu.be/AIkTzWeVpYo'] Dear pilgrims, Oblates and members of the charismatic family. January 25, 1816 is considered the date of the beginning of our missionary family in Aix. In these days, the central government and the directors of the general services, are walking together to put into practice...
Pictured left: Sister Falguni, a member of the Associates of Mary Queen of Apostles and a student at Kumudini Nursing College in Mirzapur, Bangladesh, attends to a patient. (Uttom S. Rozario) Sister Mary Dipali chose to go into health care mostly because of her vocation, but...
DOWNLOAD PDF HERE Dear brother Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Dear brothers and sisters of the Mazenodian Family, Peace and grace to you all. The 37th General Chapter of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate is a grace and a blessing for the entire Congregation. The 79 capitulars representing...
[vc_video link='https://youtu.be/J9tcr05xfu4'] Pope Francis continues his cycle of catechesis on apostolic zeal, and invites everyone to imitate the Good Shepherd and see the lost member of the flock not as an enemy but as an opportunity to bear witness to the joy of the Lord. In his...
Pope Benedict has passed away. He will be remembered in numerous ways. In the history there will remain, of course, all he did and suffered as the supreme pontiff. He must also be considered for being one of the leading scholars in the time after Vatican...
WESTERN SAHARA That two flowers are born in a garden is nothing new. The blossoming of the desert is an event. Every year, the ancient nomads who settled in the towns on the edge of the desert are happy to see the arrival of the scarce...
[vc_video link='https://youtu.be/VGlJRrThm78'] We pray that educators may be credible witnesses, teaching fraternity rather than confrontation and helping the youngest and most vulnerable above all. Pope Francis – January 2023 I would like to propose that educators add new content to their teaching: fraternity. Education is an act of love...
The Superior General of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Fr. Luis Ignacio Rois Alonso, visited the Delegation of Ukraine from the 3rd to the 9th of December 2022. Accompanied by the Provincial of Poland, Fr. Paweł ZAJĄC, and the superior of the Ukraine Delegation, Fr. Vitaly Podolyana,...
After a long wait of two and a half years, after five cancelled sessions due to pandemic lockdown and its consequences, we have finally resumed the De Mazenod Experience! The oblate community at the foundation house welcomed eight missionaries from the Latin American and the Caribbean...
The Association of Sisterhoods in Kenya, or AOSK, which brings together more than 6,000 women religious from congregations throughout Kenya, celebrated the 60th anniversary of its founding at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Nairobi, Nov. 19. Superior generals and representatives of different congregations in...
Catholics, young and old, filling the pews with anticipatory energy. Choirs warming hearts and minds with joyful melodies. Parishioners joining together to celebrate Jesus’ birthday. These and other cherished images, sounds and moments from the traditional in-person Christmas Eve and Day liturgies were either stripped down...
Published on the OMI World website ...
WITH MARY, MISSIONARY PILGRIMS OF HOPE IN COMMUNION DOWNLOAD LETTER TÉLÉCHARGER LA LETTRE DESCARGAR LA CARTA Dear brother Oblates and all brothers and sisters of our charismatic family. Today we greet Mary, “blessed among women”, as we contemplate the miracle of God’s mercy in the mystery of her Immaculate Conception....
Welcome to our sixth year of The Life, featuring a panel of 20 sisters who will reflect on issues that impact the lives of Catholic women religious around the globe. We chose our panel from 50 good applicants from around the world, and it reflects a diversity...
On Dec. 4, Carnegie Hall will host a holiday celebration to benefit Ukraine. Compositions by Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin, Eric Whitacre and others will be performed by choral groups from North America and Europe in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Christmas song “Carol of the...
UNITED STATES Written by Robert Ellsberg, from the “Blessed Among Us” feature in the November 2022 issue of Give Us This Day www.giveusthisday.org (Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2022). Used with permission. (EDITOR’S NOTE: This November is the 150th anniversary of the disappearance and death of Fr. Pierre (Pedrito) Keralum...
Pictured left: The Holy Father Francis and the Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew. Photo: Vatican Media An agreement on the celebration of Jesus' Resurrection would be one of the most important moments of the 2025 Jubilee. (ZENIT News / Constantinople (Istanbul), 15.11.2022).- In an interview with a Turkish...
Father Louis Lougen OMI returns to his home province. Father Louis Lougen, OMI, former Superior General, said goodbye to the Generalate in Rome. He held the office in 2010-2022. After the election of Father Luis Ignacio Rois Alonso OMI as general, the former Superior General returns to his home Province...
[vc_video link='https://youtu.be/MafPVv25rBs'] We pray for children who are suffering, especially those who are homeless, orphans, and victims of war; may they be guaranteed access to education and the opportunity to experience family affection. Pope Francis – November 2022 There are still millions of boys and girls who suffer...
For several years, the General Committee of Oblate Brothers has been responsible for the animation of the anniversary of the 1st vows. The Oblate Brothers who participated in the General Chapter, worked on the reflection for this November 1st. DOWNLOAD PDF HERE Synodality is a time of...
DOWNLOAD PDF HERE As we celebrate the closing Eucharist of the Chapter, I would like to propose the gospel story that we have just heard as the paradigm of what is expected of us as pilgrim missionaries of hope in communion. Pope Francis suggested it to...
Pictured left: Sr. Eva Solomon and Michael Audraos, author and general editor, respectively, of Come Dance With Me from Novalis Publishing. It was a double celebration — the launch of a first book of its kind by an Anishinaabe Catholic woman, and a powerful lesson on...
Fr. Joshua Roldan commends the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops for meeting today’s young Catholics where they are at in a new normal shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic. “There are still a lot of things that young people — and all people — are struggling with...
In a conversation with seminarians and priests studying in Rome, Pope Francis addresses numerous topics: from the compassionate style of priests, called to be close to the people, to spiritual direction. A long dialogue took place on Monday in the Paul VI Hall between Pope Francis...
Pictured left: Fr. Pavlo Vyshkovskyi, OMI greets Pope Francis at an audience in early October. As the war in Ukraine grinds on toward its 9th month, Fr. Pavlo Vyshkovskyi, OMI, says people are increasingly traumatized and in need of both psychological and spiritual assistance. "Many people need...
Does the earth feel pain? Can it groan and cry out to God? Can the earth curse us for our crimes? It would seem so, and not just because ecologists, moralists, and Pope Francis are saying so. Scripture itself seems to say so. There are some very...
ROME – Ahead of next year’s international celebration of World Youth Day – a global gathering that draws thousands of young people together for talks, fellowship, and face time with the pope – a top Vatican official has praised the creativity of youth and said...
DOWNLOAD PDF HERE Holy Father, and our father, Pope Francis, The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in our 37th General Chapter greet you warmly and with great gratitude for receiving us today in this audience. We come to express our communion with you and with the entire Church. ...
DOWNLOAD PDF HERE Dear brothers, good morning and welcome! I am pleased to meet you, on the occasion of your General Chapter. I thank the Superior General – poor thing, taken from the desert and brought here to Rome! – for his introduction, and I wish serene...
The 37th General Chapter of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate is currently being held in Nemi, Italy from September 14 to October 14, 2022. Find out more with these daily updates and "Chapter Chats" provided on the OMI World website: Chapter Daily Report Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day...
Election of the 14th Superior General of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate On Thursday, September 29, 2022, the 37th General Chapter of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate elected Fr. Luis Ignacio Rois Alonso, O.M.I. as its 14th Superior General for a term of six...
Election for the General Councilor for the Canada-United States Region On Tuesday, 4 October 2022, the 37th General Chapter of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate elected Fr. James Brobst, O.M.I., as the General Councilor for the Canada-United States Region for a term of six years. The election took place...
The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate join people across Turtle Island in observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and reflecting on the tragic and ongoing suffering brought about by Canada’s residential school system. As Oblates, we recognize and repent for the central role our...
Dear Oblates and Associates, It has been two weeks that we landed in Rome and made our way to the Centro ad Gentes in Nemi, about an hour out of Rome. The Centro overlooks Nemi Lake, a small lake situated in an extinct volcanic crater. Over...
On August 27, 2022, Muskeg Lake Cree Nation hosted a group of 45 (mostly) settlers, reflecting on the theme of “Decolonizing Ourselves: Healing Haunted Histories.” The event’s title was drawn from the book by Elaine Enns and Ched Meyers, Healing Haunted Histories: A Settler Discipleship of...
A group of Lay Associates will participate in the Chapter, from September 14 to 18. Their main task is to present a report on September 17. Published on the OMI World website...
Pictured left: Icon of the Sacred Heart 2017 in collaboration with Romeo Crow Chief of Siksika Nation written by Andre J. Prevost The next round of four courses begins in September 2022, offered online from 4:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday afternoons Introduction to First Nations...
[vc_video link='https://youtu.be/pl_QrsNYOq4'] We asked Fr. Fabio Ciardi, OMI, the Director of the General Service of Oblate Studies, what the most significant General Chapters in our history are, according to him. Following is the transcription of the video. 37th General Chapter! That means that we have already organized 36...
How the Church became truly global Pictured left: Mass in Kuru, Nigeria (Friedrich Stark, Alamy Stock Photo) Quick: Name the countries with the most baptized Catholics. You might guess Brazil (172.2 million) or the United States (72.3 million). You might miss Mexico (110.9 million) and the Philippines...
The last few months have been full of events. Throughout the month of May, we attended the cross cultural orientation course, in Tamale, at a center run by the SVD’s and the archdiocese of Tamale. Together with three Nigerian Carmelites and one lay missionary woman...
DOWNLOAD PDF HERE For many years, when I was a young adult, I used to work at a summer wilderness camp in the forests of northern Saskatchewan. Part of my job was to take groups on multi-day outwardbound hikes, traversing all sorts of terrain enroute to...
On Monday August 15, 2022, the community of the General House together with some visitors, gathered around the statue of the Oblate Madonna in the Chapel of the General house to celebrate the solemnity of the Assumption and to mark the 200th anniversary of the...
DOWNLOAD PDF [caption id="attachment_15231" align="alignleft" width="300"] Fr. Constant Kienge Kienge, OMI Procurator General to the Holy See[/caption] To become “pilgrims of hope in communion” is the call of our 37th General Chapter and the starting point of the whole dynamic of this General Chapter. To lead us...
[vc_video link='https://youtu.be/sO0BhMphBtM'] We pray for small and medium-sized businesses; in the midst of economic and social crisis, may they find ways to continue operating, and serving their communities. Pope Francis – August 2022 As a consequence of the pandemic and the wars, the world is facing a grave...
I will never, ever forget those beautiful words our Holy Father Pope Francis said to me after he offered me the gift of a rosary, “Thank you for serving the poor.” What makes me happy is he recognized that our parish is a place for...
UNITED STATES Br. Richard Coté, O.M.I (Historian/Archivist) St. Joseph the Worker Shrine, Lowell, MA This year marks the 175th anniversary of the arrival of the first Oblate missionaries to the United States in 1847 in what was then known as The Oregon Territory. At that time Oregon included the present states of Oregon...
POLAND Martine Caffo (Oblate lay associate from Aix-en-Provence) The European Regional meeting of the 2nd Oblate Lay Associations Congress was held in Kokotek, Poland in parallel to the main Congress which was held from May 27-29, 2022. Martine Caffo, a pensioner from Aix-en-Provence shares her experience. I went...
PDF Version Canadian Oblates’ Statement re: Johannes Rivoire The Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Notre Dame du Cap Province and Lacombe Province, have continually called for Johannes Rivoire to face his accusers, and are encouraged that the Public Prosecution Service of Canada has made a request for extradition....
"This lake, with all its diversity, thus became the site of an unprecedented proclamation of fraternity; not a revolution bringing death and injury in its wake, but a revolution of love. Here, on the shores of this lake, the sound of drums, spanning the centuries...
"This place is a house for all, open and inclusive, just as the Church should be, for it is the family of the children of God, where hospitality and welcome, typical values of the indigenous culture, are essential. A home where everyone should feel welcome,...
"I have been waiting to come here and be with you! Here, from this place associated with painful memories, I would like to begin what I consider a pilgrimage, a penitential pilgrimage. I have come to your native lands to tell you in person of...
25 juillet 2022, OTTAWA - Réagissant à l'arrivée du Pape François sur le sol canadien hier matin, le Père Ken Thorson et le Père Luc Tardif, Provinciaux Oblats des deux provinces qui ont géré 48 pensionnats autochtones, ont publié la déclaration suivante au nom des...
DOWNLOAD PDF VERSION HERE July 25, 2022, OTTAWA – In response to Pope Francis’ arrival on Canadian soil yesterday morning, Fr. Ken Thorson and Fr. Luc Tardif, Oblate Provincial of the two provinces which operated 48 Residential Schools, issued the following statement on behalf of OMI...
Pope Francis will make a historic visit to Canada, where he will meet with many Indigenous Peoples across the country and issue an in-person apology for the Catholic Church's involvement in the residential school system, which for nearly 200 years waged a cultural war on...
Pictured left: First landing of Columbus on the Shores of the New World by Dioscoro Puebla. It should be no surprise that the Age of Discovery would have produced a Doctrine of Discovery. How uncomfortably that doctrine sits in our history now presents the Church and...
DOWNLOAD PDF VERSION HERE Historic visit to Rome builds on a year of partnership between the two organizations, highlighted by a commitment to expand access to residential school records. WINNIPEG – The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) and the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (The...
ROME -- Pope Francis on July 13 appointed three women to the Vatican's Dicastery for Bishops, fulfilling a pledge he made earlier this month that for the first time in the office's history, women would be granted a voice in the department tasked with advising the pontiff on...
PILGRIMS OF HOPE IN COMMUNIONS: A REFLECTION [caption id="attachment_11027" align="alignleft" width="150"] Sandra Prather, HOMI[/caption] About ten years ago, my husband, sister and I walked three hundred and seventy kilometres of the Camino de Santiago. Carrying backpacks, sleeping in a different village or town each night, for three...
PRZEMYSL, Poland -- Prevented by war from meeting in Kyiv, 40 Ukrainian Catholic bishops from around the world met in Poland, less than 10 miles from the border with their homeland, in early July. The meeting of the Synod of Bishops of the Eastern-rite church had...
Thanks to the good Lord, St. Eugene de Mazenod and the Regions and units that participated in the preparation, the 2nd Oblate Lay Association Congress went ahead as planned from 27 to 29 May, 2022. It had been postponed because of Covid last year and now...
OBLATE COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE IT’S HERE! The General Service of Oblate Communications is proud to announce our new website dedicated for the 37th General Chapter. www.omiworld.org/general-chapter/ The website showcases the desire of the Pre-Chapter commission to get the whole Congregation, excited, informed and involved in the preparation for the 37th General Chapter. The website...
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION From May 30 to June 1, the Global Oblate Fundraisers (GOFs) gathered at the St. Bonifatiuskloster, in Hünfeld, Central European Province, to share ideas and experiences and to reflect on ways to enhance their work in support of Oblate Units. The meeting started with updates...
National Indigenous Peoples Day takes place on the summer solstice, June 21. It’s a special occasion to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Learning about Indigenous Peoples, places and experiences is a step...
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven…” (Eccl 3:1) These beautiful words from the Book of Ecclesiastes sum up for me the amazing celebration of thirteen new Oblate Associates, who made their first commitment on Sunday, June 6, 2022...
The Indigenous delegation to Rome and Pope Francis’ apology is one more step toward truth and reconciliation. Another step will evolve through the Papal visit to Canada. In anticipation, members of Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle (OLGC) invite you to pray individually and in groups...
MEDIA RELEASE - May 23, 2022 Download PDF here As we recognize the one-year anniversary of the discoveries at the former Kamloops Residential School, we are once again reminded of the tragic and horrifying legacy of abuse and suffering brought about by Canada’s Residential School System. The Missionary...
Letter from the Superior General for the Feast of St. Eugene de Mazenod DOWNLOAD LETTER IN PDF FORMAT: ENGLISH / FRANÇAIS Dear Brother Oblates, and all our Sisters, Brothers, and Young People who live the Oblate charism, The life and charism of St. Eugene continue to inspire many...
Dear brothers and sisters, good morning! Today we will talk about Judith, a biblical heroine. The conclusion of the book that bears her name—we have listened to a passage—summarizes the final part of the life of this woman, who defended Israel from its enemies. Judith is...
Papal Visit - An Announcement from the CCCB The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) is pleased to share with you that the Holy See has confirmed that Pope Francis will make a pastoral visit to Canada from July 24 to 29, 2022. The Pope’s visit will...
On December 13, 2021, the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary received long-awaited GOOD NEWS! Pope Francis recognized the miraculous healing of Angel Marie Degamo, from the Philippines, obtained through the intercession of Marie Rivier. The Foundress of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary, Mother Marie...
Pictured left: Pope Francis kneels at the feet of South Sudan President Salva Kiir at the conclusion of a two-day retreat at the Vatican for the African nation's political leaders, in this April 11, 2019. file photo. The pope plans to visit South Sudan July...
Here you will find the third in a series of animation materials in preparation for our 37th General Chapter. The first one was prepared by Fr. Warren Brown, OMI and the second, by Fr. Chicho Rois, OMI. These documents are based on the theme of our Chapter – “Pilgrims of Hope in Communion” and are...
The Red River Metis went to Rome looking for the restoration of their communities, their culture and their churches. “From our side, we’re not looking for money,” Manitoba Metis Federation president David Chartrand told The Catholic Register as he visited a cemetery for Canadian soldiers outside of Rome...
After cancellation (or postponement) in both 2020 and 2021, the Convocation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate of the United States Province finally took place on April 18-20, 2022. But the format of the Convocation was much different from the one postponed because of...
The scope and shape of a summertime papal pilgrimage to Canada is beginning to take shape, though no official itinerary has been put forward. Vatican advance teams scouting possible locations have been reported in Québec City, Iqaluit and Edmonton. The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops is...
During the first Wednesday General Audience in St. Peter's Square in over two years, Pope Francis highlights the importance of honouring the elderly, and calls for young people to be educated about life and its stages. [vc_video link='https://youtu.be/2VpDgQz-O_s'] Pope Francis continued his series of reflections on old...
Here you will find the second in a series of animation materials in preparation for our 37th General Chapter. The first one was prepared by Fr. Warren Brown, OMI. These documents are based on the theme of our Chapter – “Pilgrims of Hope in Communion” and are meant for...
Order of Nunavut recipient, Lechat died March 29 at 102 Pictured left: Father Robert Lechat (centre) was awarded the Order of Nunavut for his work to preserve the Inuktitut language, in 2015 (Photo courtesy of Lorraine Brandson) Louis Tapardjuk remembers Father Robert Lechat as a priest who...
O, What a beginning, and what an end? Thanks be to God! Despite working closely with his grace Archbishop Richard Smith at various levels and through many meetings with Indigenous peoples, I never expected that I would be part of the larger delegation going to Rome to...
A General Chapter strengthens the bond of our unity and allows the members to participate in the life and mission of the Congregation. “The Chapter is a privileged moment of community reflection and conversion, discerning God’s will in the urgent needs of our times and...
[vc_video link='https://youtu.be/bVFw4h3MCMc'] Let us pray this month for health care workers. The pandemic has shown us the self-giving and generosity of health care workers, volunteers, support staff, priests, and religious men and women. But the pandemic has also exposed the fact that not everyone has access to a...
"I feel an obligation to be the voice of this suffering people and to be a simple witness to the reality being lived by our people in Ukraine." Pictured left: Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of Kyiv-Halych, right, joins in the consecration of Ukraine and Russia to the...
Father Johannes Rivoire is facing a Canada-wide warrant for his arrest WARNING: This story contains distressing details. The leader of the Inuit delegation met privately with Pope Francis on Monday has called on the pontiff to personally intervene in the case of a fugitive Oblate priest accused...
Pictured left: Traditional palms for Palm Sunday and Easter are seen in Krakow, Poland. "The Felician Sisters originated in Poland, so many of our traditions come from our Polish roots, "writers The Life panelist Sr. Maryann Agnes Mueller. (Dreamstime / Thomas Jurkowski) Panelists were asked to...
On Friday, March 25, 2022, Pope Francis will consecrate Ukraine, Russia, and all of humanity to the Immaculate Heart of Mary as part of ongoing efforts to end the violence and bloodshed currently taking place in Ukraine. In the words of Pope Francis, "At this...
JOINT STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 22, 2022 DOWNLOAD PDF VERSION HERE TÉLÉCHARGEZ PDF ICI In advance of the historic delegation of Indigenous Peoples to the Holy See, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) and the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate are continuing efforts to ensure all...
Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle received gratefully the recent announcement of the upcoming visit of First Nations, Inuit and Métis delegations with Our Holy Father Pope Francis at the Vatican. The Canadian Catholic Bishops, Assembly of First Nations, Métis National Council, and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami...
Pictured left: Oblates in Kyiv pray before the Blessed Sacrament As Russian troops continue their devastating invasion of Ukraine, a missionary Catholic priest describes his community’s efforts to carry on offering spiritual and material assistance to parishioners in Kyiv. “Oblates do not leave people, even until the...
Dear Oblate JPIC coordinators and animators, Receive our greetings in Jesus and Mary Immaculate, hoping that everything is moving ahead well in your pastoral work in this time of much challenge and hope. We come once again to reaffirm our support for your missionary efforts in favor...
We pray for Christians facing new bioethical challenges; may they continue to defend the dignity of all human life with prayer and action. Pope Francis – March 2022 Let us pray that we may give a Christian response to bioethical challenges. It is evident that science has progressed,...
One of the places most affected by the war has been the city of Chernihiv, where we have an Oblate house. Located on the border with Russia and Belarus, the city of Chernihiv has been overrun by enemy forces since the beginning of the invasion...
The Letter of Superior General to the Congregation on the Anniversary of the Papal Approval of the Constitutions and Rules DOWNLOAD PDF - ENGLISH / FRENCH Dear Brother Oblates, and all our Sisters and Brothers committed to living the Oblate Charism, We celebrate with great joy and gratitude...
St Eugene de Mazenod: “The Other Side of Struggle” February 17, 2022 is the 196th anniversary of the Papal approbation of the Constitution and Rules of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. That is included in this video series presenting the whole story of the life...
FEBRUARY 2022 We pray for religious sisters and consecrated women; thanking them for their mission and their courage; may they continue to find new responses to the challenges of our times. Pope Francis – February 2022 This month, we will pray in a special way for religious sisters...
Caritas Internationalis calls on people of goodwill to support the fight against human trafficking and urges governments to strengthen protective and supportive services for the victims. As the Church observes the eighth World Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking, on February 8, Caritas Internationalis...
Pictured left: Fr. Vincenzo Bordo, OMI blesses the coffin of a homeless person at the local morgue. Seongnam, South Korea - A few years ago Fr. Vincenzo Bordo, OMI was visiting his beloved homeless friends on the streets of Seongnam, South Korea. A man approached him...
Do you want to experience a mature, healthy, dynamic spirituality? Read Ronald Rolheiser, priest, theologian, teacher, author of 16 books and 2,000 columns, and a retreat leader and prolific speaker. Whether you are a devotee of Rolheiser or a Rolheiser neophyte, his Essential Spiritual Writings will convince...
On February 1, 2022, the Superior General received the consent of the Council for the appointment of Fr. Ken Thorson, OMI as the Provincial of OMI Lacombe Canada Province for the second term. Le 1er février 2022, le Supérieur Général a reçu le consentement du Conseil pour la nomination de Père Ken Thorson, OMI comme...
In his Message for the World Day of Social Communications, Pope Francis says listening is an indispensable first step in human communication, and a dimension of love. After focusing last year on seeing reality and conveying it to others, Pope Francis in his 2022 Message for the World Communications...
We pray for all those suffering from religious discrimination and persecution; may their own rights and dignity be recognized, which originate from being brothers and sisters in the human family. Pope Francis – January 2022 How is it possible that many religious minorities currently suffer discrimination or...
Pictured left: People in St. Peter's Square attend Pope Francis' recitation of the Angelus from the window of his studio overlooking the square at the Vatican Jan. 16, 2022. (CNS photo / Vatican Media) VATICAN CITY — God likes to intervene behind the scenes and without fanfare, always...
The Treviso-based Foundation “Oltre il Labirinto” (“Beyond the Labyrinth”), created to welcome, care for, protect and promote the inclusion of young people with autism, is relaunching its project “Farm4Autism”. The President, Mario Paganessi: Laudato si’ continues to inspire our work. There is no concern, respect...
Pictured left: Pope Francis speaks as Maltese Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops, looks on during a meeting with representatives of bishops' conferences from around the world at the Vatican in this Oct. 9, 2021. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) VATICAN CITY — All Christians are...
In recent years, there has been a noticeable growth and interest in the charism, spirituality, and mission of the Oblates. The Kusenberger Chair of Oblate Studies is, therefore, responding to this by providing the opportunity to study some of these aspects in greater depth. If you...
Appointment of coadjutor bishop of the diocese of Mariannhill, South Africa The Holy Father has appointed as coadjutor bishop of the diocese of Mariannhill, South Africa, with special faculties, the Reverend Fr. Neil Augustine Frank, O.M.I., until now provincial superior of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate...
For over 60 years, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools has presented the annual Knights of Columbus Carol Festival - this festival is a hallmark of our school division, and it draws over 2000 people to TCU Place every year. We were unable to put on the...
With Christmas just around the corner, this is an especially busy time for Fr. Doug Jeffrey of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Recently, Fr. Doug spoke with Northern Pride about the goings on at the church this holiday season, COVID-19, as well as how he spends...
Meeting with Oblate Missionary Cooperators of the Immaculate (COMI) on Saturday morning, Pope Francis encouraged them in a symbolic way to become like yeast: small, hidden, but full of faith, and “the larger the dough to be leavened, the richer the quality of the leaven must be”. He...
What’s still unfinished in your life? Well, there’s always a lot that’s unfinished in everyone’s life. Nothing is ever really finished. Our lives, it seems, are simply interrupted by our dying. Most of us don’t complete our lives, we just run out of time. So, consciously...
TÉLÉCHARGEZ VERSION FRANÇAISE The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) and the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate today announced further collaboration that will grant the NCTR full access to critical residential school records in the Oblate archive in Rome, Italy. The Oblates operated 48 residential schools...
DOWNLOAD PDF VERSION / TÉLÉCHARGEZ VERSION PDF: ENGLISH / FRENCH Thirty years ago, in July 1991, the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in Canada apologized to the Indigenous peoples of this land at the Lac Ste. Anne Pilgrimage in Alberta, for the significant part they played in the...
WHY THIS BOOKLET? "We achieve unity in our life only in and through Jesus Christ. Our ministry involves us in a variety of tasks, yet each act in life is an occasion for personal encounter with the Lord, who through us gives himself to others and...
Download letter in PDF - ENGLISH - FRANÇAIS Dear Brother Oblates and my Sisters and Brothers who live the Oblate Charism, Happy feast day! The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary brings us great joy. Through Mary’s intercession we are renewed in our missionary oblation at...
The CCCB have prepared excellent educational resources to accompany the Advent videos and scripts entitled: Indigenous Peoples and the Church: Walking Together Toward Healing and Reconciliation The resources are based on the theme of the weekly Advent video to encourage further learning and discussion as we prepare...
Here is the video prepared on the occasion of the 140th foundation anniversary of our community - the International Roman Scholasticate. We thank God for continuously sustaining our community for the past 140 years and still continue to be grateful for the years to come....
The following are the words the Holy Father Francis addressed to the members of the Secular Institute of the COMI (Cooperatrici Oblate Missionarie dell’Immacolata), whom he received in audience this morning in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, on the occasion of the seventieth anniversary of the...
Pope Francis addresses a message to participants at the Ecclesial Assembly opening Sunday in Mexico City bringing together representatives of the Church in Latin America and the Caribbean. He encourages them to start by listening to each other and being courageously open to new horizons. Pope...
Once a Religious Sister phoned me to inquire if I could spare some time to anoint and give communion to the father of one of their Sisters. She said, “We’ve been looking for a priest, and preferably one who could speak his language, but no...
ROME — People need to be passionate about serving others and caring for those who suffer, Pope Francis said. "Lord, we entrust to your heart the vocation of care — let us make every person who approaches us in need feel special," he said in a homily to medical and...
Indonesia - Triennium 40th Anniversary of 'Wisma de Mazenod' Oblate Scholasticate Celebrating its 40th anniversary of the Oblate Scholasticate of the Province of Indonesia has been doing a Triennium Program since the year 2019 with so many activities. [caption id="attachment_13919" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Wisma De Mazenod Oblate Scholasticate,...
Thanks to the beautiful collaboration between the Oblate communities working with students – mainly Chavril-Sainte Foy, Fontenay 49 and Aix-en-Provence – the ministry with students and young professionals is developing. This summer, we had our first weekend in Aix-en-Provence, which completed three video meetings that...
A joint ecumenical delegation of The United Church of Canada (UCCan) and For the Love of Creation (FLC) will virtually attend the United Nations Climate Change COP26 being held October 31 – November 12, 2021. This delegation has the unique opportunity to follow the negotiations, connect with national and international climate...
Pictured left: Novice master, Fr. Frank Kuczera, OMI welcomes the guests to the renewed novitiate After two years and millions of dollars, the renovation of the historic Immaculate Heart of Mary Novitiate in Godfrey, Illinois has been completed and the building was blessed and re-dedicated on...
MEDITERRANEAN PROVINCE Eugene de Mazenod, Founder of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, in his exile in Italy, was in Palermo (the capital of the Italian island of Sicily) for almost 4 years, from 6 January 1799 to 11 October 1802. Since 2014, on the initiative of Vincenzo David, with...
OTTAWA, October 27, 2021 – The Catholic Bishops of Canada are grateful that Pope Francis has accepted their invitation to visit Canada on a pilgrimage of healing and reconciliation. The Holy Father’s full statement on the matter can be found here. In anticipation of this visit, the...
Norah McMahon a parishioner of St. Joseph’s, an Oblate parish in Ottawa, initiated an effort there to surround the upcoming COP26 meetings (Oct. 31-Nov. 12) in Glasgow, with prayer. Norah’s vision – is that we each in our own way pray in union with earth for...
On Saturday, October 16 2021, a Memorial Mass for Father Frank Morrisey was celebrated at Paroisse Sacré-Coeur d’Ottawa. Many of you may have tried to connect via the You Tube link provided earlier this month. Given that the sound recording failed, we thought you might be...
October: Missionary Disciples We pray that every baptized person may be engaged in evangelization, available to the mission, by being witnesses of a life that has the flavour of the Gospel. Pope Francis – October 2021 Jesus asks us all, and you as well, to be missionary disciples....
Pictured left: Father Garry LaBoucane (left) celebrated the Mass, assisted by Deacon Rennie Nahanee of the Squamish First Nation, at St. Paul's Indian Catholic Church September 26. "I see this as reconciliation between the Church and our native people," Deacon Nahanee said (Photos submitted) [caption id="attachment_13765"...
Pictured left: From left to right, Fr. Martyr and Fr. Cator in Port-au-Prince, September 2, 2021. As Haiti slowly recovers from an earthquake that killed thousands, Fr. Albert Cator's story is inspiring amazement and thanksgiving. There’s no doubt that the hand of Mary was there,”says Fr. Ellince...
Graydon Nicholas accepts the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops’ apology for more than a century of wrongs by Canadian Catholics in residential schools and hopes it will lead to a papal apology on Canadian soil. “It was a bit of a long time coming, but I’m...
We, the Catholic Bishops of Canada, gathered in Plenary this week, take this opportunity to affirm to you, the Indigenous Peoples of this land, that we acknowledge the suffering experienced in Canada’s Indian Residential Schools. Many Catholic religious communities and dioceses participated in this system,...
OTTAWA -- A day set aside to remember how Canada’s Indigenous communities suffered under this country’s residential school system will take on added meaning this year when the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Sept. 30 becomes a federal statutory holiday for the first time. Many Catholic...
Pope Francis highlights the importance of inclusiveness and fraternity in his 2021 Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, stressing that an ever wider "we" will help renew the human family, build a future of justice and peace, and ensure that no one...
The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate are currently accepting applications to fill a Social Media Communications Specialist position, focused on delivering increased awareness in support of its mission and ministries. DOWNLOAD PDF HERE JOB OVERVIEW Reporting to a member of the Leadership Team, the role of the Social...
Leaving Nothing Undared with St. Eugene de Mazenod A four-part enrichment series focused on the life, spirituality, and mission of St. Eugene de Mazenod, founder of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, who also inspired the formation of a charism family of laity around the world. The...
She calls it nutshimit. For Tshaukuesh Elizabeth Penashue, it is the place where she longs to be, the place where she was born. It is the place she seeks in her dreams. The word nutshimit has many meanings: "in the country," " in the bush," or "on the...
On September 1, Martin Luther University’s Centre for Public Ethics, the Baha’i Community of Canada, Citizens for Public Justice and Centre Oblat – A Voice for Justice, sponsored the event, A Faithful Election Conversation 2021. It was a thoughtful exchange between representatives of Canada’s four major...
A home for all? Renewing the Oikos of God The Season of Creation is the annual Christian celebration of prayer and action for our common home. Together, the ecumenical family around the world unites to pray, protect, and advocate for God’s creation. During the 2021 Season of...
Sr. Nathalie Becquart, a member of the Xavière Sisters in France, is one of the two new undersecretaries for the Vatican's office of the Synod of Bishops. Before becoming a sister, she studied economics and business and worked as a consultant in marketing and advertising. Becquart played a large role...
As Pope Francis meets with the members of the Laudato si' Movement, climate scientist Gregory Asner explains that science can offer tools to Catholic faithful in the effort to research and combat climate change. “Laudato si’ speaks to people in ways that a scientist cannot. Pope Francis...
At 8:29 a.m. on Saturday, August 14, 2021, a powerful magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Haiti’s Tiburon Peninsula, about 150 kilometres west of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Much of the damage occurred in the towns of Jérémie and Les Cayes. The force of the earthquake was felt...
HAITI Dear Oblates and friends, As you have certainly heard in the news, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 struck Haiti this morning at 8:30 AM. Several hundreds of people have been reported dead and missing. A lot of material damage have been reported. The epicenter was...
Last year, I watched Orange Sky Day play out on Instagram from a lake on the other side of the country. In a deck chair I scrolled through countless images of the uncanny wildfire sky, with caption after caption reminding me that this dusky light...
[caption id="attachment_13064" align="alignright" width="300"] Fr. Jean-Hérick Jasmin, OMI - Director, General Service of JPIC[/caption] INTRODUCTION In recent years, the OMI-JPIC General Service has shown that justice and charity are two effective pastoral attitudes of the Oblates in their commitment to the poor in our regions. Also, as...
On July 15, and then on July 18-23, 2021, Fr. Fabio Ciardi OMI invited the participants to the Workshop for Post-Novitiate Formators, to explore the Charism of Saint Eugene de Mazenod. “I will not give you fish, but rather I will teach you how to fish”. That’s how...
DOWNLOAD HOMILY IN PDF Homily delivered by the Superior General Fr. Louis Lougen, OMI during the Closing Eucharistic Celebration of the Formation Workshop for OMI Post-Novitiate formators “And how should men who want to follow in the footsteps of their divine Master Jesus Christ conduct themselves if they, in...
August: Church on the Way Let us pray for the Church, that she may receive from the Holy Spirit the grace and strength to reform herself in the light of the Gospel. Pope Francis – August 2021 The specific vocation of the Church is evangelization, which isn’t proselytism,...
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, The words spoken at the Consecration of the Mass resonate deeply in our souls. This is my Body which will be given up for you. This is the chalice of my Blood…which will be poured out for you. At every Mass, we...
Pictured left: Pope Francis greets an elderly woman as he meets with people in Asunción, Paraguay on July 12, 2015 (CNS/Paul Haring) When Pope Francis celebrates the first-ever World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly on July 25, he will be elevating a theme that he...
Just because something is politically-correct doesn’t mean that it might not also be correct. Sometimes we have to swallow hard to accept truth. Some years ago, I served on a Priests’ Council, an advisory board to the bishop in a Roman Catholic diocese. The bishop, while...
The Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life announces the first World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly under the theme "I am with you always". The First World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will be celebrated on Sunday 25 July, announced the Vatican’s Dicastery...
General Administration [caption id="attachment_12977" align="alignright" width="300"] Since then the house is 'empty' but the community has continued to live![/caption] Greetings from the Aix-en-Provence Foundation House community! We would like to share with you some news from us. March 18, 2020 was the date set by the French government to...
Pictured left: Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Sarita, TX The verse from John 15:5 echoed through my heart on June 27th at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Sarita, TX for several reasons. The first reason was that we finally reopened our retreat house in Sarita on the...
A Day of Prayer for migrants established by the Italian Episcopal Conference calls on Christians to become messengers of peace and teachers of civilization. In the first five months of 2021, more than 630 men, women and children drowned in the central Mediterranean Sea as they...
Several years ago, a colleague of mine suffered a crushing disappointment. Her instinctual temptation was towards anger, towards shutting a series of doors and withdrawing. Instead, wounded in spirit, she asked herself the question, what is love asking of me now? In answering that, she found that...
We pray that, in social, economic and political situations of conflict, we may be courageous and passionate architects of dialogue and friendship. Pope Francis – July 2021 The Bible says that whoever finds a friend has found a treasure. I would like to invite everyone to go beyond...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 5, 2021 DOWNLOAD PDF VERSION HERE TÉLÉCHARGEZ VERSION FRANÇAISE ICI WINNIPEG - The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) welcomes the decision by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate to expedite access to critical residential school records. The Oblates operated 48 residential schools in Canada,...
Pictured left: Cardinal Gérald C. Lacroix of Québec distributes Communion to an Innu woman on First Nations Sunday at the Shrine of Ste. Anne de Beaupré June 27. Grand Chief Perry Bellegarde of the Assembly of First Nations hopes a meeting with Pope Francis in...
[caption id="attachment_12928" align="alignright" width="300"] OST President, Scott Woodward (R) with one of the men at the facility[/caption] Consistent with a goal of empowering lives through education, Oblate School of Theology (OST) partnered with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the Archdiocese of San Antonio and the Ministry of...
June 24, 2021 DOWNLOAD PDF VERSION HERE TÉLÉCHARGEZ VERSION FRANÇAISE ICI We are two Catholic religious communities of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (commonly known as the Oblates) and were involved in operating many of the residential schools throughout Canada. The Oblates operated...
Pictured left: Sister Marie Zarowny, president of the Sisters of St. Ann, said the sisters will "collaborate in finding the truth" at residential schools. The sisters taught at a handful of residential schools, including Kamloops from 1890 to 1970. (Sisters of St. Ann photo) Two Catholic...
By Darcie Lich - Oblate Associate Creator God of love and justice, comforter of those who mourn, we turn to you acknowledging the actions of our Church and our nation. We have asked forgiveness and committed to work for healing and reconciliation. But we are painfully...
TÉLÉCHARGEZ DOCUMENT EN FRANÇAIS ICI Who are the Oblates? a. The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate are members of a Roman Catholic religious community of priests, brothers and lay associates. Founded in France in 1816 by St. Eugene de Mazenod, their first foreign mission was to...
Statement from the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate regarding news from the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Nation (Kamloops Indian Band) of the discovery of the remains of 215 children at the Kamloops Indian Residential School. Download PDF here ...
By Darcie Lich - Oblate Associate Creator God of love and justice, comforter of those who mourn, we turn to you acknowledging the actions of our Church and our nation. We have asked forgiveness and committed to work for healing and reconciliation. But we are painfully...
Novalis recently published a collective work that gives laity a voice in their experience of the Church and their vision of the future of the Church. We welcome this significant contribution to the issues facing the People of God. Novalis remains firmly rooted in the...
Either he doesn’t know the background noise in this video makes it almost impossible to understand what he is saying, or he is too lazy to redo the video or there is something else going on. Those are thoughts that may cross your mind after...
Pictured left: Ismael Moreno, S.J., (center) the director of Radio Progreso/Fundacion Eric, joins demonstrators in El Progresso, Honduras, protesting the election of President Juan Orlando Hernandez in January 2018. Funding from Canada's Development and Peace agency for his media and human rights ministry had been...
Liberal MP John McKay doesn’t give a damn whether he’s in cabinet or not. But he does give a damn. In an extraordinary 24-year career riding Parliament’s backbenches and chairing committees in government and opposition, McKay has steered legislation through Parliament to make sure Canada’s foreign...
Laudato si' webinar no. 7 (Organized by the OMI General Admisnitration) "The Transition of Religious Congregations to Integral Ecology" Introducing the Laudato si' Multi-year Action Platform Date: Saturday, May 29, 2021 Time: 17h00 (5:00 p.m.) CET / Rome Presenter: Bro. Alberto Parise, MCCJ (JPIC Director and member of the General Secretariat of Mission -...
Pentecost 2021 DOWNLOAD PDF - English / Français Send forth your spirit and renew the face of the Earth (Ps. 104) Greetings and blessings on the Feast of Pentecost, As Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle, focused on the work of reconciliation between Indigenous and all Canadians, we want to...
The focus of the course is to provide a brief historical background and an update on the state of the reconciliation process, and to frame the present pastoral and theological questions and challenges as well as the progress made since the final report of the TRC and...
A message from the Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle on Bill C-15: "...
VATICAN CITY - Throughout history and across the globe, lay catechists have been revered as saints, and many were martyred for their refusal to renounce their faith and their vocation to teach the Christian faith to others. Formally instituting "the ministry of catechist" with a document published May...
Dear Oblates and Friends, I hope you continue in the joy of the Easter season and also in remembering Mary, the Mother of Jesus, in this month of May! I would like to communicate that after a successful surgery, and a month of recuperation in the...
People spend many hours taking their kith and kin from one hospital to another in autos, and bikes, as the people cannot get an ambulance or any other vehicles. Once they reach the hospitals, the hospital administration washes its hands, saying there are no beds...
On Thursday April 29, Fr. Frank Salmon, OMI received the St. Joseph’s Award at the Catholic Missions in Canada Gala. Established in 1990 by Catholic Missions In Canada, the St. Joseph’s Award recognizes and honours missionaries whose dedication, is a light for the world and salt...
Fr. Rodrigue Vezina, OMI was an Oblate who died on October 29, 2019 in Richelieu at the age of 87. The towering and historic St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Attawapiskat was destroyed in a spectacular fire on April 21, 2021. There is a lot of...
Pope Francis has called for a global prayer marathon for the entire month of May, praying for the end to the pandemic. “The initiative will involve in a special way all shrines in the world” in promoting the initiative so that individuals, families and communities all...
Patti-Anne Kay and Fr. Peter Doherty, OMI find Easter parallels in COVID suffering but recall it was at Pentecost that the fullness of the Resurrection was realized. Let us go about daily activities with a renewed sense of focus, purpose, and appreciation. The COVID-19 pandemic struck close...
Pope Francis calls for urgency in joint efforts on the path towards protecting our planet, in two separate video messages for Earth Day 2021. Commemorating the 51st Earth Day on Thursday, Pope Francis sent two video messages reminding everyone of the importance of working together to...
REGISTER TODAY: KBE Teaching & Sharing Circles Summer Session begins May 18 Register today for a KBE Teaching & Sharing Circle – interactive, Zoom-based sessions that build positive relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people through truth, sharing, and open dialogue. This summer, six public sessions will be offered,...
2021 - Dr. Maurice (Moe) Schroeder Dr. Maurice (Moe) Schroeder, MD'76, who is an ordained Oblate priest as well as a physician, lived and worked in Peru from 1978 to 2017. His first five years in this country were spent at a rural mobile clinic in the...
The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate continue to play a significant role in many of the most difficult missions around the world. We are well known and highly regarded in the Church for our availability. Although, with good humor, we like to joke that we...
De Mazenod Outreach ministry will operate a local farm to grow food for Hamilton's poor Hamilton— April 8, 2021 — Today, the De Mazenod Door Outreach program announced the launch of the De Mazenod Farm, yet another initiative to help the poor and marginalized in inner-city...
Some good news and a huge thank-you! Yesterday some folks came and counted and carried all the donations that arrived in response to the "40 Cans for Lent" project that was sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. According to our volunteers the parish donated 1,460...
April: Fundamental Rights Let us pray for those who risk their lives while fighting for fundamental rights under dictatorships, authoritarian regimes and even in democracies in crisis, that they may see their sacrifice and their work bear abundant fruit. Pope Francis – April 2021 Defending fundamental human rights...
What we inaugurate tomorrow evening with the Sign of the Cross at the opening of the Holy Thursday liturgy is not just the beginning of the Mass of the Lord's Supper, but the opening of a three-day-long celebration of Christianity's most sacred solemnity: the Easter...
For Saint Eugene, Holy Thursday marked two important events: his first communion and his private vow of saying “yes” to God on this night when Christians keep watch with Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane and Jesus said “yes”. This year, for those unable to...
An article by a missionary sister who now works at the Oblate retreat centre in Edmonton relates how, in the year 2000, a Canadian company arrived in Tundayme, Ecuador. For ten years, it carried out a strategy of land appropriation that was characterized by cover-ups...
Fr. Alexandre Taché, a well-known canonist and a former Procurator General of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate passed away from this world in Richelieu, Quebec, Canada on February 7, 2021. Alexandre Taché was born on June 13, 1926 in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce parish in Hull, Diocese of Ottawa...
Pictured left: Rebecca Roughneen (right) Personal Profile For many religious communities, the coronavirus pandemic has been a time to discover the importance of an online presence. It’s something that the Oblates of Mary Immaculate have been wrestling with for some time, and has come into sharper focus...
General Committee of Oblate Brothers Saint Joseph is the protector of the Congregation and the patron saint of Oblate Brothers. Thus, the General Committee of Oblate Brothers would like to offer the Congregation and the entire Mazenodian family an opportunity, between March 19 and May 1, 2021...
We gather in the mystery and depth of the cross, the intersection of life and love, of pain and perseverance, of injustice and determination, of tenderness and solidarity, of Ongoing Care and Co-Creation. (+). [caption id="attachment_12312" align="alignright" width="100"] Fr. Jack Lau, OMI[/caption] We invite you to join...
In January of this year, I visited the Immaculate Heart of Mary Oblate Novitiate in Godfrey, IL to begin photo documentation of the renovation and restoration of the nearly 100-year-old building which sits on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. The elegant structure was originally...
There is a common thread linking three important interventions of Pope Francis regarding interreligious dialogue, and Islam in particular. It is a magisterium that indicates a road map with three fundamental points of reference: the role of religion in our societies, the criterion of authentic religiosity,...
[caption id="attachment_12238" align="alignright" width="176"] Deacon Joseph Phuong, OMI[/caption] This year’s Tết (Lunar New Year Festival) was very special for me. Through the Vietnamese embassy in Sri Lanka, I learned that the Vietnamese living here often organize a common celebration of the Tết in Colombo or Kandy....
The Senate has amended Bill C-7. If these amendments pass the House of Commons, it will make it much easier for vulnerable Canadians to access assisted suicide and euthanasia putting them at increased risk. The amendments are: 1. Allowing people to write advance directives that...
Canada’s bishops are continuing to study federal legislation that provides legal protections for Indigenous communities in the form of internationally recognized rights. Bill C-15, which would incorporate the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) into Canadian law, passed second reading Feb. 17. The...
Lenten alms-giving to Canada’s Catholic international development agency is getting turbo-charged by religious orders. From Ash Wednesday until Pentecost Sunday (May 23) a handful of religious communities will match new monthly donation plans dollar for dollar, up to a total of $130,000 to aid Development and...
Continuing his catechesis on Christian prayer, Pope Francis reflects on why and how we should pray in all the events of everyday life. In last week’s General Audience, Pope Francis spoke about how Christian prayer is “anchored” in the liturgy. In this week’s audience, streamed live...
Note on the morality of using some anti-COVID-19 vaccines from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith - CLICK HERE Note of the Vatican Covid-19 Commission in collaboration with the Pontifical Academy for Life "Vaccine for all. 20 points for a fairer and healthier world"...
Pope Leo XII formally approved our Constitutions and Rules on February 17, 1826. To this day, revised and adapted over the past 195 years, they remain “a privileged means for each Oblate to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ “(C # 163). The Preface...
Over the past months, the Oblates and Associates of OMI Lacombe Canada Province have been participating in our synodal process “Forward Together”. During the first round of small group gatherings, we were invited to tell our stories – stories of Oblate life, of significant moments...
Pope Francis has decided to institute a Church-wide celebration of a World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. Starting this year, it will be held on the fourth Sunday of July, close to the liturgical memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. Following...
An online event to launch the new Centre for Faith, Reason, Peace, and Justice included a panel discussion with Myron Rogal, coordinator of Justice and Peace for the Diocese of Saskatoon; Dr. Chris Hrynkow, director of the new centre; Darcie Lich, religious education coordinator for...
In an article published in the magazine "La Civiltà Cattolica", Cardinal Michael Czerny reflects on the meaning of "synodality" in the Church and in Pope Francis' magisterium. Synodality is not “a mere decision-making process”, but “a fundamental feature of the Church’s identity, says Cardinal Michael Czerny,...
Rome, January 25, 2021 Dear Brother Oblates, On this 205th anniversary of the foundation of our religious Family, I hereby convoke the XXXVII General Chapter. It will begin on September 14, 2022, the Feast of the Exaltation of Holy Cross, at the “Centro Ad Gentes” property of the Society of...
TÉLÉCHARGEZ VERSION FRANÇAISE ICI Vatican City, 18 January 2021 To all consecrated persons, We draw close to you on the eve of a day dear to us, and to all consecrated men and women. A day dedicated to our wonderful vocation that makes God’s love for men, woman...
A new survey on the impact of Covid-19 which aims to get a sense of how clergy and lay people are coping after months of varying restrictions has been launched by the Mater Dei Centre for Catholic Education at Dublin City University. Covid-19 and Church-21 is a...
In preparation for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which will be held from January 18th and January 25th, 2021, the CRC is delighted to have two consecrated persons, Sr. Gill Goulding, CJ, and Sr. Pauline Boilard, MIC, share their journeys and involvement in ecumenism. Through these testimonies,...
France - On Sunday, January 17, 2021, in Pontmain, France, we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the apparition of Our Lady to four children. It happened in the context of the war between France and Prussia, when many of the young men from the village of...
January: At the service of Human fraternity Let us pray that the Lord may give us the grace to live in full fellowship with our brothers and sisters of other religions and not fight each other, and praying for one another, open ourselves to all. Pope Francis...
ARTICLE DISPONIBLE EN FRANÇAIS - TÉLÉCHARGEZ ICI I am privileged to minister regularly with the director of recovery ministries, Chris Estus, at our local United Methodist Church in San Antonio ,TX. Chris is a candidate for the pastorship with the United Methodists and will hike 2,193...
The Coronavirus pandemic has never spared even the poor on the streets of Hong Kong. Now, poor and abandoned families are growing in number through the ill effects of Covid19. In To Kwa Wan, Kowloon, Hong Kong, near the Church of Notre Dame, a parish run by the...
Pictured left: A migrant tries to warm himself at the Lipa camp in Bihac, Boznia and Herzegovina, January 1, 2021 (ANSA) In a blog post for the Catholic Migration Commission, Cardinal Michael Czerny describes the importance of 'Fratelli tutti' as applied to the plight of migrants...
Pictured left: Original Levis House built in 1916 The renovation and restoration of the historic Immaculate Heart of Mary Novitiate in Godfrey, IL is underway with demolition of the dormitory wing now complete and interior construction and restoration in progress. [caption id="attachment_11999" align="aligncenter" width="700"] In the rear...
Dear Friends especially for Lay Associations coordinators across the world, both Oblate and Lay . We are 200 days away from the 2nd Lay Congress and we have great news about a new blog www.omioikia.wordpress.com that we have launched to become a place of interaction and sharing amongst all Lay...
Francis offers the Church's social doctrine as a "compass" to foster peace Pope Francis in his message for the Catholic Church's World Day of Peace called on the international community and every individual to foster a "culture of care" by advancing on the "path of fraternity,...
To say that legislation on the rights of Canada’s Indigenous peoples was overdue is more than an understatement. It is a tragedy. So it is with prayerful optimism that we acknowledge the long awaited Bill C-15 in the House of Commons, which aims to bring Canadian...
On the recommendation of the Commission for Christian Unity, Religious Relations with the Jews and Interfaith Dialogue of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), and the approval of the Conference's Executive Committee, the CCCB - Canadian Rabbinic Caucus bilateral dialogue released a new resource...
Healing of the Earth DOWNLOAD - PRAYER FOR HEALING, TRANSFORMATION AND RECONCILIATION We the Body of Christ, are called to live in solidarity with all peoples. We are called to respect, protect, defend and nurture the oneness of all of God’s Creation. God made this Earth as...
Pope Francis encouraged every effort, big or small, to foster peace amid the crises unfolding in Iraq and Syria, and to help Christians remain. Highlighting the desire of refugees to return to their homes, the Pope appealed to the international community “to make every effort to...
The Christmas season is often associated with warm emotions - joy, hope and anticipation - but for some, it can also be a time of loss, sadness and grief. The holidays may be a stark reminder of broken relationships, financial struggles, health concerns and general...
The Internal Committee for Mission Download the PDF - FRENCH - ENGLISH Dear brother Oblates and all those who live the charism of St. Eugene, Our Superior General, Fr. Louis Lougen, OMI, has given the privilege of writing this letter to the Congregation on this blessed feast of...
The Canonization of our Founder St. Eugene de Mazenod, on December 3rd, 1995, was a great feast here in Rome. It was a day of joy for the Oblates, lay associates, and friends of Oblates. In this video, some of those Oblates who were present...
For a life of prayer The heart of the Church’s mission is prayer. Prayer is the key for us to be able to enter into dialogue with the Father. Every time we read a short passage from the Gospel we hear Jesus speaking to us. We have a conversation...
Bl. Francisco Esteban and companions Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate Martyrs History of the Cause The diocesan inquiry began in Madrid, Spain, between March 11, 1999, and January 11, 2000. The Spanish layman, father of a family, Candidus Castán San José (1894-1936), was added to the group of the...
Download the calendar in PDF Fr. Peter Stoll, OMI, the General Councillor for Asia-Oceania and the liaison for lay associations, has sent us the Calendar of Masses to be celebrated for the intention of MAMI members throughout the Congregation. It was on the occasion of the publication...
At the Interchapter meeting in Obra, Poland in July 2019, the plan for the second Oblate Lay Associations' Congress was launched, and the Superior General and Council has fixed the date of the Congress to July 16-18, 2021. Here is an introductory video: ...
I am pleased to present the proper calendar of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate for the new liturgical year 2020-2021. DOWNLOAD THE ORDO 2020-2021 HERE In it, you will find useful information, especially about our liturgical celebrations and a reminder of some important events in the...
Pictured left: A priest incensing the tomb of Oblate Father Michael Rodrigo, who was shot dead on November 10, 1987. Oblates have started campaigning for his canonization on his 33rd death anniversary. (Photo: omi200.wordpress.com) No one has taken responsibility for the murder of Father Michael Rodrigo...
Artificial Intelligence Artificial intelligence is at the heart of the epochal change we are experiencing. Robotics can make a better world possible if it is joined to the common good. Indeed, if technological progress increases inequalities, it is not true progress. Future advances should be oriented towards...
Pictured left: Left: Sr. Addie Lorraine Walker, a School Sister of Notre Dame, gives a keynote address Oct. 30 at the National Religious Vocation Conference's 2020 convocation. Right: Sr. Maxine Kollasch of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary gives a convocation workshop...
Examples of Oblates directly assisting the people in the regions they serve, a tradition started by our Founder, have abounded during the current pandemics. These examples tell us inspiring individual stories. But they have also offered help in other more subtle, less visible ways, not...
“I knew I had to quit when my 15-year-old daughter would say, ‘Mom, don’t go to work and cry again.’ ” That quote was just one data point in Francis Maza’s PhD thesis for his Doctor of Ministry at Toronto’s University of St. Michael’s College. Maza...
Pictured left: People pay tribute at night in front of Notre Dame Basilica on October 29, 2020 in Nice, France. A man armed with a knife fatally attacked people in the church, located in the heart of the city. (Photo: Arnold Jerocki / Getty) Despite the...
The following article features the work Irish-born member of the Oblate Community – Fr. John Flynn, OMI during the outbreak of the Spanish Flu. You can read more about him here. AUSTRALIA Over the past few months, the world has grappled to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. During...
Women in leadership roles in the Church We pray that by the virtue of baptism, the laity, especially women, may participate more in areas of responsibility in the Church, without falling into forms of clericalism that diminish the lay charism. Pope Francis – October 2020 No one has...
A 25th anniversary is an important milestone in life. A person who has turned 25 years old is someone who, in principle, is already mature, ready to begin their life work and to start their own family. Therefore, society fixed specific generational changes around the...
Pictured left: Pope Francis greets Evgeny Afineevsky, a documentary filmmaker, at his general audience at the Vatican in this Aug. 28, 2019, photo. (CNS photo/Vatican Media via Evgeny Afineevsky) In a new documentary that premiered in Rome yesterday, Pope Francis appeared to endorse civil unions for...
Pictured left: Our Lady of Peace Mission Cairn Sign at TWP 242/RR 43. (Photo credit: Stephanie Dittrich) [caption id="attachment_11735" align="alignleft" width="300"] Our Lady of Peace Mission Cairn Site in 1939. (Photo credits to Glenbow Archives - 1939)[/caption] The historic site where the first permanent mission of the...
In the last seven months the upheaval brought by the pandemic has been constant, and deeply disruptive. We are plagued by uncertainty about the future. Planning for the short or long-term feels like an exercise in futility; we simply don’t know where things (case numbers,...
St Patrick Church ministry partners with local investors to provide housing for Hamilton’s poor Hamilton— October 14, 2020 — Today, the De Mazenod Door Outreach (DMDO) ministry announces a new housing initiative to help the poor and marginalized in inner-city Hamilton. With the help of local investors,...
After 400 years of living together can we not do better? Why do we know each other so poorly? On September 28, 37-year old Joyce Echaquan, mother of seven, member of Atikamekw First Nation of Manawan, died amidst dehumanizing racist insults in a hospital in...
A personal update from Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI For the past 15 years, I have had both the privilege and the responsibility of being the President of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas. I stepped down from that position last week, handing the...
Fifty years ago, we watched the birth of the Dene Nation. We were a scrappy bunch of rebels trying to protect what was ours. This is the story of how a great northern people took control of its destiny. At Grandin College, the assembled Dene, Métis,...
After an extended process, Oblate School of Theology has announced the next president of the school. Dr. Scott Woodward began his term as president of the Oblate School of Theology on September 8th, 2020. His official installation will take place on Friday evening, October 23rd. In...
UKRAINE On September 5, the Catholic Church in Ukraine experienced a solemn event – the proclamation of a new sanctuary – The Shrine of Our Lady of Tyvriv and the martyrs for the faith. It was an event that brought great joy for the Oblates of the Delegation as...
Pictured left: Edmonton Archbishop Richard Smith greets elder Tony Arcand before celebrating Mass with the Sacred Heart parish community on Sept. 20 (Lincoln Ho, Grandin Media) https://www.facebook.com/sacredheartyeg/videos/246392740029792 Sacred Heart parishioners say they are grateful for the pledge to restore the First Nations church in Edmonton even as...
ANGLO-IRISH We are delighted to present a Virtual Lourdes Pilgrimage beginning Saturday 19th of September to Wednesday 23rd of September. Even though Covid-19 has prevented our pilgrimage from travelling to Lourdes this year, the Oblate Pilgrimage invites you to join with us online. Using the theme “Bringing...
"These I will bring to my holy mountain and make them joyful in my house of prayer...
For at least 70 years, two images of Saint Eugene de Mazenod were apparently lost. In the 1950s, Fr. Józef Pielorz, OMI made an album with all the images of Eugene de Mazenod that he could find. However, he could leave us only two photographs on...
Pictured left: Father Ron MacDonell, a Scarboro missionary from Nova Scotia, writes on a whiteboard in July 2019 as he leads a workshop in St. Ignatius, Guyana. Based in Brazil, the Canadian is a linguist who helps indigenous people in the Amazon region improve their...
Sunday afternoon August 30 a fire spread from a work room behind the sanctuary at Sacred Heart Church of the first Peoples in downtown Edmonton. The building was vacant for an hour when about 2:30 pm a passerby saw flames through the windows and called...
Saga of a Missionary Bishop By Bishop Denis Croteau, OMI The eldest boy of twelve children of a Québec asbestos miner and his wife, a devoted homemaker, Denis Croteau heard God's call to the priesthood at a very early age. After classical studies, an Oblate Novitiate at...
Bro. Harley Mapes, OMI has informed the membership of OMI Lacombe Canada that, as of August 20th , 2020, the purchase of the property at Battleford, SK (now St. Mary’s Residence) was completed by the Mosquito Grizzly Bear’s Head Lean Man First Nation. I hear this...
Pictured left: Deacon Rennie Nahanee (left), who retired from the Archdiocese's First Nations Ministry office this summer, will continue working with the office on a contract basis. Despite recent progress on First Nations and Church reconciliation, there is still a lot to do, he says. ...
Understanding this current change will require a more sophisticated concept of church as people in God and worship as people in God at prayer "Disruptive innovation" is not a common term in theological and liturgical discussions. It comes from Clayton Christensen's 1997 book The Innovator's Dilemma....
The Maritime World The life of sailors or fishermen and their families is very difficult. Sometimes they are victims of forced labor or are left behind in distant ports. The competition of industrial fishing and the problem of pollution make their work even more complicated. Without the people of...
Are we ready to follow the lives of four refugee children fleeing on their own to America from Honduras? I was not prepared to accompany them. This video documentary should not be watched by children not because we see images of violence or sex on...
These courses form part of the Oblate Studies curriculum, consequently the experience of St. Eugene de Mazenod and his charism and tradition will be used to illustrate the class-but always with the invitation to all participants to apply the material to their needs and situations...
Pictured left: (L-R) Fr. Humphrey Milimo, Christopher Streetman, Juan Javier Ruiz, Jan Pawel Szaflarski, Fr. Frank Kuczera A small, Covid-masked crowd gathered at Christ the King Chapel on the grounds of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, IL on August 17,...
ONE AFTERNOON IN WYOMING, I sat on a hilltop. The wind seemed not only to blow the grasses but also the sunlight itself, sweeping it into my skin, a warm jangle. I was having some downtime in a high place. Having slowed, I could see...
Denver Newsroom, Aug 14, 2020 / 04:00 am MT (CNA).- Last Tuesday, Julie Tegho and her husband Hicham Bou Nassif were enjoying an ordinary day at their local mall in Beirut, Lebanon. Without warning, they felt what seemed like an earthquake, followed by a mighty...
On May 20, 1839, one of our first Oblates died in Vico (island of Corsica) France: Father Dominic Albini, OMI. Vico’s people began to say in the streets “The Saint is dead, the Saint is dead!” In a few hours, everyone in Corsica knew the news, even at...
Pictured left: Rev. Susai Jesu, pastor of Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples in Edmonton, offers the final blessing July 29 at the conclusion of this year's Lac Ste Anne Pilgrimage. Lincoln Ho, Grandin Media The screens, small and big, will be turned off as...
Pope Francis writes the preface to a new book entitled ‘‘Communion and Hope’’, and encourages everyone to rediscover solidarity amid the ravages of the coronavirus pandemic. In a book preface released on Tuesday, Pope Francis reflected on the lessons Christians have learned from the Covid-19 pandemic. “Communion...
[caption id="attachment_11323" align="alignleft" width="201"] Fr. Mark Dean, OMI[/caption] An icon written in the time of the Covid-19 Pandemic During the time of the Covid-19 Pandemic, I painted an icon… The work on this icon began on Holy Thursday, April 9th, 2020. The last brush stroke was made on the...
Harvey Spak is a former Oblate Scholastic who studied in Lebret until 1966 when the Scholasticat du Sacré-Coeur moved from Lebret to St. Norbert. He discontinued with the Oblates after one year in St. Norbert. Afterwards, Harvey explored his roots as a Catholic of the...
I started experiencing my first pandemic in March 2020. While serving seven years in refugee camps and poor countries of the Global South, I never personally knew the ravages of malaria, tuberculosis, AIDS, or Ebola. My family was never faced with the frustrating reality of...
A virtual retreat for members of religious communities with Ron Rolheiser, OMI Sponsored by Villa Maria del Mar Retreat Center and the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary Habits of the Heart - And the Renewal of our own Religious Lives Monday, July 20 - Friday,...
Pictured left: The grotto structure under development will be ready in the coming days (Nicole Reis/meadowlakeNOW Staff) A church in Meadow Lake is creating more ways for people to connect with their faith and find peace during the pandemic. Father Douglas Jeffrey, OMI of Our Lady...
Catholics are getting ready to play a role in the post-COVID look at what went wrong in long-term care, but that response is divided between a walk-softly approach and others demanding radical change. Canada has had more than 5,800 long-term care homes hit with COVID-19 outbreaks...
Montreal, June 19, 2020 – George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Chantel Moore, Rodney Levi and Regis Korchinski-Paquet died violent deaths in the past three months in incidents involving police. George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor were members of Black communities in the United...
Rev. Eduardo Vasquez has visited Manila's slums to minister to the poor, and distribute food and face masks. ''It is not enough to rely on faith alone,'' he said. Pictured left: Rev. Eduardo Vasquez and a fellow priest, Rey Amancio, offering prayers for the dead in...
I was at St. Mary's parish in Regina, SK from 1978 to 1984. In the old parish records there was the name of Fr. Augustine Suffa, O.M.I. Recently a story about the 1918 to 1920 Spanish Flu (which killed 50 to 100 million worldwide) mentioned...
Oblates and Associates are responding across the country, creating new means to meet new needs of the time. Here are a few stories about what’s taking place across the Province. Throughout these weeks, we hope our sharing helps us to maintain connection, bridge the distances,...
A look at a home for the elderly in Kenya during pandemic Franciscan Missionary Sisters for Africa balance caution with prevention Pictured left: An elderly man washes his hands with soap to protect against coronavirus infection at the Cheshire Home for the Elderly located in the Kariobangi...
Prayer is a 'fight' with God, pope says at audience VATICAN CITY — True prayer is a "fight" with God in which those who think they are strong are humbled and faced with the reality of their own mortal condition, Pope Francis said. The story of Jacob wrestling...
Oblates and Associates are responding across the country, creating new means to meet new needs of the time. Here are a few stories about what’s taking place across the Province. Throughout these weeks, we hope our sharing helps us to maintain connection, bridge the distances,...
It could be a year or longer before churches in Canada can begin welcoming large numbers of worshippers, said a member of the country’s Special Advisory Committee on COVID-19. Dr. Robert Strang said church-goers should expect limitations of 50, maybe a maximum of 100 people in...
Pope Francis this morning spoke of his “great concern” at “the disturbing social unrest” in the United States following “the tragic death of George Floyd,” which he attributed to “the sin of racism.” “We cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in...
Oblates and Associates are responding across the country, creating new means to meet new needs of the time. Here are a few stories about what’s taking place across the Province. Throughout these weeks, we hope our sharing helps us to maintain connection, bridge the distances,...
This week we share two remembrances of the late Fr. Frank Morrisey, OMI. The first is from Fr. Lawrence Frizzel, a former classmate of Fr. Frank. The second is from Michael Swan, associate editor of the Catholic Register. Father Francis Morrisey, OMI - Requiescat in Pace By...
I grew up in a close family and one of hardest things I ever did was to leave home and family at the age of seventeen to enter the novitiate of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. That novitiate year wasn’t easy. I missed my family...
Oblates and Associates are responding across the country, creating new means to meet new needs of the time. Here are a few stories about what’s taking place across the Province. Throughout these weeks, we hope our sharing helps us to maintain connection, bridge the distances,...
Pictured left - Pope Francis leads his general audience in the library of the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican, May 20, 2020. Continuing his series of talks on prayer, the pope said that while one may feel insignificant in the grand scale of the universe,...
More than 200 Catholic sisters from across Canada want Ottawa to deny a bailout to the oil and gas industry and invest in building a cleaner, low-carbon economy after COVID-19. A letter from the nuns is scheduled to land on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s desk May 25,...
Oblates and Associates are responding across the country, creating new means to meet new needs of the time. Here are a few stories about what’s taking place across the Province. Throughout these weeks, we hope our sharing helps us to maintain connection, bridge the distances,...
All our fellow human beings - are in the midst of facing a mighty challenge. It would be superstitious to believe that prayer will find a vaccine and banish the menace of the contagion. But God's companionship as we face the challenge is essential to...
Michael Swan, in the Catholic Register, on the statement released by the Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle last week, highlighting the impact of COVID-19 on isolated First Nations communities. Canada’s bishops and their Indigenous partners in the Guadalupe Circle are calling for “a decarceration plan” —...
Oblates and Associates are responding across the country, creating new means to meet new needs of the time. Here are a few stories about what’s taking place across the Province. Throughout these weeks, we hope our sharing helps us to maintain connection, bridge the distances,...
“In the prolonged silent prayer we make each day, we let ourselves be molded by the Lord, and find in him the inspiration of our conduct” (OMI Rule of Life, 33). The practice of Oraison was an important part of St. Eugene’s daily prayer during which he...
Today, in this Easter season, Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle, releases a reflection on the Covid-19 pandemic. The Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle is a Canadian Catholic coalition of Indigenous people, bishops, clergy, members of lay movements and male and female institutes of consecrated life...
Oblates and Associates are responding across the country, creating new means to meet new needs of the time. Here are a few stories about what’s taking place across the Province. Throughout these weeks, we hope our sharing helps us to maintain connection, bridge the distances,...
‘The Church has always had the duty of scrutinizing the signs of the times and of interpreting them in the light of the Gospel’, as we read in Gaudium et spes. How do we interpret the signs of these extraordinary times? Cardinal Michael Czerny SJ asks...
1990 Role of Law Award Recipient Rev. Francis Morrisey, OMI Podcast Series 1 Episode 1 - Recorded on April 21, 2020 Father Francis Morrisey is a member of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. A professor at St. Paul University for many years, he is...
Oblates and Associates are responding across the country, creating new means to meet new needs of the time. Here are a few stories about what's taking place across the Province. Throughout these weeks, we hope our sharing helps us to maintain connection, bridge the distances,...
Vatican City, Apr 22, 2020 / 07:00 pm MT (CNA).- The Vatican has released a free online prayer book to help Catholics seeking divine assistance amid the coronavirus crisis. The 192-page book is available for download on the website of the Vatican’s publishing house, the Libreria...
Pictured left: Cardinal Francis George, OMI, speaking at the Lumen Christi Institute. Throughout his time as Archbishop of Chicago, Cardinal George was a strong supporter of the Institute. (Photo courtesy of Lumen Christi). Central to the vision of Cardinal Francis George, O.M.I., who blessed the founding...
A new section on the OMI Lacombe Canada website entitled “Safeguarding'' is now available. The page will give easy access to those looking for information on the steps taken by OMI Lacombe Canada to ensure the safe and ethical practice of our ministry. A copy...
In the face of the global pandemic known as COVID-19, OMI Lacombe Canada Provincial Council has created a COVID-19 Working Group. This group will seek to empower and support Oblates and Associates in responding faithfully and creatively to the particular needs of this time. The Working...
COTABATO CITY, Maguindanao, Philippines — Pope Francis has named the head of the missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) in the Philippines as bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Jolo in Sulu province, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said Saturday. The appointment of...
Pictured left: A parishioner in Worcester, Massachusetts, picks up palms April 5 outside Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on Palm Sunday during the coronavirus pandemic. (CNS/Reuters/Brian Snyder) This week is the most important week in Christianity, a series of holy days that together tell the Christian account...
As the coronavirus continues to ravage the English-speaking world, Austen Ivereigh interviews the pope about his personal response to the pandemic, and the church that must emerge on the other side of the crisis: Toward the end of March I suggested to Pope Francis that this...
Archbishop Richard Smith on the Lac Ste Anne cancellation. ...
Reflections on resurrection from participants of the October 2019, Amazon Synod As the coronavirus spreads across the world, we are reminded yet again of our interconnectedness on this, our Common Home. Where one part of the human family is hurting, others are sure to follow in...
The Vital Grandin Centre in St. Albert, AB on the north end of Edmonton, has been a part of our Oblate story in Canada since 1877, when the Grey Nuns graciously gifted the property to the first bishop of the diocese, +Vital Grandin. It was...
The Corona virus spreads disease by copying itself from one person to another resulting in sickness and isolation. At Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples we are spreading good news with technology’s ability to copy itself to people all around Canada. Since the time of...
Though written for a US audience, Russell Moore reminds us that now more than ever, we must remember that human life, no matter the stage, is sacred. Christianity teaches that every single human life is valuable, even during a pandemic When it's suggested that lives should be...
A growing and perhaps unexpected awareness for us at Qu'Appelle House of Prayer (Day Three of Self Isolation) is the potential of this time to be connected in ways that we don't always experience when not practicing physical distancing. Physical separation need not be social...
Some Oblates experience the call to the religious life, to a life of service and community, but not to the priesthood. Though small in number in our congregation, Oblate brothers witness to something fundamental about our vocation. The 33rd General Chapter Document (1998) reminds us...
Greetings, On the feast of Saint Joseph, the General Committee of the Oblate Brothers wishes to send you this letter. Saint Joseph is the protector of the Congregation and the patron of the Brothers Oblate. The New Testament talked only about St. Joseph’s dreams while sleeping. Joseph...
On Tuesday, March 17th, people in Red Deer and across North America celebrated St. Patrick’s Day, regardless of whether they are actually of Irish descent. It is therefore ironic that one of the Irish Canadians who accomplished a great deal in central and southern Alberta has been...
Greetings to all of you my brother Oblates and to the members of our Oblate family. I am here in Brazil in visitation and the Oblates here, also send their greetings. I send a short message now regarding the coronavirus COVID-19. I think it is...
Throughout the world many are suffering because of the Covid-19 virus. In these days of uncertainty and fear, we offer you this brief prayer. Let us pray for each other and for all people, remembering in a particular way those already sick, and those who are...
Like many others, I was deeply distressed to learn of the recent revelations concerning Jean Vanier. He was a person whom I much admired and about whom, on numerous occasions, I have written glowingly. So, the news about him shook me deeply. What’s to be...
Watch the story of Taylor Hyatt, a staff member for Toujours Vivant-Not Dead Yet TVNDY, and a lifelong advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities: TVNDY is a progressive, non-religious organization consisting of persons with disabilities and supporters who oppose euthanasia, assisted suicide, and other end-of-life...
When B.C.’s Catholic schools decided to recognize contributions to Catholic education with a new award, it was obvious who the inaugural recipient should be: the religious order for which the award was named. The Sisters of St. Ann, who have devoted lifetimes of service in education,...
Download the PDF Introduction: The source for Oblate statistics is the database of members in the General Secretariat at the General House, updated and adjusted with reports which come in from the various Oblate provinces, delegations and missions. The records of first vows, final vows, ordinations, departures...
Pictured left: Drummers from the parish of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Aboriginal Church perform at St. Boniface Cathedral. WINNIPEG -- The Paradis brothers — Francois and Edmond — somehow knew they were destined for the life of an Oblate missionary. Of course, having an uncle, Fr. Alphonse Paradis,...
The new year of 2020 began with my arrival in Nairobi with Ken Thorson, OMI for my first visit to the Kenya Mission. As I began to travel around the various parishes our members serve, the mental images I carried from National Geographic and other...
Speaking after the Angelus, Pope Francis said indifference to the Holocaust is 'not admissible'. Pope Francis has stated that in the face of the huge tragedy and atrocity of the Holocaust, "indifference is not admissible and memory is a must". Speaking after the Angelus yesterday in St...
Pictured left: Facilitator Michelle Miller, Oblate Frs. Fernando Velasquez and Ken Thorson prepare to address the group. 25 Oblates (five each from U.S. and from the three provinces of Canada) gathered at Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre in Mississauga, Canada, the third week of September 2019...
Pictured left: Ursuline Sisters in Thailand: Sr. Jantana Wonsankakorn says that her experiences of living with elder sisters has created a feeling of being one family. This month, panelists from Australia, East and West Africa, Spain and Thailand reflected on some of the issues involved in...
The Oblates of the Province of OMISA are devastated at the death of Fr. Jozef (Jef) HOLLANDERS. Fr Jef seems to have been strangled to death in a robbery at the parish in Bodibe, near Mahikeng in the North West Province on Sunday night, 12...
But Francis also offers a sober analysis of a number of global problems and challenges in annual address to ambassadors Early in his pontificate Pope Francis acknowledged that an essential part of his mission as Bishop of Rome is to confirm his brothers and sisters not...
The annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will be celebrated 18 to 25 January 2020 on the theme "They showed us unusual kindness" (Acts 28:2). The resources in English and in French can be freely downloaded from the Canadian website for the Week of...
And he came to her and said, 'Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you. 'But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. (Lk 1:28-29) Pondering In the world of separation and divorce, one is greeted by much...
In the spring of 2012, during a time of discernment for new ministry, Fr. Tony O’Dell and I visited St. Patrick parish, in the inner city of Hamilton, ON, “incognito” for a Sunday Mass. At some point I said to Fr. Tony, “If we come...
The members of the Saskatchewan District gathered at Queen’s House in Saskatoon December 6 and 7 for their “Community Days”. Oblates and Associates came together to pray, share life, catch up on the news and celebrate our Feast Day (a couple of days early!) District Superior...
Montréal, le 12 décembre 2019 – Dans le cadre de la présente année internationale des langues autochtones, proclamée par l’Organisation des Nations Unies en 2019, le conseil Église et Société de l’Assemblée des évêques catholiques du Québec (AECQ) publie un document intitulé Prier en langue...
ad vitam - The webzine of consecrated life in Canada The Canadian Religious Conference is proud to launch its new publication, ad vitam, a webzine and a window into consecrated life in Canada. Featuring articles and audio-visual media, ad vitam proposes theological and pastoral reflections on...
Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate Bishop in Western Canada Biography Bishop Ovide Charlebois was born in Oka in Québec, Canada, on February 17, 1862. He was educated at the College de L’Assomption (Quebec) and Ottawa College. Joining the Congregation of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in 1883,...
On Wednesday, November 20th, I was happy to join with the International Scholasticate community for mass. It was good to be back in the scholasticate chapel, where I prayed each morning and evening through 1994-1996. My next door neighbour during those years was Fr. Callistus...
Dialogue and reconciliation in the Middle East Let us pray that a spirit of dialogue, encounter, and reconciliation emerge in the Middle East, where diverse religious communities share their lives together.Pope Francis – November 2019In the Middle East, concord and dialogue among the three monotheistic religions...
The homily given by Fr. Fabio Ciardi, OMI during the Holy Mass at the General House in Rome on November 1, 2019 For us Oblates November 1 is an important day: every year it takes us back to Aix-en-Provence. If January 25 marks the beginning of...
Pictured left: Father Juan Antonio Guerrero (Credit: CNS photo/courtesy Society of Jesus.) The Vatican announce November 14, 2019, that Pope Francis named Jesuit Father Juan Antonio Guerrero, general counselor for the Society of Jesus, to lead the Vatican Secretariat for the Economy, which had been headed...
As we journey towards the 2nd Oblate Lay Associations Congress - July 2021 Fr. Peter Stoll, OMI Councillor for Asia-Oceania Region Portfolio Lay Associations in the Internal Mission Committee To begin, I quote from the Introduction written by Fr. Louis Lougen OMI, the Superior General, to the revised Directory...
Pictured left: Archbishop Murray Chatlain said the attention brought to the Amazon Synod can only help conversations with the Indigenous peoples. (Kyle Greenham, Grandin Media file photo) The recent Amazon synod gave voice to Indigenous worldwide and that can only bode well for northern Canadian dioceses...
Vatican City — The Synod of Bishops for the Amazon is calling Catholics to an ecological conversion in their personal lives and in the church throughout the world, a theologian participating in the synod said. A church that walks together, as the word "synod" implies, "is...
Those hoping a recent change in the leadership of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops would lead to a change of heart about Pope Francis visiting Canada to apologize for the Church’s role in Canada’s former residential school system for indigenous people will have to...
Missionary spring in the Church In this extraordinary missionary month, let us pray that the Holy Spirit engender a new missionary spring in the Church. Pope Francis – October 2019 Today, a new impulse to the Church’s missionary activity is needed to face the challenge of proclaiming Jesus...
Neither the Liberals nor Conservatives get high marks from Deacon Rennie Nahanee, a member of the Squamish First Nation in B.C. Chrystal Désilets likes to remain hopeful when she hears promises flow from the mouths of would-be MPs on the campaign trail. But too often, particularly surrounding...
Pictured left: Archbishop Donald J. Bolen of Regina, Saskatchewan, speaks at a news conference with indigenous leaders from North America in Rome, Oct. 17, 2019. Members of the delegation spoke about their own challenges and connections to indigenous people from South America who are meeting...
[caption id="attachment_9761" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Front row, (L-R) Fr. Bogdan Osiecki, Fr. Luc Tardif, Fr. Alfred Ravelomampisandraibe, Fr. Gérard Tsatsélam, Bro. Steven Montez, Fr. Rémi Lepage, Fr. Ken Thorson, (Middle row, L-R) Fr. Jarek Pachocki, Fr. Louis Studer, Fr. Mark Blom, Fr. Daniel Janulewicz, Fr. Andrzej...
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION A new edition of Oblate Missiologists has been prepared for the October Extraordinary Mission Month requested by Pope Francis: Oblate Missiologists: A Workbook 2019. Seventeen authors from our five regions have contributed, and the editor, Fr. Harry WINTER, has added appendices on our six...
Pictured left: Brazilian Bishop Wilmar Santin of Itaituba speaks at a press briefing following a session of the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon at the Vatican Oct. 10, 2019. Also pictured is Cristiane Murray, vice director of the Vatican Press Office. (CNS/Junno Arocho Esteves) Vatican...
Pictured left: The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation will reveal the names of 2,800 children who died in residential schools at a ceremony in Ottawa on Monday. Visitors to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg can view a new exhibit called The...
Cornwall, Ontario – The Plenary Assembly of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) elected the Most Reverend Richard Gagnon, Archbishop of Winnipeg, as its next President, and the Most Reverend Raymond Poisson, Bishop of St-Jérôme, as its next Vice President. [caption id="attachment_9727" align="alignleft" width="113"] Archbishop...
Why is St Thérèse a patron saint of the missions? St Thérése’s Feast day is October 1st December 14, 1927 St. Thérése of the Child Jesus was proclaimed the special patron saint of missionaries, like St. Francis Xavier, although she never left her monastery. This is due to...
When Fr. Susai Jesu, OMI moved into the rectory at the Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples in Edmonton’s inner-city core as the new pastor in August 2017, it was as if St. Eugene moved in with him – or at least his spirit. A...
In video message, Pope Francis warns world leaders at the UN summit that time is running out and urges them to take more decisive action Pictured left: Greta Thunberg, the 16-years-old climate activist from Sweden, attends the 2019 Climate Action Summit in New York. (Photo by...
Pictured left: Pope Francis talks with women religious during a Sept. 25, 2019, meeting at the Vatican with delegates of Talitha Kum. Pictured with the pope are Claretian Missionary Sister Jolanda Kafka, president of the International Union of Superiors General, and Comboni Sister Gabriella Bottani,...
Pictured left: Isidoro Jajoy, a shaman from Columbia's Inga tribe, blesses people in Bogota, Aug. 14 during a preparatory meeting for the October Synod of Bishops for the Amazon. (CNS/Manuel Rueda) The upcoming synod on the pan-Amazon region, a broad geographic area ranging over a number...
Pictured left: Archbishop Donald Bolen was recently interviewed by Canadian Catholic News about the upcoming Synod on the Amazon. He also spoke about the Synod and what it means for the Church in Canada at a Development and Peace event Sept. 14 at St. Thomas...
Those who turn ordained ministry into occupation 'lose the heart of ministry, lose the gaze of Jesus who looked upon all of us and told us Follow me' Pictured left: Pope Francis celebrates Mass in the chapel of his Vatican residence, the Domus Sanctae Marthae, Sept....
Pictured left: Sr. Helen Prejean, a Sister of St. Joseph of Medaille, who has worked in prison ministry and against the death penalty for decades, is pictured in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Jan. 21, 2016 (CNS/Paul Haring) St. Joseph Sr. Helen Prejean is known...
The 2019 Federal Election Guide, prepared by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops' (CCCB) Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace and published in the name of the Permanent Council, has been formatted for online sharing and includes hyperlinks directing the reader to further resources on...
Let us pray this month that politicians, scientists and economists work together to protect the world’s seas and oceans. Pope Francis – September 2019 Oceans contain the bulk of our planet’s water supply, and also most of the immense variety of living creatures, many of them are...
Pope Francis begins a three-nation visit to Africa later on Wednesday. It will be his fourth visit to the continent since he became the head of the Roman Catholic Church in 2013, compared to the two his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, made during his eight-year papacy. The...
Father Ken Thorson prepares to tackle challenges for historic missionary order [caption id="attachment_9511" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Rev. Warren Brown, General Councillor of Oblates US/Canada Region, blesses new members of OMI Lacombe Provincial Council: Fathers Ken Thorson, Richard Beaudette, Leszek Kwiatkowski, Jaroslaw Pachocki, Susai Jesu and Brother Harley...
Last Wednesday the first ship arrived to Naujaat and it brought the tomb stone for Fr. Louis Fournier, OMI. Last night, with some parishioners, we installed it on his grave. In Naujaat, the ground is solid rock so we don’t dig graves here. We put...
[caption id="attachment_9493" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Back row (L-R): Fr. Humphrey Milimo, OMI, Brandon Garcia, Mateusz Brzezinski, Prasad Marapogu, Musonda Chota, Mateusz Garstecki, Moses Khisa. Front row (L-R) Bro. Pat McGee, OMI, Christopher Din, Chomba Kangwa, Henry Zayamoe, Fr. Frank Kuczera, OMI.[/caption] Oblates and friends gathered at the...
On August 15th 2019, Oblates, Oblate Associates, parishioners, family and friends gathered at Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples in Edmonton for the installation of the new Provincial and Council of OMI Lacombe Canada. Fr. Warren Brown, General Councillor of the Canada/US Region presided and...
Pictured left: Sisters Phyllis Pawluk and Cecile Kimak say devotion to Mary at the St. Albert Pilgrimage has helped through life's tribulations. Cecile Kimak and Phyllis Pawluk are close. They share everything, including a devotion to the Virgin Mary that continues to help the Edmonton-area sisters survive...
Fumoleau came to the Northwest Territories in 1953, worked closely with the Dene Rene Fumoleau, a well-known priest, photographer and storyteller with a long history in the North, has died. Fumoleau had been living with dementia. He passed a few minutes before midnight on Tuesday, according to...
Br. Joseph Nzioka Kyuli, OMI - an OMI Lacombe Canada Oblate of the Kenya mission has professed his final vows today in South Africa where he has been studying theology. Frs. Fidele Munkiele and Cornelius Ngoka were present for the celebration. God bless you, your family,...
June 29 & 30 I arrived in Poznan on June 29 and was happy to be met at the airport by Fr. Lukasz Krauze, a cheerful Oblate who teaches homiletics at the Polish Scholasticate, and who accompanied me on my visit to Poland in October 2017....
Pictured left: Rev. Alfred Groleau, OMI applies oil to the casket of Bishop Vital Grandin. The remains of Bishop Grandin, Rev. Hippolyte Leduc and Rev. Albert Lacombe - three pioneers of the Church in Western Canada - have been laid to rest in new graves. The...
Pictured left: Rev. Jack Herklotz, the pastor of St. Charles Parish, will be moving to B.C. as the Oblates leave the north Edmonton Church. Credit Kyle Greenham, Grandin Media With vocations to the priesthood declining — and a call to renew their mission in Canada —...
[caption id="attachment_9290" align="aligncenter" width="937"] Congretional representatives of the Wisconsin Religious Collaborative, from left, are Srs. Jean Steffes, Congregation of the Sisters of St. Agnes; Sue Ernster, Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration; Beverly Heitke, Sisters of the Divine Savior; Rose Jochmann, Sisters of St. Francis of...
Day 9: Regional Priorities After two days of retreat, it was once more time for the inter-capitulars to engage in dialogue regarding the implementation of the calls of the 36th General Chapter. The inter-chapter focuses not only on what has been achieved in the three years...
Day 3: Discussing the Regional Reports The third day of the Inter-Chapter had the Latin America region presenting to the session on their region. Frs José Ariel MARTINEZ and Jésus FUERTES presented the joys and the challenges of the Latin America region. The social problems and human...
CHRI Radio recently interviewed Fr. John Malazdrewich, OMI, pastor of Saint Mark the Evangelist Parish in Aylmer, Québec. ...
POLAND Rule 128e of our Constitutions and Rules directs that, “Between Chapters, the Superior General in Council, in plenary session, will call at least one meeting of the Provincials with the Central Government. After consulting the Provincials, he will determine the details of the convocation and...
An estimated 3,000 people attended the June 28-July 1 Catholic Family Life Conference at Lac Ste. Anne, setting a new record. A steady downpour could not dampen the spirits of thousands of Catholic families. For fathers, mothers, children and relatives, the annual Catholic Family Life Conference at...
Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network The Pope Video is a global initiative developed by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (Apostleship of Prayer) to assist in the dissemination of the Holy Father’s monthly intentions related to the challenges the humanity faces. Every month Pope Francis invites us to follow him in...
Whether it’s a pilgrimage or a family vacation or simply a day trip, there are plenty of interesting spots across Canada to visit this summer that are linked to the history and heritage of Catholicism. The list is long, but we are offering a few suggestions...
The mandate of the Mission Co-operative Program is to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ in developing countries by: Providing food, clean water, clothing, medical and dental care and supplies, tuition, school supplies, and literacy training to those in need in developing countries; Supporting the...
The Oblate Committee for Mission with Youth met from May 28 to June 5, at the General House in Rome. Representing each Region were: Fr. Christian FINI (Coordinator), Fr. Claudio CARLEO (Africa-Madagascar), Fr. Antonio D’AMORE (Europe), Fr. Marcin SERWIN (United States-Canada), Fr. Patrick OLIVEIRA (Latin...
It's National Indigenous People's Day! Check out this gc.ca site to learn about the day and see what's happening near you....
A tribute to Fr. Frank, whose ministry has been to bring hope to those on the periphery through his expertise in Canon Law. Watch this video produced for Fr. Frank's Lifetime Achievement Award by the Catholic Healthcare Association. ...
Dedicated individuals from Italy, Germany, Ireland, Poland, United States, Rome and Canada (members of the Global Oblate Fundraisers [GOF]) met in Saskatoon June 9 – 12. Members from Australia were unable to attend. The GOF, a service of the General Administration in Rome working with...
Surrounded by family and friends and his oblate community, Cosmas Kithinji Kubai OMI, was ordained a priest in a joy filled celebration on June 8th at the minor seminary in Nkubu, Kenya . The next day he celebrated his mass of thanksgiving; his first mass,...
Papal diplomats are also warned not to backstab the pope Pictured left: Pope Francis is greeted by the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, at a meeting with papal representatives (Vatican media) Apostolic nuncios should focus on proclaiming the Gospel and shun abuses of power and corruption...
No Room in the Inn has raised $1,028,493.15 since it was started by the Edmonton District Council of Churches It started with Edmonton churches asking “How can we help?” The answer has been No Room in the Inn, an annual ecumenical appeal that over 20 years has...
Every year, Fr Morrisey delivers the Canon Law workshops at the Oblate Retreat Centre, Wistaston Hall, Crewe for those of us in Ireland, Britain and Scotland. We are always appreciative for the knowledge, wisdom and understanding that Frank imparts to all of us at these...
Pictured left: Sr. Rita Woehlcke, a Sister of St. Joseph of Philadelphia and vice president of the North American Conference of Associates and Religious, or NACAR, works with facilitators to articulate NACAR's purpose at the group's board meeting in November 2018. (Courtesy of NACAR) If current...
The pope expressed 'spiritual closeness and prayer' to representatives of various faiths jointly commemorating D-Day Pictured left: Veterans hold the Union Jack as they pay their respects during a ceremony marking D-Day at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Bayeux in Bayeux, Normandy, France, June 6,...
A letter from Fr. Cornelius Ngoka, OMI, marking the conclusion of the year of Oblate Vocations. ...
Enjoy an article from Oblate Connections Ireland. The article among other things mentions Con Scollen’s great respect for Indian languages. In Leon Doucet’s memoirs he speaks of Scollen: Doucet relates, “I had to go to Saint-Paul-des-Cris and Brother Scollen, who spoke Cree very well, had to accompany...
General Administration With the consent of his Council meeting in Plenary Session on May 9, 2019, the Superior General has appointed Fr. Mokone Joseph RATHAKOA as the Superior of the OMI General House in Rome, and Fr. Henricus Asodo ISTOYO as the Superior of the Eugene...
In Naujaat, Nunavut, for the past few years, Fr. Daniel Szwarc, OMI has encouraged the young people to reflect on the tragedy of drug use and the high suicide rate in Nunavut to help the youth to make better choices and support those suffering from...
The second year of the existence of the courses in Oblate Studies at the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio is drawing to a close. What a gift this has been! Our first Master of Arts Spirituality (Oblate Studies) student to have completed the degree...
When the sun rises in this remote region of northern Kenya at 6 a.m., it is a new dawn for Missionary Sr. Lilly Manavalan. Her day starts with a trek for over an hour across a deep valley to reach the streets where she can...
Dear Brother Oblates and all our Brothers and Sisters living the Oblate Charism, The feast of St. Eugene de Mazenod always brings us the renewed desire to live more faithfully as he insisted: with charity among us and zeal for the salvation of souls. May this...
Vanier's friends, who wanted to honor his memory, did so by highlighting various aspects of his life that touched them An intimate funeral for Jean Vanier took place on May 16 at Trosly-Breuil in the Oise region where he founded l'Arche in August 1964. Jean Vanier, who...
Vatican City — Christian family life is a vocation and, when lived with fidelity, it is a path to holiness, said the Vatican Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life. The office May 17 announced the theme Pope Francis has chosen for the next World Meeting...
Pope Francis today issued a wide-ranging decree, known as a motu proprio or executive decree, that lays down procedures and norms for reporting abuse in the church, aimed at the eradication of abuse in the church. It obliges bishops in every diocese to establish, by June...
Today, pro-life Canadians from across the country gathered in the nation’s capital for a march against abortions in Canada. The march, which some estimates had at over 10,000 participants, started off with a rally on the steps of Parliament Hill, featuring a wide variety of speakers...
Please click on this link to listen to a radio interview, featuring Fr. Susai Jesu, OMI, on the Radio Active with Adrienne Pan Show. Exploring the honour and how they are bestowed. CBC Player - How a local priest earned a sacred eagle feather?...
With the consent of his Council meeting in Plenary Session on April 29, 2019, the Superior General has appointed Frs. Richard BEAUDETTE, Leszek KWIATKOWSKI, Susai JESU, and Jaroslaw PACHOCKI to the Provincial Council of the OMI Lacombe Canada Province. Published on the OMI World website. ...
At Easter, thousands of people converted to Catholicism even as sex abuse allegations have rocked the church. On the night before Easter, a group of soon-to-be Catholics stood in flowing white robes holding candles, waiting to be summoned by the cardinal. One by one, under the...
Chaplain of Sri Lankan community in Paris convinced that bombing was work of an external group since inter religious relations are generally peaceful Pictured left: Security forces in front of St. Anthony's Church in Colombo, Sri Lanka, following the April 21 attacks. (Photo by Xinhua/Maxppp) Father Prabath...
The Prime Minister was in Hamilton for Good Friday. Justin Trudeau helped hand out fish and chips to the homeless and then stayed for mass at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church on Friday.. It’s always a Good Friday around St. Patrick’s Church in Hamilton. “We feed around 300-400...
Pictured left: Fr. Jean-Marc Fournier, chaplain of the Paris Fire Brigade, talks with French journalists at a Paris fire station April 17, 2019. The priest led the effort to save religious artifacts from Notre Dame Cathedral during the April 15 fire. (CNS/Paul Haring) Paris — A...
Pictured left: Franciscan Fr. Erik Lopez from St. Camillus Catholic Church in Silver Spring, Maryland, marks the paschal candle at the beginning of the 2018 Easter Vigil March 31. (CNS/Octavio Duran) The symbols we employ during the sacred triduum have reminded us of their power in...
Pictured left: The North Rose window at Notre Dame cathedral dates from 1250. Credit Shutterstock Paris, France, Apr 16, 2019 / 08:00 pm (CNA).- When the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris caught fire Monday, most predicted the worst. It seemed unlikely the structure could survive,...
Pictured left: Pope Francis holds palm fronds as he celebrates Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican April 14, 2019. (CNS/Stefano Dal Pozzolo, pool) Vatican City — Acclaimed by the crowds and knowing he was the Messiah they sought, Jesus still chose the...
Pictured left: (L-R) Lucio Castillo, Paul Patrick, Jim Brobst, Ali Nnaemeka, Jarek Pachocki and Juan Manuel Gaspar at Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre. An official physical meeting of CROCUS’s Regional Young Oblates Committee was held at the Queen of the Apostles Retreat House in Mississauga, ON....
On 25th anniversary of African mass slaughter, leaders say investing in future generations key to societal change Rwandan President Paul Kagame, his wife Jeannette Kagame, African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat and President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker light the flame of remembrance at...
Pictured left: Rev. Stephan Kappler is the new president of Southdown Institute, a treatment centre for priests and religious. The vocation of serving vocations is little understood and rarely appreciated, but it’s something that appealed to Rev. Stephan Kappler like nothing else. “From the beginning I was...
The Star of the North Retreat Centre is tucked away from the street view at the top of Mission Hill. It's one of the city's best-kept secrets but its purpose is to help everybody find a quiet place to develop their spiritual lives. [caption id="attachment_8605" align="alignleft"...
On Tuesday 2 April 2019, the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Christus vivit ("Christ Lives"), addressed to young people and the entire People of God, was published. The Holy Father explains that the document was prepared drawing inspiration from the "wealth of reflections and conversations of the...
Raymond Deschênes, Oblate brother. Uncle. Caretaker. Caregiver. Born Feb. 6, 1927, in Dunrea, Man., died June 30, 2018, in St. Boniface, Man., of organ failure; aged 91. Born two months premature and weighing just more than two pounds, it was a bit of a miracle that...
Pictured left: Flames shoot through the front door of St. Sulpice Church in Parish March 17, 2019, in this still image taken from social media. Vandals and arsonists have targeted French churches in a wave of attacks that has lasted nearly two months. CSN/Reuters More than...
Pictured left: In this 2016 file photo, a super moon rises above the roof of the Mohammed V mausoleum in Rabat, Morocco. Pope Francis is scheduled to visit the North African nation in March 2019. (CNS photo/Abdelhak Senna, EPA) On eve of visit, Pope Francis tells...
PHILIPPINES Fr. Ramon BERNABE, Assistant General for Mission, recently visited Jolo, Sulu, in the southern Philippines, to convey the Congregation’s sympathies and to express solidarity with the Vicariate of Jolo after the January 27 bombing of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. As of the...
Man arrested and the priest was taken away by ambulance with minor injuries A priest at Montreal's renowned Saint Joseph's Oratory was stabbed in the chest Friday while delivering morning mass, shocking parishioners at the service and those watching a live stream of the service from home. The...
Pictured left: Finance Minister Bill Morneau Bill Morneau's March 19 budget includes extra funding for the Security Infrastructure Program which helps protect churches and places of worship. With the wounds of the latest attack on a mosque in New Zealand still fresh, security for places of worship...
For the fourth time, Francis goes to the “Scholas Occurrentes” headquarters in Rome to inaugurate various initiatives, including a training course in a monastery in Pistoia and a center for victims of cyberbullying in Milan. “Young people are not the future, they are the present” Sister...
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (CNS) — New Zealand's Catholic bishops have expressed their horror and distress at a terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch which saw at least 49 people killed. The shootings took place at or near the Al Noor Mosque, where 41 people were...
The Conference on “Oblation and martyrdom” that will be held in May in Pozuelo, Spain, invites us to reflect on a fundamental dimension of our Oblate vocation: martyrdom. [caption id="attachment_8472" align="alignleft" width="152"] Alexius Reynard, OMI[/caption] The first martyr among Oblates was Alexius Reynard, killed in 1875 in...
Be sure to visit the Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle website. December 12 is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patron of the Americas, and the National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples. On this date, the Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle launched...
Pictured left: Rev. Tony O'Dell, left, and Rev. Jarek Pachocki with Labrador retrievers Nesbitt and Carlin at St. Patrick's Church. - John Rennison, The Hamilton Spectator TJ and Sutton are gone, but now Nesbitt and Carlin are feeling the love - and giving it - at...
Last Friday February 15th, some thirty-five persons were present at St. Paul’s University to attend the Blessing Ceremony for “Centre Oblat - A voice for justice” at Guigues Pavilion, Room GIG 021. We welcomed our new executive director Mr. Joe Gunn, who had already claimed...
'The abuse of children is wrong anywhere and anytime: this point is not negotiable.' The Major Superiors of Religious Orders and Congregations (USIG/USG) on February 19, 2019, issued a statement in advance of the February 21-24 Vatican Summit on the Protection of Minors, with the message:...
His artwork is admired by people all over the world. But Fr. Clyde Rausch, O.M.I. doesn’t paint icons for personal glory or the admiration of others. Instead, he paints for just one client. “God is my best customer,” said Fr. Clyde. “And I’m not even the painter, that’s the Holy Spirit.” Since the 1980s Fr. Clyde has been painting (often...
CLIQUEZ ICI POUR LA VERSION FRANÇAISE The letter of Dear Brother Oblates, and all our Brothers and Sisters who live the Oblate charism, Happy feast day to all of you! We celebrate today the 193rd anniversary of the approval of our Constitutions and Rules by Pope Leo...
Sandy Prather, HOMI, Provincial Animator of Oblate Associates for OMI Lacombe Canada Province, speaks on the topic. "Called to Share a Charism: A Personal Story." Sandy gave this talk at the Mazenodian Family Vocation Congress held at the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio...
Pictured left: Archbishop Angelito Rendon Lampon, OMI, receives on Wednesday afternoon, January 30, 2019 the pastoral staff of the Archdiocese of Cotabato from Cardinal Orlando Quevedo (R), who has retired as Archbishop of Cotabato. The Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia (L), describes the installation...
Pictured left: Delegates and guests listen to the keynote address by Thomas Bushlack, Ph.D In recent years the Church has been promoting the establishment of “families” of groups of people around the charism of the founders and foundresses of religious congregations. Within this context, the US...
As the leader of the Diocese of Churchill – Hudson Bay in Canada, Bp. Anthony Krotki, O.M.I. is in charge of one of the largest, and smallest diocese in the world. By land, the diocese covers about 1.4 million square miles of primarily Inuit territory. By population, there are only 9,000 Catholics living in isolated missions with names like...
(This text is a translation from the French authorized by the author, Fr. Normand Provencher, OMI) The Spirituality of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate The various religious families established in our country are committed to making known and loving Jesus Christ and to foster Christian communities...
We have lost brothers, sisters, and friends, and we are in deep grief and sorrow. We are one with their families in this difficult time – for they were also a family to us. Our grief is even greater as the bombing happened at a...
Vatican City — A priest must be able to see the people around him as his children, as brothers and sisters, and must be willing to risk everything for them out of love, Pope Francis said in his morning homily. In fact, the best example of...
Hello my brother Oblates and Associates; Habemus Provincialis! Please note the attachment naming Fr. Ken Thorson, OMI as Provincial of OMI Lacombe Canada Province beginning his first term on August 15th 2019. Click here for attachment from Fr. Warren Brown. Congratulations Ken and we thank you for accepting this...
There are many reasons why I joined the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate twenty-two years ago. It is not possible to name them all, but I would like to give an idea by expressing some of the major ones. The first reason states the obvious:...
Pictured left: Children greet Pope Francis as he arrives in Panama (Vatican Media) For thousands of young people, the arrival of Pope Francis in Panama on Wednesday afternoon marks the true beginning of the 34th World Youth Day. There were those who had waited at the airport...
On October 26-27, 2018 the Task Force created to assist OMI Lacombe Canada in moving forward with Oblate Association met in St. Albert, AB. Present at the meeting were Debbie Doornbos, Pamela Dixon, Dan Friedt, Fr. Susai Jesu, Serena Shaw, David Sax, Fr. Ken Thorson...
Pictured left: Barry Bussey, director legal affairs at the Canadian Council of Christian Charities, left, and Alissa Golob, executive director of pro-life organization It Starts Right Now, have reservations about the attestation. OTTAWA – The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops is welcoming the revisions to the Canada...
An analysis of this year’s coverage of missing and murdered Indigenous women, pipeline protests, forced sterilization, and racial discrimination is revealing. News about Indigenous communities, it shows, tends to make its way into the spotlight mostly when it is negative. Although afflictions affecting Indigenous communities...
Pictured left: Attorney General Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania speaks at a news conference in the state Capitol after legislation to respond to a landmark grand jury report accusing hundreds of Roman Catholic priests of sexually abusing children over decades stalled in the Legislature, on Oct....
The executive director of Citizens for Public Justice says that being part of a faith community means being challenged to walk the talk. Joe Gunn is the executive director of Citizens for Public Justice in Ottawa and recently published a book of interviews with Canadian Christian...
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION Fr. Peter Stoll, OMI, the General Councillor for Asia-Oceania and the liaison for lay associations, has sent us the Calendar of Masses to be celebrated for the intention of MAMI members throughout the Congregation. Download calendar “It was on the occasion of the publication of the 1947 Administrative...
The papacy will continue to be one of the most interesting centers of thought and action in this age Pictured left: Deng Xiaoping with Jimmy Carter. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons) There will be a number of important appointments for Pope Francis and the Catholic Church in 2019, beginning with...
Holy Mass on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God - 52nd World Day of Peace “All who heard were amazed at what the shepherds told them” (Lk 2:18). To be amazed: this is what is asked of us today, at the conclusion of the Octave...
What we can learn from lab rats that don't show empathy for other rats. Morality exists only because we evolved the capacity to empathize. And empathy provides the best guide to moral action. But there are those who say that empathy is too selective to play...
Every year Sacred Heart CHURCH OF THE FIRST PEOPLES organizes many events especially during the Christmas season. One such event is the annual children’s Christmas party. This year’s party was special in many different ways. The parish had over 900 children registered for the party....
Avis aux passionnés d’histoire : les Archives provinciales de l’Alberta recrutent plusieurs bénévoles pour trier, classer et catégoriser des milliers de documents produits par les Oblats de Marie-Immaculée acquis en août dernier. En fin de compte, ce travail d’archive facilitera les recherches et donnera lieu à...
Pictured left: Sr. Claudette Bastien with Pope Francis at the special celebration to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the sinking of a refugee ship near the island of Lampedusa. Official Delegate of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), Sr. Claudette Bastien SNJM, provided concrete examples...
The liturgical season of Advent brings to mind what Pope John Paul II had to say on the occasion of the canonization of our Founder. Here are his words, spoken in that unforgettable celebration: “Blessed Eugene de Mazenod, whom the Church proclaims today, was a man of Advent, a man...
Pictured left: Jim Mandelin (right) was a homeless, abused teenager selling drugs for bikers when he met Keith Ostertag at Catholic Charities Men's Hostel. The encounter was one of a few random acts of kindness that helped Mandelin turn his life around. (Agnieszka Ruck photos) When...
Dear Brother Oblates and all who live the Charism of Saint Eugene de Mazenod, Happy Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary! This feast brings joy and hope to all of us as we continue to draw new meaning and insights from the...
A meeting of Brothers representing the U.S./Canada Region met November 10, 2018 at Queen of Apostles Retreat Center, Mississauga, ON. As mandated by CROCUS, this meeting brought together a Brother representing the following Provinces: U.S., Br. Richard Cote, OMI; OMI Lacombe, Br. Rusty Gardiner, OMI;...
Watch the latest episode of the Bishops' Roundtable. The bishops of Alberta and the Northwest Territories talk about the Church's evolving relationship to First Nations and indigenous Catholics. Click here to watch!...
A gift for your reflection as we prepare to celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception of our Blessed Mother, December 8th. This is a presentation that Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI offered on the Oblate charism in June 2018 in South Africa. Click here to read the...
Quebec City — French-speaking Canadians will begin using a new translation of the Our Father Dec. 2. The passage "lead us not into temptation" — that formerly read "do not subject us to temptation" in French — is changed for "do not let us enter into...
The grade 7 students of St. Augustine School in Vancouver share some of the amazing things that happen inside the school, and how the school culture of spirituality has affected them. Click here to view video....
Last year (2017) His Holiness Pope Francis, in his Apostolic letter, Misericordia et Misera invited the Catholic faithful to celebrate the 33rd Sunday of ordinary time in commemoration of the World Day of the Poor. Seeing the contrast that exists between “empty words so frequently...
Hilarie Fortune relies on faith and community in Edmonton's inner city A single mother, without a home, sits in a McDonald’s restaurant on Edmonton’s Whyte Avenue strip. Raised in an abusive family, battling her own addictions and personal challenges, she tries to keep her three kids entertained...
Hilarie Fortune is part of the parish outreach at Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples in Edmonton, AB. She, along with the pastor Fr. Susai Jesu, OMI, and many others, work together to serve the poor and marginalized of Edmonton's central neighborhoods. Watch the...
PICTURED LEFT: Pierre Claverie and his 18 companions, who will be beatified in Oran, Algeria, December 8, 2018. (Courtesy Église Catholique d'Algérie) Algiers, Algeria, Nov 16, 2018 / 03:01 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Archbishop Paul Desfarges of Algiers has said that Bishop Pierre Claverie and his 18...
PICTURED LEFT: President Ronald Reagan with John Paul II 1987 in the Miami airport. (Credit: Ronald Reagan Presidential Library) ROME - Joseph Weiler, a prominent professor of law at New York University and an Orthodox Jew, has said that at a time of high polemics when...
Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle held its biannual meeting in Ottawa on October 19-20, 2018. The Communiqué from this meeting is now available. Download PDF here: ENGLISH / FRENCH ...
Sunday, November 4th 2018, was a joyful day at Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples here in Edmonton. An Oblate priest and pastor of this parish, Fr. Susai Jesu, was honored with an Eagle Feather by the community at a ceremony conducted by seven...
Pictured left: Father Francis Riwa gestures in late August at Nchiru Catholic Parish in northeastern Kenya when he commissioned a new dormitory for children living with HIV. Riwa, 62, has spent decades helping street children, orphans and poor nomadic children in the northern desert region...
[caption id="attachment_7110" align="alignleft" width="185"] US Provincial, Fr. Louis Studer addresses the congregation.[/caption] The Shrine of St. Joseph the Worker in the heart of downtown Lowell celebrated the 150th anniversary of the start of Oblate ministry in this city in 1868 with a concelebrated Mass and reception on Sunday, October 14. The...
St. Augustine took his mother Monica for granted for most of her life. He certainly underestimated her intelligence. As a young scholar, he thought that her Catholic faith was fine for simpletons but not for him. After he embraced that very faith, he records being...
To the worldwide community of Contemplative Outreach, It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of the passing of our beloved teacher and spiritual father, Thomas Keating. Fr. Thomas offered his final letting go of the body on October 25, 2018 at 10:07pm at...
It was déjà vu. When the Ontario government cancelled curriculum-writing sessions this summer on truth and reconciliation, I was immediately taken back to 1998 when I was part of a team writing curriculum for the Ontario Ministry of Education.At that time, I was working on...
This video from Salt + Light features Bishop Mark Edwards, an Oblate from the Australian Province, and the Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne, Australia. Bishop Mark is a member of the Synod for Youth this month. CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO...
In the midst of the Synod of Bishops on Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment, Pope Francis will canonize seven new saints. During the Canonization Mass on October 14, 2018, the Holy Father will canonize Blessed Pope Paul VI and Blessed Oscar Romero, two...
ROME - Virtually everyone taking part in the Oct. 3-28 Synod of Bishops on young people has said that the presence of more than 30 young delegates inside the hall has altered the chemistry - it’s looser, more informal, more pumped-up, and above all, more...
Pictured left: Women religious are seen at a session of the Synod of Bishops on young people, the faith and vocational discernment at the Vatican Oct. 4 (CNS/Vatican Media) Vatican City — The two Rome-based umbrella groups representing nearly a million members of male and female...
[caption id="attachment_7007" align="aligncenter" width="150"] Fr. Paolo Archiati, OMI Vicar General[/caption] These years, our religious missionary family is celebrating important anniversaries. On January 25, 2016, it celebrated 200 years of life, recalling the day when its Founder, Saint Eugene de Mazenod, began to live together with four...
Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Cardinal Donald Wuerl, the archbishop of Washington, D.C., the Vatican announced at noon (Rome time), Oct. 12. At the same time, the archdiocese of Washington released a letter from the pope to the cardinal in which he asked...
Vatican City — Even in far-off Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, a bishop said a young person asked him what the church is doing to prevent clerical sexual abuse. "You would think in our isolation we would not hear about this topic," said Bishop Paul Donoghue...
A beautiful volume, “Canadian Oblates in Lesotho” has been published by Archives-Deschâtelets, Notre-Dame-du-Cap Province, Canada. This publication, begun in 1993, was recently completed by the Deschâtelets-NDC Archives team, under the direction of Elaine Sirois for the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the arrival of...
On behalf of Fr. Alfred Grzempa, OMI, Provincial Assumption Province Fr. Luc Tardif, OMI, Provincial Notre-Dame-du-Cap Province, Fr. Ken Forster, OMI, Provincial OMI Lacombe Canada Province, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Joe Gunn as Executive Director of “Centre Oblat - A Voice...
As the Indigenous Youth Advocate for Returning to Spirit, I recently sat down with Certified Trainer François Paradis. We discussed how he reconciled being a Catholic priest with Indigenous Spirituality during a time in Canada’s history when the truth of the residential school system was beginning to unfold; how he...
Pictured left is a file photo: An expert in First Nations treaties says reconciliation starts with the young generation in schools. Lincoln Ho, Grandin Media The path to reconciliation with Indigenous people starts with young people, says Niigaan James Sinclair, an educator and expert on bridging...
<span style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start">?</span> Pope Francis’ words and actions have had a profound impact on countless people of various backgrounds, interests, and beliefs. In the interviews for my upcoming documentary, The Francis Impact, I’ve heard some beautiful and concrete testimonies of...
Pope Francis has made his first comments on the provisional agreement that was signed last Saturday between the Holy See and China. He did so at a press conference on the flight from Tallinn to Rome, when he was asked to provide some information about...
The Most Reverend Lionel Gendron, P.S.S., Bishop of Saint-Jean-Longueuil and President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has written a message to the present and past members of the Canadian Catholic Indigenous Council, marking its 20th anniversary. An important initiative of the Conference, the establishment...
The booklet OMI JPIC Companion in Mission is now out in three languages! This is a resource for our Oblate Units in discerning and acting out the mandate of our Oblate Constitution and Rules to “bear witness to God’s holiness and justice” (C 9) and to work for justice,...
A new survey shows high levels of immigration are making Canada more religious, heightening the need to respect religion's place in the public square A new survey shows Canada’s high levels of immigration are making the country more religious, heightening the need to respect religion’s place...
Pictured left: Chantal Beauvais, the first lay person and the first woman chosen as rector of Saint Paul University, was installed in 2009. She is shown with Ottawa Archbishop Terrence Prendergast. (CCN Photo) OTTAWA—The rector of Saint Paul University hopes the development of a centre dedicated...
To journey and to be transformed by the journey is to be a pilgrim." —Mark Nepo Pilgrimage has become an integrating theme of my life this year. I don't often use the word pilgrimage, actually; I've come to call it "seasons of life." Let me explain. At a...
It’s been twenty-one years since Mother Teresa suffered a heart attack and died at 87 years old on September 5, 1997, in Calcutta. The day after she died, she was set to lead an interfaith memorial prayer service in Calcutta for her friend, Diana, Princess...
Let us pray that young people in Africa may have access to education and work in their own countries. Pope Francis - September 2018 Africa is a wealthy continent, and its greatest, most valuable resource is its young people. They should be able to choose between letting themselves...
OMI Lacombe Canada is pleased to announce after years of searching for a new home for the Grandin archives, they have been relocated and gifted to the Provincial Archives of Alberta (PAA). For many years the Grandin archives were housed in the basement of Foyer Lacombe...
'Social Justice' aims to raise awareness of burning issues as tsunami of religious violence washes over island Pictured left: Father Rohan Silva, chairman of the Center for Society and Religion (CSR), hands a copy of Social Justice magazine to the provincial oblate (second from left) at...
Pictured left: Catholic and Muslim leaders in Edmonton gather in St. Albert on August 28, as part of an ongoing interfaith dialogue. On the surface, it was speeches and a light meal, but on a deeper level it was building relationships.Top Catholic and Muslim leaders in...
This talk was delivered at the Vatican’s World Meeting of Families in Dublin, Ireland, on Aug. 23, 2018. One of the more recent challenges for Catholic parishes is how to welcome L.G.B.T. parishioners, as well as families with L.G.B.T. members. But that challenge is also where...
Pictured left: The novices pose with their formators: (L-R) Fr. Frank Kuczera, OMI, Mark Hernandez, David Chisha, Democracy Mudenda, Bro. Patrick McGee, OMI. Friday August 17, 2018 was a joyous occasion at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Novitiate in Godfrey, IL as Oblates from around the...
Pictured left: Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, celebrates Mass with inmates at a local institution. SURREY—After Paul* caught his wife cheating on him, he flew into a fury that landed him in a correctional institution. It was while serving his five-and-a-half-year prison sentence in B.C. that Paul...
At the top of Mission Hill in St. Albert and behind the dominating brick exterior of St. Albert Catholic Church sits a quiet stone grotto, originally — and meticulously — hand-built by seminarians. But it won’t stay quiet for long. Pilgrims from across the Edmonton Archdiocese will...
Pictured left: (L-R) Lazaro Angel Leal, Michael Kabazo, Joey Methé and Wilbroad Kapembwa Oblates and friends gathered at St. Ambrose Parish in Godfrey, Illinois on the anniversary of the birth of St. Eugene de Mazenod, August 1, 2018 to welcome four new men into the Oblate...
I dragged my kids to 8 a.m. Mass this morning for the Feast of the Assumption. It was one of those days where the “obligation” part of the Holy Day felt particularly heavy. There is a small parish within a short walking distance of our...
During Sunday Angelus Francis expresses sorrow at the increase of drownings in the Mediterranean and says an "unexpected emergency" requires "availability" to those in need Pope Francis has called on world leaders to protect the safety of migrants following a sharp increase in drownings across the...
The Roman Catholic / United Church of Canada Dialogue has released a report on climate change entitled: The Hope within Us. Since October 2012, the Roman Catholic / United Church of Canada Dialogue has met eight times to explore our Churches’ responses to the ecological...
From a height of about 47,000 Catholic nuns in Quebec in 1961, fewer than 6,000 remain. The Ursulines Catholic nuns are leaving their historic monastery in Quebec city and moving to an assisted-living residence. She entered the front door a young girl and exits a woman...
Pictured left: Parish kids in costume perform a play based on the life of St. Kateri. The play was featured during celebrations at Our Lady of Seven Sorrows Parish in Maskwacis, Alberta on July 14. Young. Indigenous. Committed to the Catholic faith. Three hundred years after her...
Talking about theology and mining in the same breath is not uncommon in Latin America. The two topics, in fact, dominate conversations with Guatemalan Sr. Maudilia Lopez Cardona, who has been outspoken about the mining industry’s alleged neglect, corruption and human rights abuses for more than...
The Pope Video is a global initiative developed by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (Apostleship of Prayer) to assist in the dissemination of the Holy Father’s monthly intentions related to the challenges the humanity faces. Every month Pope Francis invites us to follow him in his prayer requests. For...
A recent poll has confirmed what most youth ministry workers are already losing sleep over: young people across the globe tend to be less religious than their elders. What they may not know is the widest rift in religious practice between those age groups is among...
With the consent of his Council meeting in Ordinary Session on July 5, 2018, the Vicar General has appointed Fr. ANDRZEJ JASTRZEBSKI to the Provincial Council of the Notre-Dame-du-Cap Province. ...
Pope Francis' encyclical has become the subject of many studies, conferences and new publications, illustrating its richness Mural of St Francis, St. Francis Parish, Seffner, Florida, United States. Pope Francis’ long-anticipated 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’ has not disappointed its readers, receiving a broad and enthusiastic welcome in a rare...
The team once called hockey's answer to the Harlem Globetrotters also raised $4-million for various charities over its 46-year existence, which is chronicled in a new book “You can’t write this,” Father Vaughan Quinn says. “If you do, I’ll have to kill you – and my sister...
Pictured left: Canada's Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi speaking at a reception he hosted at his Ottawa residence June 29. (Deborah Gyapong photo) OTTAWA—Pope Francis is committed to contributing to the process of reconciliation with Canada’s Indigenous peoples, says the Vatican’s representative to Canada. Addressing the issue...
Religion still matters to millions of Canadians, so why is there so little coverage of faith and personal belief? Mary Hynes sits with a cup of tea in a cozy, burgundy-walled studio at CBC’s Toronto offices. She’s interviewing Paul Bramadat, a professor at the University of...
Pictured left: The old Whistler Skier's Chapel, built in 1968, in an undated photo. (Whistler Museum and Archives Society photo) WHISTLER—The season has shifted gears from skiing to hiking in Whistler. For a small community in the resort municipality, a season of celebration has also just...
The 11th annual meeting of the AOIHL executive group took place at St. Joseph's Theological Institute in Cedara, South Africa, from May 28-June 1, 2018. It was the second meeting of the group held at Cedara, the first meeting being held there in 2011. The meeting...
Around 20 to 30 new children have been attending Sunday Mass at St. Eugene de Mazenod Church in Brownsville, Tex. Parishioners pray for the children during the liturgy and then serve them breakfast. “They want to take care of them and let them know they’re loved,” said...
This article outlines one of the projects undertaken by the Friends of St. Eugene to help poor and marginalized people in Birmingham, England. It also sheds light on the prevalence of human trafficking amongst women refugees and how it affects their integration into the UK...
While the plight of asylum seekers and their children reaching the U.S. border from Mexico and Central America has dominated the news this week, other refugee populations around the world remain at extreme risk. As World Refugee Day is commemorated on June 20, the U.N....
Betty Letendre recalls a time where Indigenous elders didn’t want to come into Edmonton, feeling tired of the discrimination and misconceptions that they faced on a daily basis. But in her work with students at the Edmonton Catholic School District, she saw a need for those...
It has been almost two weeks since the 32nd General Assembly of the CRC. Elena Lasida, was the key-note speaker. She delivered her speech in French and it is posted as such. But there is also a link for her presentations simultaneously translated into English. Elena Lasida...
Seven Oblate retreat centres, represented by fifteen people attended this year’s North American Conference of Oblate Retreat and Renewal Centres (NACORRC). The theme was “A Spirituality of Place” presented and facilitated by David Perrin. Jim Bleackley, OMI attended on behalf of OMI Lacombe Canada’s Core...
Pictured left: St. Ann's Academy, founded by the Sisters of St. Ann, in 1938. (Photo courtesy Carey Pallister) Over 160 years, the Sisters of St. Ann have taught thousands of students, treated thousands more patients, and multiplied social justice efforts in B.C. Now, as a congregation of...
Voir article en français ci-dessous From May 28 to June 1st, the young Oblates of the Canada-US Region (CROCUS) gathered for the first time in approximately 10 years. Five delegates per province (Notre-Dame-du-Cap, Assumption, OMI Lacombe Canada and United States) along with three guests and two...
On May 18, 2018 Fr. Victor Manuel Patricio Silva, O.M.I. was ordained to the priesthood. It was the conclusion of a long and winding road to the ordination of the newest Missionary Oblate. “I had a few struggles, but when you love something those circumstances take...
Our Provident God called Emilie Gamelin to be the foundress of the Sisters of Providence. This year, we joyfully and gratefully celebrate the 175th anniversary of their congregation. This year 2018 has a profound significance for the Sisters of Providence, since their congregation is celebrating the...
[caption id="attachment_5952" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Archbishop Murray Chatlain and Elder Rosella Kinoshameg, centre, are co-chairs of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle, which has been asked to help Ottawa with reconciliation efforts.[/caption] Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle focuses on reconciliation Minister of Indigenous Affairs has asked the Our...
On 20 May 1861, when Father Tempier told Bishop de Mazenod that it was now time for him to prepare himself for death, the Founder’s reaction was immediate: “I want only one thing: that God’s Will be done. Pray for me the prayers of the...
Stories of cohabitation between believers in Christ and Muslims. Journey to Dakar to discover the friendly relationships between the two communities, for which hospitality is a fundamental value Pictured left: Father Flavio (right) shows the painting with the crucifix received as a gift from Moussa Sy...
On Tuesday, May 22nd with the deadline looming for the Trans Mountain expansion project, Ken Forster and I, joined dozens of anti-pipeline activists protesting the Liberal government’s “blank cheque” to Kinder Morgan on Parliament Hill. We listened to Chief Robert Chamberlin, vice-president of the Union of...
On 21 May 2018, the Pope named Reverend Father Pierre Olivier TREMBLAY, O.M.I., as Auxiliary Bishop of the diocese of Trois-Rivières (Canada), assigning to him the titular See of Tino. Fr. Tremblay was born on 22 November 1970 in Montpellier (France). Both of his parents were...
Together with the provincial, Fr. Luc TARDIF, and the provincial treasurer, Fr. Jacques LALIBERTÉ, the confreres of the Coast met on April 23-25 to rest, share, pray and celebrate. There were nine Oblates who also took the opportunity to meet with the Innu of Mani...
The following article was written by the Executive Director of St. Joseph Parish in Ottawa, Christopher Adam. It first appeared in the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin. Jason Moscovitz's piece on Jacob Weksler - formerly a Polish Catholic priest known as Romuald Waszkinel - who discovered late in...
A new feast day has been added May 21 celebrating Mary, Mother of the Church The Catholic Church doesn’t often add new celebrations to its pretty full liturgical calendar, but this year’s new feast day, Mary, Mother of the Church on May 21, has Catholics gearing...
What are the opportunities and possibilities that this technology present? We live in a period when it has become possible for people to communicate with one another instantly no matter the distance. People can exchange ideas and experiences, thoughts and feelings wherever they are. They can engage...
Shortly after the Convocation, the Core Team met with Dr. Carol Kuzmochka, D. Min., our facilitator, to have an initial reflection of our experience of Convocation 2018. We wanted to review our objectives that we set before the event, to see if we met the...
A modest Catholic charitable undertaking on the southern edge of Ottawa has offered vacations to needy families since 1975. Waupoos Family Farm, founded by dedicated members of the Cursillo movement and the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, continues to rely on volunteer labour and donations...
A reflection on the importance of mother's in our lives. Life throws into our path many things: the good, the bad and the ugly. However, the way we take in, reflect on, and make something out of these ups and downs makes them transformative learning experiences...
In the weeks leading up to the flood, Constant Ngouala pulled weeds to prepare the beds for his fall seedlings. During those mid-August days, steeped in Houston’s humidity, he hadn’t known about the tropical wave forming off the western coast of Africa, hadn’t paid any...
The first true spring rain has been falling for a few hours now, and I relish the fresh breeze it sends through my open window. Like a metronome, the steady conversation of the drops slows my mind's pace. As I give thanks for this water...
The Mission of Laity The Holy Father’s prayer intention for May is “That the lay faithful may fulfill their specific mission, by responding with creativity to the challenges that face the world today.” The Pope’s intention is presented each month by The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (Apostleship of Prayer),...
We are back now from Convocation 2018 and it was a great gathering. Over 100 Oblates and Oblate Associates came together in Cornwall for a week of sharing, discerning and learning new approaches to ongoing difficult challenges. Fr. Ken Forster, Provincial, opened Convocation with a warm...
On a recent visit to a little parish on the outskirts of Rome, Pope Francis, the bishop of the diocese, responded with compassion and grace to a little boys question about his deceased father. Watch Youtube video! ...
In the wake of the horrors committed in the region by ISIS, the Saudis want to build a more humanist image for themselves Photo Left: Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran meets Prince Faisal of Saudi Arabia in 2012 (Photo by Österreichische Außenministerium/Wikipedia/CCA 2.0) Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, president of the Pontifical...
Faith helping family and friends through grief Madyson Bruneski says her Christian faith was the only way she could come to terms with grief after a tragic bus crash claimed the life of her close friend Stephen Wack and 15 other members of the Humboldt Broncos...
Pope Francis is not coming to Canada as hoped. What are we to make of that and where do we go from here? It has been a couple of weeks since the Canadian Bishops released their “Letter to Indigenous Peoples in Canada”. The letter “updated” the...
The Archdiocese of Ottawa and the Sisters of Charity of Ottawa rejoice this morning upon hearing the announcement from the Vatican that Mother Élisabeth Bruyère, founder of the Sisters of Charity of Bytown (now Ottawa) has been declared Venerable, a first step toward a possible canonization...
Easter 2018 was a bit different this year for Rev. Bob Haggarty aka “Father Bob.” After his official retirement last year, he is no longer the parish priest at St. John’s Catholic Church in Lillooet. “You don’t stop being a priest. Once you’re ordained, you’re ordained,” he...
With still no apology from the Vatican for residential schools, it falls on individuals to build bridges. Four people show up at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Muskeg Lake for a January mass, but there's enough room for many more. Every time someone enters the...
Father Douglas Jeffrey captivated the Notre Dame du Portage parish community at the February 24th Mass. During his homily, he spoke passionately about the important work Catholic schools do for children and families in nurturing a caring and compassionate society. Many people were inspired during his...
[caption id="attachment_5499" align="alignnone" width="1200"] From left to right - Squamish Nation Chief Gibby Jacob, elder Wendy Charbonneau, Squamish Nation Councillor Carla George, parishioner Donna Oseen, and Father "Tap" Kurudeepan celebrate the completion of renovations on the roof of St. Paul's Church March 19.[/caption] NORTH VANCOUVER—One of...
Instead of retiring to somewhere warm, Sister Fay Trombley went to Tuktoyaktuk, N.W.T. - and now she's received a medal for her tireless work to ease hunger, unemployement and to take care of the spiritual needs of people in the North. The 77-year-old former professor at...
Cambridge, England, Mar 15, 2018 / 10:27 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The death of Stephen Hawking this week prompted a leading Catholic scientist to reflect on the life of the famed physicist, including his “astonishing” contributions to physics and his lifelong atheism. “He was of course a...
As he enters the sixth year of his pontificate, Pope Francis is in good health, good spirits and sustained by that inner peace that came to him during the conclave and has never left him, according to sources close to the 265th successor of Peter. Many...
Fr. Maurice Schroeder, an Oblate and a Medical Doctor, recently returned to his homeland after many years as a missionary in Peru. Here he muses on that homecoming experience. [caption id="attachment_5383" align="alignnone" width="600"] "Centro de Salud Santa Clotilde" - The hospital & health clinic at the...
The Oblates of OMI Lacombe Canada wish the people of the diocese of Mackenzie Fort Smith all God's blessings as you celebrate the ordination of your new bishop, Jon Hansen CSsR. Here is an article from the Prairie Messenger written by bishop-elect Jon. On reconciliation In a...
The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate are organizing a contest to design a logo which will represent our Mission WITH Youth. We are looking for volunteers to help us develop a new logo which will help us unite internationally as Oblate Youth. You can either...
An international gathering of missionary congregations met Feb. 8-9 in Ireland to discuss the future of mission and the areas where missionaries can continue to make a difference in the church and wider society in the 21st century. Organized by the Missionary Society of St. Columban...
Picture: Lucetta Scaraffia, editor in chief of "Donne, Chiesa, Mondo" (Women, Church, World) poses for portraits in her house in Rome. Wednesday, February 28, 2018. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis) VATICAN CITY (AP) — A Vatican magazine has denounced how nuns are often treated like indentured servants by...
It is the right and duty of all to fight anything that could compromise the future, say bishops Photo: National Episcopal Conference of the Congo president Archbishop Marcel Utembi and other Catholic bishops together with leaders from the opposition, government, civil society and dozens of journalists...
SASKATOON — For the past eight months, members of the Diocesan Council for Truth and Reconciliation (DCTR) have met with community leaders west of Saskatoon, working to come up with a concrete way of addressing divisions and bringing about greater understanding and reconciliation between indigenous...
Over 1,000 mourners and clergy crowd St. Joseph's Basilica for final farewell Beloved Archbishop of Edmonton. Shepherd of the Catholic faithful. Friend to everyone who met him. This was how Archbishop Joseph MacNeil was remembered during a funeral Mass at St. Joseph’s Basilica on Feb. 16. Over...
Pope Francis invited all the faithful to take part on February 23rd in a special Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace, especially in South Sudan and Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Prayers God of Peace Our Father of peace God of life Intercessions Official Prayer in South Sudan Fasting Fasting, which has deep...
Francis Sends Prayers and Encouragement to All Involved in Olympic Games ‘Let these Olympics be a great celebration of friendship and sport!’ Pope Francis gave this encouragement at the end of today’s General Audience, recalling that the XXIII Winter Olympic Games will open on Friday, February 9,...
Poverty is a main cause of imprisonment and largely affects Canada's Aboriginal community, according to a new research paper by the coordinator of pastoral care for the Archdiocese of Edmonton. “There’s many levels of poverty; it’s not just a monetary poverty,” said Teresa Kellendonk, who presented...
The bicentenary of our first Rule Dear Brother Oblates and all who form part of the Oblate Family, Among our celebrations of Oblate history, this year is the bicentenary of the first draft of our Rule. Moved by the Spirit to seek companions to start a society...
"And the desert shall blossom" In 2018, the Catholic Church in western and northern Canada will celebrate a momentous anniversary, the 200th anniversary of the establishment of the Roman Catholic church in this wide and beautiful, yet also challenging and even at times forbidding land. From the plains...
As a young woman professing first vows in 1983, Sr. Elaine Baete swallowed a fleeting thought about the future of her new congregation, the Sisters of Charity of Montreal, also known as the Grey Nuns. Instead, she focused on her new vocation and the impact...
(Ottawa) Eighty two per cent of global wealth generated last year went to the richest one per cent, while the 3.7 billion people who make up the poorest half of humanity saw no increase, according to a new Oxfam report. ‘Reward Work, Not Wealth’, is being...
It is a surprise of the Holy Spirit: Interculturality, Social Media, the Islam world. LET’S EMBRACE IT WITH PASSION CHAPTER MANDATE To understand in depth the meaning of interculturality for the Mission and our life ROBERTO: Fr. Louis Lougen, OMI, he is the Superior General of the Congregation...
The Olympic Committee of Korea has chosen an Oblate, Fr. Vincenzo Bordo, for a special honor “This is the Korean Olympic Committee speaking. Are you Mr. Kim Ha Jong?” says the voice on the other end of the phone. I immediately think: “They have noticed my...
The annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will be celebrated 18 to 25 January 2018 on the theme “Your right hand, O LORD, glorious in power” (Exodus 15:6). The resources in English and French can be freely downloaded online from the Canadian website for the Week of Prayer....
Fr. Domenico RODIGHIERO, an Italian Oblate working in Thailand, tells of the difficulty the children of Mankhaw encounter in order to obtain an education. I have been living for eight months now in my new home, a small mountain village, and from there I take care...
San Antonio, Texas — Oblates and Youth Ministers representing Canada, the United States, and Baja California (Mexico) gathered for a Youth Minister Forum organized by the Oblates Working with Youth and Young Adults Committee. One of the most obvious reasons for the meeting was to...
Since 2005, Father Hermann has admitted more than 4,700 women with 10,000 children into his shelter program in Namibia - but due to his age and health issues, the future of everyone there is uncertain. Photographs and text by Christian Bobst. Published on www.lensculture.com. [caption id="attachment_4913" align="alignnone" width="1000"]...
Story and photos provided by Jim Savarese, Oblate Associate at The Shrine of St. Joseph the Worker Outside the Shrine on a typical December day in Lowell are: (L-R) Fr. Piotr, Fr. Jerry Orsino, OMI, Fr. Terry O’Connell, OMI, Jim Savarese, Fr Gene Tremblay, OMI On December...
Notre-Dame-du-Cap, Canada During their summers at La Blanche, his Oblate confreres noticed the hard work done by Father Pierre HURTUBISE as he gradually completed a historical work on the papal court of the 16th century. On November 16, at Saint Paul University, forty or so people saw...
Vatican City, Jan 1, 2018 / 03:55 am (CNA/EWTN News).- At the start of the new year, Pope Francis said that having a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary isn’t just something that is nice or good to do, but is an obligation in the...
Vatican's Children's Hospital and Civiltà Cattolica Respond to Pope's Wish One can already see the talent of the unknown Mexican child who drew the Pope against the backdrop of the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Guadalupe. Other small artists, on the other hand, still need...
His Holiness Pope Francis today named Father Jon Hansen, C.Ss.R., Bishop of the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith. At the time of his appointment, he was pastor of Our Lady of Victory parish in Inuvik, Northwest Territories. Bishop-elect Hansen succeeds the Most Reverend Mark A. Hagemoen...
The General Service of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (GS-JPIC) held its annual meeting from the 9th to 14th November 2017 in Rome. It was the first meeting of the Service since the death of Fr. Kennedy KATONGO, former Director of the Service, on...
Year of Oblate Vocations December 8, 2017 - January 25, 2019 The Joy and Generosity of Oblate Life! Download PDF: English / French Happy Feast Day to all those who live the Oblate charism! We begin the Year of Oblate Vocations on the solemnity of our patroness, Mary Immaculate....
For the Anniversary of the Virgin's Apparition to Alphonse Ratisbonne On December 8, 2017, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, after the prayer at the foot of the column of the Virgin Mary in Piazza di Spagna, Pope Francis will go on a private visit to Sant’Andrea...
Since 1980, over 1000 Indigenous women and girls have been murdered in Canada. While Indigenous women make up only 4% of Canada’s female population, 16% of all women murdered in Canada between 1980 and 2012 were Indigenous. In June 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission...
Respecting differences. Communicating clearly. Adjusting formation programs to create connection among novices and postulants from various cultures. Extending such awareness training to older members of the community. Remembering that Christianity and the Catholic Church are rooted theologically in international mission. These were some of the key...
“Brother” is the name traditionally given to the male lay religious in the Church since the beginning of consecrated life. The title does not belong to them exclusively, of course, but it represents a significant way of being in the ecclesial community in which he...
Download PDF “On this feast of Mary’s Assumption, we recall the special grace Saint Eugene received while blessing the statue of Mary Immaculate on August 15, 1822. That grace lifted his worries about the future of his little missionary group and gave him the assurance that...
The first Angolan Oblate, Paulo Sango PINDALI, recently made his perpetual profession of vows. Here is the story of his vocation as he himself tells it: I am Paulo Sango Pindali, born in Lobito / Benguela (Angola) on 1 November 1988. Coming from a Christian home....
Born in Oka (Québec) on February 17, 1862, the seventh of a family of fourteen children, Ovide is two years old when his family moves to Sainte-Marguerite-du-Lac-Masson. He can’t attend school, because it is 8 km away from home, and therefore is taught by his...
The Pope Video is a global initiative developed by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (Apostleship of Prayer) to assist in the dissemination of the Holy Father’s monthly intentions related to the challenges the humanity faces. Every month Pope Francis invites us to follow him in his prayer requests. For...
Pope Francis has proclaimed Sunday November 19 the World Day of the Poor. His message offers a challenge to all members of the Church and of course to religious who have professed the vow of poverty. Click on the picture to download the Pastoral Aid Message of...
An Oblate scholastic from Guatemala, Abraham HERNÁNDEZ REYES, wrote to the members of his delegation about his experience of missionary life in Canada. Three months ago, I arrived in Winnipeg, Canada. During this time, I have had pleasant experiences as well as challenges in my life,...
Jet-lagged in Warsaw I arrived in Poland on Tuesday morning October 17, and was met at the airport by Fr. Lukasz Krause, a member of the Provincial Council, and homiletics professor at the scholasticate in Obra. Patient and generous, and always in good humour, Lukasz would...
Picture: The coastal area of Cap-Haïtien called Nan Bannann often experiences flooding and is normally strewn with trash. This month, and probably for every October for the rest of her life, Haitian Sr. Evelyn Moliney will remember a time she would rather forget. A year ago, Hurricane...
On September 28, 2017, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, named former Oblate Assistant General, Fr. Ryszard SZMYDKI, to the role of Under-secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. Since 2014, he has been serving as the General Secretary of the Pontifical Missionary Works...
Joe Gunn, the Executive Director of Citizens for Public Justice, and a member of the OMI Lacombe Canada JPIC Committee, reflects here on poverty in Canada in 2017. What does poverty look like in Canada in 2017? Ask yourself what images immediately come to mind when you...
Reverend James Holland has been the celebrated and much-loved pastor of Edmonton’s Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples since 1995. While Canadians are searching for ways to respond to the need for reconciliation with the country’s Indigenous peoples, Sacred Heart Church, under Father Jim’s...
During the national 150th anniversary celebrations, Catherine Clark's blog, #150 Great People, celebrates the significant contributions of 150 Ottawa Citizens, one of whom is Marsha Wilson, the Director of St. Joe's Women's Centre in Ottawa, Clark's blog post is below...
The Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) offices of Lacombe Oblate Province, Canada, the JPIC Office of U.S. Province, and St. Paul’s Oblates’ University sponsored a symposium at St. Paul’s in Ottawa, Canada, on August 30th, 2017, on the theme, “the Cry of the...
About 30 canoeists, including Indigenous, Jesuits, English, French, men and women, dropped in to Galilee on August 8 on their way from Midland, ON to Montreal, QC on a pilgrimage to mark Canada's 150th Anniversary celebrations. The 2017 Canadian Canoe Pilgrimage is a project inspired by...
Fr. Peter Doherty, OMI and Patti-Anne Kay have written a book on forgiveness. Most of us find it hard to forgive others and ourselves, even though we know it’s good for us and is an important part of our Christian faith and other spiritual practices. If...
Six young men were formally welcomed by the U.S. Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in a Rite of Reception held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Novitiate in Godfrey, Illinois on August 17, 2017. The men came from five countries on four continents to spend...
On Friday, July 14, at 7:00 pm, at the parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Cutknife, SK, Bishop Albert Thevenot, (Missionary of Africa) ordained Daniel Lamoureux as a permanent deacon. Dan joins Gil Bellavance and Brad Taylor (also Oblate Associates) as permanent deacons...
Edmonton, July 25, 2017 – Sandra (Sandy) Prather, a long-time retreat director, writer and facilitator known for an infectious joy in her faith, is being honoured by Newman Theological College as this year’s recipient of the Kevin Carr Christian Leadership Award. The award, named for the first...
Serving dignity with coffee to the poor and marginalized A few years ago I took part in a hunger awareness activity, Do the Math. Participants were given a basket of food basics to live off of for a week. I can’t recall the contents of my...
Families of the Disappeared is an association formed by those from the North and East of Sri Lanka whose family members went missing during the war in Sri Lanka (especially, during its last phase), which ended in May 2009. Since then, on numerous occasions, these families...
Belleville, Ill. — Some 350 Hmong, Kmhmu, Lao and Karen Catholics gathered here to relive and celebrate the lives of the 17 martyrs of their native country Laos with gratitude and in thanksgiving for their exemplary lives of faith. The 17 martyrs of Laos Celebrants paraded photos...
National survey on vocations is the first of its kind The National Association of Vocation and Formation Directors (NAVFD) is launching a national survey that has never been done before in Canada. Starting March 17, NAVFD is sending out questionnaires to all major superiors and provincial superiors...
We met on May 21, 2017 not only to celebrate the Feast of Saint Eugene de Mazenod but to celebrate three other events: 20 years of Ministry in Kenya by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate 20 years of life for St. Stephen’s Parish (Kionyo) ...
Parishes and First Nations communities from B.C. to Ontario are mourning the death of Father John Brioux, OMI, an Oblate priest with a deep spirituality and love for his flock. Photo: Father John Brioux (right) smiles with Squamish nation Deacon Rennie Nahannee and his wife, Emma....
[qode_video_box video_link="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1AZdBd7QAw&feature=youtu.be" video_image="3697"]...
Edmonton – May 24, 2017 – On May 3, 2017, Father Ken Forster, OMI, Provincial of OMI Lacombe Canada met with Fr. Jim Holland, OMI to confirm the decision that Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples will receive two new Pastors on July 2,...
Following the Renewing Our Life and Mission (ROLM) process in the spring of 2015 there was a decision to change the pastoral leadership at Sacred Heart Parish in Edmonton. At the time there was an appeal from many in the parish for Fr. Jim Holland to...
OMI Lacombe Canada Personnel Appointments for 2017 from Fr. Ken Forster, OMI, and the Provincial Leadership. Fr. Ken invites each of us to keep each other in prayer, especially those we serve, and the members of the Province who are called to new ministries and communities. New...
On Friday April 7th, 2017, the Providence Sisters of Saint Vincent de Paul, Kingston, Ontario, made a legacy gift of $2.5M to Saint Paul University to establish the Providence School of Transformative Leadership and Spirituality. Saint Paul University, founded by the Oblates, had identified the need...
The cottage at Amyot Lake, SK The little cabin at Amyot Lake has been a retreat for the Oblates serving in the dioceses of Prince Albert and Keewatin Le Pas for the last 25 years or so. Lovingly built by Bp. Sylvain Lavoie, Fr. Eugene Warnke,...
On Friday, April 28th, 2017 JPIC-OMI Lacombe was very pleased to participate on the Eugene de Mazenod Medal award at the University Saint Paul, as their nominee Mr. John Joe Gunn was the honoree of the day. As Br. Leonardo Rego, director of JPIC OMI Lacombe,...
On February 14, 2017 the first official meeting of Young Oblates of CA-US Region Committee was held in the Provincial House of Assumption Province in Toronto, Canada. CROCUS representatives Frs. Marian Gil, OMI and Luc Tardif, OMI facilitated this event. Young Oblates from the following...
Two giants of Catholic history in Alberta continue to be considered for possible sainthood by Pope Francis. Most Rev. Vital Grandin was the first Bishop of the newly erected diocese of St. Albert in 1871 and was instrumental in the establishment of the Catholic Church in...
Most Hamiltonians, unless very religious or very Irish, think of St. Patrick once a year, after the Ides of March, in a merriment of green beer and shamrock-shaped eyeglasses. Many of our homeless, poor and marginalized think of St. Patrick all the time. The King Street...
The games include Dene drumming, a sacred act that was once resisted by the Catholic Church A group of priests attended and blessed a hand games tournament in Behchoko, N.W.T., over the weekend (March 11-12). The games included Dene drumming, a sacred act that was once...
Presenter: Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI Participants: Men and Women Religious in Canada, under 55 years old. What: A time to come away to the quiet to meet and pray with other Religious who are serving the People of God in Canada. When:July 13 (1:00pm)-July 18 (11:00am) Where: Queens House,...
WINNIPEG — A celebration of indigenous culture and faith was on display at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Aboriginal Catholic Church in Winnipeg recently, with a wide-ranging look at how native ways of life relate to the teachings of Pope Francis. The women of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church...
In this year of the bi-centennial of the founding of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, the members of OMI Lacombe Canada celebrate a centennial of one of their own. Fr. Albert Lacombe, who died in 1916, served as a model for missionaries to both...
Greetings from the Arctic! The summer is here sooner than usual so everybody is enjoying beautiful weather. Yesterday celebrating Canada Day, I went for a ride to a nearby waterfall in Coral Harbour. I would like to inform you that this year I will be going to...