CCRR – 200 Conference: Three Days of Memory, Charism, and Mission
The Congress on the Oblate Charism concluded with a celebration of gratitude and hope, marking the 200th anniversary of the approval of our “Book of Life,” the Constitutions and Rules. Over three days, the Oblate Family journeyed through history, spirituality, and mission, rediscovering the roots of our charism and contemplating its call for today.
Day 1 – A Pilgrimage Through Our Origins
The first day of the CCRR200 Conference unfolded like a pilgrimage through our early history, with speakers succeeding one another in a rhythm both reflective and celebratory. From the opening session, participants were invited to step back into the world of Saint Eugene de Mazenod and the Church of the early 19th century, rediscovering the context in which Pope Leo XII approved the Constitutions and Rules of our Institute.
Professor Ilaria Fiumicelli‑Mattei opened the morning with a rich portrait of Pope Leo XII, his pastoral heart, his commitment to rebuilding the Church after the upheavals of the Revolution, and the cultural climate that shaped his pontificate. Father Fabio Ciardi followed, drawing us into the personal encounter between Leo XII and Eugene, showing how their shared vision for renewal became a decisive moment in our history.
Other speakers deepened the narrative: the role of Cardinal Bartolomeo Pacca, the significance of the papal brief of approbation, and the broader restoration movement that framed Eugene’s mission. The afternoon continued with reflections on the 1826 Rule, the identity of the Superior General, the formation of novices, and the Marian dimension that would become central to our Oblate life.
A full day, rich in memory and meaning, a reminder of the grace that has carried our charism for 200 years.
Day 2 – Walking Through the Living Memory of Our Constitutions and Rules
The second day invited participants to journey through the living history of our Constitutions and Rules, a heritage that continues to shape Oblate identity, mission, and governance. Through a rich series of presentations and reflections, we revisited the profound renewal inspired by Vatican II. This process led the Congregation to return to its foundational sources while embracing new realities and challenges from 1966 to 1982.
Speakers highlighted key moments and personalities that shaped this journey, including Joseph Fabre’s leadership during critical periods of growth and expansion. Discussions explored the development of popular missions, the ongoing search for balance between spiritual inspiration and juridical clarity, and the evolution of our CCRR from simple rules into a rich constitutional body rooted in the Founders’ vision.
Reflections on major revisions, especially those of 1941 and 1982, underscored the Congregation’s enduring commitment to remain faithful to its charism while responding creatively to the needs of each generation. Throughout the day, one theme remained constant: the call to serve the poor and the most abandoned.
A day filled with memory, gratitude, and renewed dedication to the missionary spirit that continues to guide us forward.
Day 3 – A Journey from Rome to the Digital Continent
The conference marking the 200th anniversary of the approval of the Constitutions and Rules concluded with a final day that brought together history, mission, and the challenges of the present. Over three days, our journey led us from St. Peter’s in Rome to the “sixth continent” of the digital world. For Oblate missionaries who have reached every corner of the globe, this digital continent now represents a new frontier to enter and evangelize, bringing the Gospel into this virtual space as well.
It has been both a historical and existential journey, showing how our Constitutions and Rules have served as a teacher throughout these 200 years: a compass pointing the way forward, a bridge helping us cross difficult passages, a source of inspiration for countless works in service of the Gospel, and a guide for both mission and holiness.
Published on the OMI World website