Celebrating and Sharing the Charism
Two Oblate parishes; two celebratory gatherings: it was my privilege recently to be at both Saint Augustine’s parish in Vancouver and then St. Albert parish in St. Albert to celebrate the February 17th Oblate Feast Day. Marking the approbation of the Society, the Feast Day is the occasion where Oblates renew their vows and Associates their commitments. In Vancouver, we welcomed a new Associate, Kacee Chee, who made a joyous first commitment before the gathered community. The other Associates, myself included, then joined in to make our renewals. In St. Albert, I happily watched while twelve Associates of Brother Anthony District stood to renew their one year commitments. In true Oblate style, both celebrations continued in the parish halls with good food, good drink and friendly conversation.
Both times though, as I sat in the pew and listened, and then participated in the commitment ritual, I was deeply moved. The Associates’ commitment formula, adopted years ago at the inception of OMI Lacombe Canada, stands clear and strong in its purpose and promise. Pledging to place themselves, ‘in the service of God’s people – especially the marginalized, disadvantaged and disillusioned,’ Associates seek to be Good News, ‘by fostering an attitude of hospitality, compassion and equality for all people.’ They do this in close relationship with the Oblate community journeying with Oblates, ‘in prayer, faith-sharing, formation, reflection and mission.’ The relationship is characterized by, ‘mutual love, friendship, charity, trust and support.’ Finally, as Associates they, “commit themselves to the mission on OMI Lacombe Canada,’ and do so under Mary’s patronage. Mission to the poor, attitudes of hospitality and compassion, and all done in community, with Mary: in its essential characteristics, the Associates’ commitment is truly Oblate-shaped and inspired.
I dare to hope that Eugene would think so as well. That a whole new group of people are inspired by his charism and pledge to carry it into the world, with their own unique gifts, in their own unique milieus and yet in close communion with the vowed Oblates does not quite fit the religious congregational model he would have known. Spiritually and ecclesially, it’s a different world. It is, however, one the Oblates have named and claimed as their own. The Mazenodian family is alive and thriving throughout the congregation with Associates, MAMI members, Honorary Oblates, youth and others lay persons taking up the charism in a variety of ways. Looking at the richness therein and the fruits that flow from it, I think Eugene would be proud to embrace and celebrate this family as his own.
We will soon have a unique opportunity to celebrate this family ourselves! OMI leadership has announced that there is to be a second ‘Aix Congress,’ for those who share the Oblate charism. Modeled on the 1996 Aix Congress for the Laity: “Impassioned for Christ, the Church and the Mission,” this new gathering, slated for July 16-18 2021, will celebrate, support and deepen the identity of those called to the charism. It will seek also to encourage vowed Oblates to see the Oblate family as truly family and partners in mission and not merely recipients or minor players in the whole Oblate mission.
It truly will be a world-wide event as well since it will imitate the Charism Congress of 2016 in connecting people globally. Key gatherings will be held in regional centres around the world and Oblates and lay people will gather there for a program of animation and celebration. From these centres at certain times there will be live streaming that will share across the Congregation the richness, inspiration, and fruits of our charism. Local communities will be able to gather to participate in these events and their own celebrations.
We have sometime to prepare for the Congress and more details are sure to follow. For now, I delight in the fact that the two celebrations I attended this past week were repeated across our province as the various districts each celebrated the founding of the congregation with the Oblates renewing their vows and Associates renewing their commitments. The family gathered and the family celebrated and we are all the better for it.
By Sandra Prather, HOMI
