Chapter Update from Fr. Richard Beaudette, OMI

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 the ridge from Nemi Lake is Lake Albano, where the papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo is located. The setting is beautiful and very peaceful. We are near the top of the crater, with the village about a ten minute walk down the hill from us and no neighbours close by.

The first ten days of Chapter have been devoted to reports from the Regions, from the Superior General and Treasurer General and time in small groups to reflect on the reports, to propose themes for the chapter and get to know each other. It has been a tremendous experience meeting Oblates from around the world who have gathered for this month together. Hearing the stories of their missionary experiences, getting to know their units and getting to know them gives one a deeper understanding and appreciation of our congregation.

This morning we began the process of electing a superior general. We have lots of time for prayer and discernment, for reflecting together and alone as we move toward the actual election on Thursday morning. Please pray for all of us in Chapter as we continue to move forward.

Yesterday, we closed the day with a moving celebration to remember and pray for the repose of the Oblates who died of COVID. As the roll call of the deceased Oblates was read, Oblates placed a lighted candle on the altar around the monstrance.

In case you are worried, it is not all work! Sundays are free and last Saturday we also had a free afternoon. During the week, we work from 9 am to 1 pm, usually with Eucharist during the last hour, followed by lunch. Then we start again at 3:30 pm and work through until oraison at 7 pm, followed by dinner. Some evenings we have a special presentation at 8:30 and some evenings are free for socializing. Last Sunday, there was an excursion to Assisi, and the Sunday before to two famous Franciscan sites: Fonte Colombo, where St. Francis wrote the final version of the Rule and Greccio, where he staged the first Christmas creche.

Many of us have visited the village of Nemi, at the bottom of the hill. Harley, Ken and I, along with three other Oblates, attended Sunday Mass in one of the local parishes (Assumption Church) this past Sunday, which was also election day in Italy. After Mass, the group of us sat at an outdoor café overlooking the lake and enjoyed coffee and some of the local fruit.

To keep up with all the news, go to https://www.omiworld.org/general-chapter/ There you will find daily reports, the morning prayer livestreamed, various videos and a wealth of information.

Fraternally in Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate.

Richard