Forming Leaders for Mission: Orientation Session for Major Superiors in Rome

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 the General Administration, they will share experiences, prayer, and community life, seeking to grow in faith and strengthen their commitment to the mission entrusted to them.

Building community and leadership

This year’s group includes thirteen participants: five provincials (Australia, Central European Province, Mexico, OMI Lacombe, and Poland), three delegation superiors (Bolper, China, and Thailand-Laos), four vicar provincials (Anglo-Irish, Cameroon, Mexico, and OMI Lacombe), and one mission superior from Nigeria. The opening days will focus on community life through shared liturgies and prayers. Sister Noelle Corscadden, former Superior General of the Loreto Sisters, will lead a workshop on leadership, helping participants deepen their skills in accompaniment and governance.

Preparing for the bicentenary of the Constitutions and Rules

In preparation for the 200th anniversary of the papal approval of the Constitutions and Rules, Fr. Cléber LOPES, newly appointed Postulator General, and Fr. Paweł ZAJĄC will present animation materials and resources. These will assist participants in organizing activities within their units to celebrate and live this significant moment more deeply. The emphasis will be on renewing commitment to the charism of Saint Eugene and strengthening missionary unity across the Congregation.

Administrative formation and shared mission

A good part of the session will focus on the practical side of leadership, including finances, administration, and formation for mission. Participants will spend time at the General Secretariat and Archives and meet the teams responsible for Postulation, JPIC, Procuration, Safeguarding, and IRS Formation. They will also celebrate Mass at the tomb of Saint Peter in the Vatican, make a pilgrimage to the Holy Door at Santa Maria Maggiore, and visit the tomb of Pope Francis.

A spirit of fraternity and encounter

The session is meant not only for work but also for building relationships among participants and with the community of the General House. Shared meals, informal conversations, and outings together create time for genuine connection. Plans include an international evening featuring food and traditions from different countries, a visit to the medieval town of Orvieto, and a walk through the places in Rome linked to St. Eugene de Mazenod.

We wish all participants a true family gathering, a deep spiritual experience, and a renewed understanding of their mission as leaders within the Congregation.

By Antoni Bochm, OMI

Published on the OMI World website