Joint Session Daily Report – Day 5

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 focus, they identified key priorities and solidified their commitments.

After a final round of small group sessions, provincial discussions, and plenary meetings, three main proposals for action emerged: Community Life, Missionary Priorities, and Collaboration. Each proposal comes with clear goals that each provincial unit will implement in the coming weeks and months.

In his closing remarks, the Superior General summed up the week with inspiring words:

“We need saintly Oblates; we need excellent Oblates. We need saints in the CROCUS Region. We challenge you to do your best to reach the dream of the Founder! This is your time; do not wait for any other time. This is the time to make a difference in Canada and the USA. Think of the future of the Oblate mission and Oblate life in Canada. The patrimony of the Congregation is in your hands. Dare to have a vision, to embrace innovative approaches, according to the vision of Eugene De Mazenod.”

With these motivating words still resonating, members gathered one last time to celebrate the Eucharist. During this liturgy, everyone renewed their Oblation and commitment to live as witnesses of the Gospel, embodying God’s love in the world just as Saint Eugene did with his companions.

“This is not the end of the Joint Session; this is the beginning!”

Published on the OMI World website