To say that youth are the future, is short sighted. The Young people in our parishes are the dynamic energy of the Church in Kenya today! They challenge older generations to remember their responsibilities to create a just world. The Oblates of the Kenya Mission are committed to providing opportunities for our younger generations to contribute to a better world.
Prison Ministry is special to the Oblates because it was the first ministry that St Eugene did as a young man, and a young priest… that and youth ministry. It is a very sensitive ministry to respect those in prison, their guards and the Laws of Kenya.
At present, OMI Kenya Mission has two levels of Formation within Kenya itself, plus the additional ministry of Vocations Promotion which feeds the Formation process.
The two levels are:
For the other two common levels: Novitiate and Scholasticate; the students are sent outside Kenya.
This Ministry was always part of the practical things the Oblates have been doing, however, in the later part of 2015, Fr Praveen Mahesan Selvadurai OMI and Fr Daquin Iyo Iyan OMI were appointed to this Ministry by the new Mission Council which took office in April, 2015.
OMI Kenya is represented by JPIC on the RSCK Association (Religious Superiors Conference of Kenya), which allows sharing of information and issues through, and to, all the Religious Congregations.
In 2016, Fr Praveen stepped aside from this Ministry to take on the role of Assistant Postulancy Director, Meru.
Fr Daquin continues the work and, in October, 2016, also commenced teaching Ethical Dimensions of Conflict and Theories of Justice & Peace, to First Year students at the Faculty of Law, Catholic University of East Africa (C.U.E.A).
In 2017 and 2018 Fr Daquin embarked on a series of drug and alcohol awareness programs for youths at University School and parish levels in Meru, Kionyo and Kisaju. In addition, assistance to needy students with albinism has been given.