Lay and Oblate Delegates Begin Preparation for Aix 2025
On Saturday, March 8, 2025, lay and Oblate delegates from around the world came together for the first online meeting in preparation for “Aix 2025: Charting New Paths for Oblate Laity.”
The role of lay associates within the Congregation
This in-person gathering, set for August 3–10, 2025, at the Foundation House in Aix-en-Provence, will be a key moment for assessing the role of lay associates within the Congregation and strengthening the collaboration between Oblates and laity. Despite significant time zone differences—some joining at dawn, others at midnight—the meeting reflected a strong sense of commitment and shared mission. Delegates embraced this first step with enthusiasm, recognizing the importance of thorough preparation for the work ahead.
Three Key Preparatory Tasks
Delegates have been entrusted with three tasks leading up to Aix 2025:
- Information Gathering – Each delegate will complete a questionnaire to provide a comprehensive overview of the various Oblate lay groups in their region.
- Regional Presentation – A summary of the collected data will be compiled into a presentation, offering a clear picture of lay participation within the Oblate family.
- Preparatory Reading – Delegates will engage with foundational texts on Oblate lay history and mission, ensuring a well-informed and meaningful discussion in Aix.
A Pilgrimage of Communion and Hope
Aix 2025 will be more than a meeting; it will be a pilgrimage to the “Oblate Holy Land.” Delegates will walk the sacred ground of the Foundation House, immersing themselves in the history and spirituality of Saint Eugene de Mazenod. Through prayer, reflection, and dialogue, they will seek a common vision for the laity’s role in formation, communion, and mission, as outlined by the 37th General Chapter and the Second Oblate Lay Associations Congress (2OLAC22).
The online gathering concluded with a prayer to God and Mary Immaculate, entrusting this journey to divine guidance. The enthusiasm of the delegates signals that Aix 2025 will be a significant step forward for the Oblate lay movement—one rooted in communion, hope, and the shared charism of Saint Eugene.
By Stefano Dominici
Published on the OMI World website
