The Mazenodian Path to Holiness

Pope Francis wrote, “Becoming a saint means becoming more fully yourself, becoming what the Lord wished to dream and create, and not a photocopy. Your life ought to be a prophetic stimulus to others and leave a mark on this world, the unique mark that only you can leave.” (Christus Vivit, 162)

The path to holiness begins in recognizing our identity and purpose as children of God. We were created in the image of God, destined to enter into unity with Jesus Christ. This is expressed in our particular vocation and way of life. Through our Baptism we were anointed, consecrated and set apart for missionary discipleship. St. Augustine reminds us that only in Christ will we find the meaning and purpose of life: “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.”

We are marked with the invitation to take the path toward holiness during the anointing with the oil of chrism at the Baptism, “He now anoints you with the chrism of salvation. As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King, so may you live always as a member of his body, sharing everlasting life.” The consecration is an act of God, followed by human response within the concept of community, the people of God, the Church.

As members of the Mazenodian family, we are invited to take the path towards holiness by following the footsteps of St. Eugene in the spirit of his charism. Not to “photocopy” him, but rather to be inspired by his life and legacy – to become the best version of ourselves. It’s a dynamic concept, a journey of faith shared together. In the Oblate tradition, oblation and consecration have been defined as Christ-centered, apostolic and communal. Through our Baptism we received the gift of life through Christ’s paschal mystery. The life of holiness requires our answer – we need to respond to this gift. As we become Christ-like, we fulfil our purpose and original identity as children of God. By its apostolic nature, we are called out of “being” and into “doing” by putting faith into action and becoming Christ’s co-operators as missionary disciples. This mission is expressed in service, evangelization and witness.

As the Mazenodian family, we are not in it alone. As in the human family, we are brothers and sisters on the journey towards holiness. This communitarian dimension of the Oblate charism is the source of our personal sanctification and the sanctification of others. We “are” Oblates and we are sent to “do” as a community, “…to be a prophetic stimulus to others and leave a mark on this world, the unique mark that only you can leave.”

By Jarek Pachocki OMI
Vocation Director – OMI Lacombe Canada
905-522-9828 ext 305
vocations@omilacombe.ca
Instagram: @jarekpach
Twitter: @jarekpachocki
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