SEEK 2026: Oblates Among Thousands of Young Adults
It’s a wonderful feeling when someone recognizes you from a year ago and picks up a conversation right where it left off. From Columbus to Fort Worth, SEEK 2026 brought together 26,000 young people, and the Missionary Oblates were right there in the thick of it.
Mission With Youth
From January 1–5, the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate participated in SEEK 2026, the annual Catholic young adult conference organized by FOCUS. This year, SEEK gathered more than 26,000 participants across three locations: Columbus, Ohio; Denver, Colorado; and Fort Worth, Texas. The flagship site in Columbus welcomed over 16,100 students, while nearly 5,000 young adults attended in Fort Worth, where the Oblate Vocation Office of the U.S. Province was present.
SEEK has become a trusted space for young Catholics seeking direction, community, and a deeper relationship with Christ. For the Oblates, being present at SEEK means meeting young people where they are, listening to their questions, and sharing a missionary way of life rooted in service, community, and closeness to those most in need.
To The Heights
This year’s theme, “To the Heights,” inspired by St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, resonated strongly with the Oblates’ approach to mission with youth. Frassati’s joyful faith, love for the poor, and commitment to everyday holiness echoed many of the conversations taking place at the Oblate booth. Young adults spoke openly about faith, vocation, and their hopes for the future.
Throughout the conference, participants moved through daily Mass, Eucharistic adoration, confession, keynote talks, and breakout sessions. In the midst of this full schedule, the Oblates focused on presence. Conversations were unhurried and personal. Some students were simply curious about religious life, others were already discerning more intentionally, and many were grateful for the chance to speak honestly with priests and religious who took their questions seriously.
The Oblates’ participation at SEEK 2026 builds on a growing continuity. At SEEK 2025 in Salt Lake City, the Oblates were also present among more than 20,000 young Catholics. Returning year after year has allowed familiarity and trust to grow. Young people recognize the Oblates not as one-time visitors, but as companions who consistently show up and remain available.
Accompaniment That Sends Forth
SEEK 2026 once again served as a moment of renewal for many young adults, sending them back to their campuses and communities with renewed faith and clarity. For the Oblates, the conference reaffirmed the importance of mission with youth as a long-term commitment. Through simple presence, attentive listening, and shared prayer, the Oblates continue to walk alongside young people as they discern how God is calling them to live, serve, and love.
By Arthur Flores, OMI
Published on the OMI World website
