On 1 – 6 August, in beautifully warm and humid Durban (Marianhill), young Oblates of Mary Immaculate of the African Anglophone region gathered. Among those in attendance at the Congress were Oblates from Kenya, Zambia, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and South Africa (Central Province, Northern Province and Natal Province) — more than 45 in total.

The young Oblates were welcomed by Fr. Wayne WELDSCHIT (Vicar Provincial, Natal Province). Various speakers addressed the young Oblates throughout the week: Fr. Stuart BATE (Researcher at St. Joseph’s Theological Institute); Fr. Emmanuel MOSOEU (General Councillor for Africa-Madagascar); Fr. Nkululeko MEYIWA (Assistant Rector at the Ngome Marian Shrine); Fr. Ewen SWARTZ (Dean of St. Joseph’s Theological Institute and Canon Lawyer) and Fr. Siyabonga DUBE (District Superior and parish priest in Cape Town). They contributed to the Congress theme according to their fields and spoke to the hearts and minds of the young Oblates. They remembered the roots of the Congregation; they celebrated successes and failures throughout the 200 years of the history of the Congregation; and they helped the young Oblates recommit themselves for the future.

Reports were then delivered by the different Provinces, Missions and Delegations. These reports revealed the wonderful news of joyful ministry and mission happening in various parts of Africa through the service of these Oblates. Young Oblates are involved in many spirit-filled ministries/missions: parish administration, province administration, media, chaplaincies, further studies, hospitals, academic ministries, youth ministries, to name but a few.

The Holy Eucharist, through the celebration of Holy Mass and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, formed a unique part of each day. The homilies, the music, the sharing of peace and joy expressed hope for the future. The Holy Spirit was indeed present to these sons of St. Eugene de Mazenod!

Towards the end of the YOMI regional congress, Fr. Louis LOUGEN, Superior General, paid a visit. He brought with him a gift they will forever cherish: the Oblate cross of the Founder, St. Eugene de Mazenod. Each Oblate had an opportunity to embrace the cross of the Founder. The cross went around slowly and reverently from one Oblate to the next, accompanied by a soft chant of the chorus composed using the last words of the Founder “Among yourselves, charity at all times.”

Indeed, the young sons of St. Eugene are blessed. Upon them rests now the immediate future of the Congregation — in Africa and beyond. The YOMI assembly 2016 was a resounding success, all thanks to the Natal Province in partnership with the Zimbabwe Mission.

The next YOMI regional congress will take place in Kenya in 2019, pending the approval of the regional Inter-Provincial Council (IPC).
(Fr. Phumlani Charles NDLOVU)