OMI bishops at the Synod: Two elected“relatori”

Archbishop Orlando QUEVEDO and BishopGilles CAZABON were elected relatori or spokespersons for twoof the twelve work groupsQuevedo for an English group and Cazabonfor a French one.

Final message committee

Cardinal Francis GEORGE was one of the12 members who were chosen by the Synod to prepare the final messageof its current General Assembly. Two other religious bishops were onthe panel of twelve: Fr. Peter Hans KolvenbachSuperior General ofthe Society of Jesus and Bishop Amédée Grab (OSB)Bishopof Chur in Switzerlandwho is also President of the Council of theEuropean Episcopal Conferences (CCEE).

Elected to Post-synodCouncil

Cardinal GEORGE and Archbishop QUEVEDOwill also serve on the Post-synod Council. This body is charged withstudying the 67 proposals approved by the Synod and helping with thepreparation and publication of the post-synod document by the Pope.This Council was elected by the assembly to represent the differentcontinents. A third of the members are religious bishops and cardinals.Of fourteen members five belong to religious orders and congregationsnot counting the Secretary General of the SynodCardinal Jan Schottewho is a CICM religious.

Paolo Manna: Lost among the “Blessed”?

Last month OMI Inforeported the beatification of Paolo MannaP.I.M.E. as having takenplace on October 7^th together with that of Mother EmilieGamelin and others. That was a bit premature. The real date of his beatificationwas November 4^th. Of coursehe was most likely “blessed”long before that date! OMI Info regrets getting lost in the longlist of saints and blessed that have been proclaimed during the pontificateof John Paul II. He has proclaimed 328 new saints (256 were martyrs)and 1046 new blessed since the beginning of his pontificate in 1978.

Inter-Chapter2001: October 7-20CuautlaMexico

The 39 Provincials andsix Latin American Delegation Superiors who met for two weeks in CuautlaMexico with the Superior General and his Council will already have returnedhome by the time you read this. They have surely begun briefing youon Inter-Chapter 2001. Here are a few behind-the-scenes glimpses ofwhat went on.

It began with abang!

The Inter-Chapter meetingliterally began with a bang: a thunderstorm and an earthquake! The participantsarrived at the Cuautla hotelsite of the meetingin the midst of adriving tropical rain storm. The brief storm resulted in a candle lightsupper as electricity faded in and out. A bit laterthere was a magnitude6.5 earthquake. Sunday evening was a "Mexican Night" as participantsgot a firsthand taste of popular Mexican musicculture and food ata special welcoming event provided by the Oblate Vista Hermosa School.

MondayOctober 8thesmall 80-bed hotelcompletely taken over by the Oblateshad becomea beehive of activityhumming with communication in informal groupsboth large and small. Acquaintances were renewed or madeallianceswere struck to help each other carry out the Oblate mission.

The “immersionexperience”

In a way the meeting hadalready started before the participants gathered in Cuautla. Each onehad been assigned a Latin American country to visit before arriving.Time was taken on the first day to reflect on the Latin American missionaryexperience. This was done in small groups made up of members from differentcultures and languages.

Fr Gregorio IRIARTEawell known analyst of the socio-economic and religious phenomenon inLatin Americahelped focus these discussions with a presentation entitledLatin America and the Caribbean TodayThe Challenges in our MissionaryWork. Mr. José Luis Estradaa Mexican economist alsogave a talk. Both men focused on the effects of globalizationespeciallyon poor countries. Highlights of Fr. Iriarte’s presentation areavailable on the OBCOM website (www.omiobcom.org)asare also Fr. General’s report and the many papers presented duringthe meeting.

Paper and more paper: The Reports

If generating papersis considered the hallmark of a good meetingthe Inter-Chapter wasnot lacking on that point. Besides the six regional reports and Fr.General’s addressten other papers of varying lengths were presentedby the General Administration: Lay AssociationsBrothersImmense HopeProjectJPICRestructuring of the Vice ProvincesThe Number and Natureof RegionsOblate Communications and MediaFinancesFirst and OngoingFormation.

-- Regional reports

While space does not permita lengthy presentation of each reporthere are some impressions fromour correspondent at the Inter-Chapter.

Latin America notedan increase in vocations and the challenge of providing good formation.Interprovincial cooperation in this field is proving effective. Thereis a regional novitiate in AsunciónParaguay. The four Brazilianunits have a common novitiate. Peru and Bolivia have a joint scholasticatein CochabambaBolivia. Scholastics represent 20% of the membershipin the Region. Latin America was commended for its very visible optionfor the poor. It was also asked why Justice and Peace issues no longerseem to raise the same interest as they did in the past. One answerwas that the oppressive factors today are more hiddenthey do not havethe clear face they had under the dictatorships.

Africa-Madagascar emphasized the need for Oblaterenewalwhile noting that the increasing number of vocations in theRegion gives them much hope for the future. Asia-Oceania’sreport led to a discussion on interreligious dialogue and the religiouspersecution being experienced in some countries.

Canada noted itsopenness to internationality in these special times when everythingin their churches seems to be in a process of change. Their report waslater completed by an evening session on the thousands of cases of litigationin some Provinces relating to the Indigenous Residential Schools. Morethan 90% of these cases are considered to be unfoundedyet they resultin high legal fees that threaten to bankrupt three Provinces. Therewas considerable sympathy for our Canadian brothers because the mediafocus is on the litigation and little recognition is given for the 150years of work with the First Nations.

An interesting item inthe discussion of the European report concerned the presenceof many Muslims in Europe. There is a new concern for interreligiousdialogue as a result of the September 11 events. The United Statesreport – the first since the unification of the 5 Provinces –emphasized the work to clarify the mission of the Oblates in that countryand the efforts to strengthen community lifenotably through sessionsfor local superiors. The U.S. Province needs more Spanish speakers forits extensive Hispanic ministry.

-- Fr. General’sreport

This nineteen page textwas presented after the regional reports. It has yet to be decided inwhat form it will be communicated to the whole Congregation. Fr. General’saddress was followed by a discussion in small groups and a plenary sessionduring which he answered questions on it. The questions themselves givean idea of where the participants’ interest was.

Some of the questionsconcentrated on mission and internationality: What are the lessons learntin sending and receiving missionaries? What about older Oblates whoare ready to do ministry in an international context? Are there concretemodels of a new community-based mission? What is the role of districtcommunities? What program have we to integrate the older Oblates? Therewere also questions on the Oblate Regionsfinances and the missionof the lay associates. To the query: if you had one wish to askwhatwould that beFr. General answered: that the Oblates be widely knownas those who are committed to whoever are most in need today.

--The other reports

As mentioned abovepapersrelating to ten other topics were presented by the General Administration.Here are some reactions from the assembly on some of them.

Lay Associations:It is important to promote a spirit of unity between the different associations.The idea of having a common logo was accepted almost unanimously.

Immense Hope project:This project was singled out as a major common task for the Congregationuntil the next General Chapter. It will be an important means to answerthe missionary call of the new century. The process needs to be adaptedto the local realities.

JusticePeace andthe Integrity of Creation: Here the discussion focusedas foreseenon possible representation at the United Nations. The topic was presentedby Fr Seamus FINNand followed by a lively discussion. Many of theparticipants did not favor an Oblate U.N. representation at this time.It was hoped that the General Administration’s new JPIC servicewould concentrate on animating what is going on at the local level.

Restructuring the ViceProvinces: It was suggested that the way be left open for establishingGeneral Delegations as a temporary measure if some Vice Provinces arenot ready for other solutions before the next General Chapter. Therewas a strong insistence that restructuring must always be understoodas something we do for the sake of the mission.

Restructuring the numberand nature of the Regions: The concrete proposal that will be broughtto the next Chapter is probably that Canada and the United States becomeone Region. Some Regions said they could see the General Councillorfor their Region becoming the president ex officio of the regionalconference in a future structure. This is a matter for the next Chapterto consider.

Finances: The growingawareness of a new financial situation in the Congregation was anotherof the main results of the Inter-Chapter meeting. Two questions willprobably stay in the minds of all after leaving Mexico: How can thepoorer Oblate units raise more of the funds they need? How can we buildup an endowment that allows the General Administration to function properlyin the future?

First Formation: Internationalitya regency period and the need for qualified formators were the issuespresented. Some participants stressed the importance of spiritual formationand introduction into religious life.

Ongoing Formation:The presentation concentrated on the International De Mazenod Centerin Aixnext year’s symposium on “Missionaries to Secularity”in Canada and the U.S.and a symposium on Interreligious Dialogue in2003in Asia. The participants asked for more information about availableprograms and persons for ongoing formation and singled out preparationfor retirement and old age as one of the pressing needs.

-- The next GeneralChapter

During the discussionon a possible theme for the next Chapterthere seemed to be a generalconsensus that it should somehow flow from the Immense Hope process.

Chile: Training theworkers

Educating workers abouttheir rights and providing training in skills that make it easier tofind work are part of Bro. Oscar GONZALEZ’s ministry in SantiagoChile. In his annual report to the Provincehe describes the activitiesof CEFOSO and ICEMtwo organizations that work hand in hand to helpworkers find work and to improve their working conditions.

The “Pablo LaurinCenter for Social Formation” (CEFOSO)named after one of the foundingfathers of the Chile missionoffers help in organizing and runninglabor unions. An important part of the program is education about workers’rightslabor laws and laws relating to labor unions. It also providesconsultation services for unions and businesses. CEFOSO has 17 yearsexperience in these fields.

ICEM“The St. Eugenede Mazenod Institute for Computer and Work Training” has a brieferhistory of only three years. It offers courses in the use of computersand in basic electricity. Given the high rate of unemployment in a countrywith serious economic problemsavailable work often requires the useof computers or expertise in some trade. ICEM provides courses in theuse of basic computer programs like Word and Excel. A certificate isgranted to those who finish the course. This is very useful when applyingfor work.

Some courses are sponsoredby municipal authorities or financed by State funding agencies likeFOSISthe Fondo de Solidaridad Social (Social Solidarity Fund)or SENCEthe Servicio Nacional de Capacitación y Empleo(National Service for Training and Employment). Two such courses fundedby FOSIS were held in Puente Altoa suburb of Santiago. The coursesentitled “Management and Motivation for Work” were attendedby 40 people. Each course lasted three monthsfour hours a day Mondaythrough Thursday. The second course included 30 hours of computer training.

More than 170 personsattended the courses offered this year by CEFOSO and ICEM133 men and39 women. A total of 863 course hours were given.

Saint Paul University:Discovering new ethical horizons

Saint Paul Universityin Ottawa announced that its Ethics Center is broadening the scope ofits work. Research projects at the Center will focus on Workplace EthicsEthics and the MediaBioethics and other issue areas related to significantworld events.

Previously known as the“Techno-Ethics Center”the Saint Paul University Ethics Centerrecently changed its name to better reflect the diversity of its work.The Center held a series of public events to launch the activities ofthe new academic year.

The first event was aninformation sessionintroducing the current projects of the Center.It was held on October 25. That evening in the University Amphitheatrea short theatre production entitled “Time is Money” was presentedby Le théâtre social du Collège St-Alexandreof Gatineaufollowed by a panel discussion entitled Money: at WhatCost?

On FridayOctober 26the Center presented books in ethics authored by the University professors.This was followed with a lecture by guest speakerDr. Winston Dykemanfrom New Brunswickentitled “Ethics and Health Privacy –Stumbling Blocks on the Road.”

The Saint Paul UniversityEthics Center offers its services to researchersstudents and professorsas well as to practitioners and to the community.

Labrador City-Schefferville:The DeHarveng Jubilee Foundation

Fr. Charles DEHARVENGa missionary in the Labrador-Schefferville Diocese from 1946 to 1978returned to Labrador City to be honoured by the diocese for his tirelesswork in Catholic education there. During his time in the dioceseFatherCharliewho is now 82 years oldserved in several parishes. Whereverhe went he always had a special concern for educating young people inthe faith. His impact on Catholic education in the diocese is stillfelt today.

To honor his workBishopDouglas CROSBY has established a foundation in his name. The DeHarvengJubilee Foundation was created in the Jubilee year to support evangelizationcatechesis and education efforts in the diocese. Funds are being generatedfrom rental and eventual sale of the Notre Dame Academy building inLabrador Citywhich was originally purchased by the diocese for Catholiceducation. Recent decisions of the Newfoundland government removed publicfunding from Catholic schools making it impossible to maintain the schoolsin smaller communities.

The Foundation was formallyinaugurated at a special Mass on October 14^th during whichFather Charlie was declared the honorary president of the Foundationwhich bears his name. The first grants were issued at a dinner laterthe same day.

Tension rises daily inPakistan as the U.S. bombing campaign in Afghanistan enters its secondmonth. The October 28th attack against a church in BahawalpurPakistanin which more than a dozen worshippers were killedhas raised the fearof other possible attacks against Christians in that country. PakistanDelegation SuperiorFr. Victor Gnanapragasam expressed his surpriseat this attackand concern for the futurein a statement to OMIInfo at the end of October.

“Our men in Quetta are safe and soare the Christians there. Although the Christians had feared retaliationif the Americans began attacking Afghanistanthey felt safe until thishappened…. This is the first time this sort of terrorist attackhas taken place in a churchalthough there have been such incidentsbefore in Mosques of different Muslim sectsespecially Shias and Sunnis.This attack seems to be a call for us to wake up from our complacency.Now that an incident of this nature has taken placeit could happenin other parts of the country. God alone knows where it will end. Weare not worried for our lives but for those who are under our care.Here in our Juniorate we have 21 youngsters and we are responsible fortheir safety. Anywaywe have no other choice but to trust in God. Doplease continue to keep us in your prayers.”

A heretofore unknown groupcalled “Lashkar-i-Umer” (Army of Umer) has claimed responsibilityfor the recent massacre in Bahawalpur and vowed to continue. This grouphas taken the name of Mullah Mohammed Umerthe supreme leader of theTaliban in Afghanistan. According to Fr. Maximus P. FERNANDOparishpriest in Quettasome fundamentalist groups have declared that forevery Muslim killed in the American bombing in Afghanistantwo Christianswill be killed in Pakistan.

On October 31civil authoritiesin Quetta assured Christian pastors that a contingent of security personnelwould be posed at all churches during religious services. Fr. Fernandowrites that the flow of refugees from the border area of Chaman continuesdaily. He adds“The Christian community is in earnest prayer fora peaceful settlement and holds the general view that if the money wastedby the U.S. and its allies in bombing Afghanistanand the money wastedby Taliban and Osama Ben Laden in resistancewas used to eradicatepoverty in Afghanistanthen terrorism itself could be erased in thispart of the world and the refugee and related problems solved.”

Fr. Renald REMINDRANalso in Quettasays“The situation is uncertaintherefore wecannot plan anything for tomorrow. We Oblates are going about our dailyactivities without exposing ourselves too muchbecause we are all SriLankans. There were two European Fathers in Quettabut they left thecountry last monthdue to the situation.” Ecclesiastical authoritieshave left it up to the religious institutes to decide whether theirforeign missionaries will stay or leave the country. The four Oblatesin Quetta remain at their posts.

It is known among friendsas “Vincenzo’s Soup Kitchen.” HoweverFr Vincenzo BORDOdisagrees with that name. “Soup kitchen” he saysis a genericname given to places that provide hot meals to the homeless. For Vincenzothat falls short of describing what he and more than 400 volunteersare actually doing. The correct name of the center is “Anna’sHouse.”

The center started in1997. The “key money” – a deposit required when makinga rental contract – to start the project came from a generous Koreanman whose mother was named “Anna” hence the name of the center.Although feeding the hungry has been a major activity of the centerfrom the time it was startedthe services offered have branched outto include medical assistancecounselingreferralsand even providinga much needed haircut to people who cannot afford one. The center givessome small rays of hope to people who otherwise would not see any atall.

The care offered by thecenter moves along in three steps. 1. Getting to know the persons bylistening to them. 2. Offering basic assistance such as foodclothingand shelter. 3. This is followed by introduction to a self-support programthat cultivates self-esteemintroduces job opportunitiesteaches basicskills needed to find a jobetc.

South Korea might appearto be a rich country to outsiders since it is among the fastest growingeconomies in the region. But the number of peopleyoung and oldwhohave been displaced by progress and are left in the streets to fendfor themselveshas been increasing dramatically.

The plight of young peoplewho live in the streets and are victims of drug traffickers cannot beover-emphasized. Most of them have resorted to drugs as a result ofa traumatic family experience. One young man in his early 20’ssaid: “My mother left us when I was in eleven years old and myfather killed himself because of the shock. I have lived in the streetsever since.” Drugsunwanted pregnanciesvagrancya life withouta future are the “daily bread” of the homeless youth of Korea.

Anna’s House hasstarted a counseling service for the them. With it’s meager budgetit hires professional counselors. One of themAndreawho has beenvery active in counseling the youthhas decided to join the Oblates!The center’s loss and the Oblates’ gain! At least for a fewyears….

Fr. Vincenzo appears regularlyin Korea’s popular magazines and on TV programs to make appealsfor this service. He has received three letters of commendation fromthe mayor of Song Nam for his efforts in bringing hope to the homeless.He is the first foreigner to be so commended. (From Japan/Korea OMIInformation.)

Hold the presses!

On October 20^ththe Seoul Metropolitan Government made Fr. Vincenzo BORDO an honorarycitizen of the City of SeoulKorea in recognition of his work for theurban poor. Our next issue will follow up this story.

Italy: The C.O.M.I. celebrate 50 years

It was on a hot Augustday in 1951 that 18 young womenall leaders in the Oblate Italian Province’sMissionary Association of Mary Immaculatemade an act of consecrationto Mary and formed the Movement of Oblate Sisters. Actively involvedin the M.A.M.I. they wanted more than just being helpersthey wantedto live like the Oblates. Fr. Gaetano Liuzzothe director of the MissionaryAssociation at the time had formed his leaders well. He continued theirspiritual formation and helped them to discern God’s calling andin 1952 twenty-three young women made their first temporary vows. Thuswas firmly launched a Secular Institute of women known today as theOblate Missionary Cooperators of the Immaculateor C.O.M.I. from theinitial letters of their Italian name – “Cooperatrici OblateMissionarie dell’Immacolata.

Ninety-year old Fr LIUZZOis adamant in denying that he is the founder. “I have always saidthat their founder is St. Eugene. I am just the channelthe interpreterthe mediator. The COMI have made their own the charism of Eugene: fraternityoption for the poormissionary zealMarian spirit. In the beginningtheir Constitutions were an adaptation of ours. Today they are differentbut they keep the essential elements of Eugene’s charism and stressthe link to it.”

The COMI now number 70members. They are present in ItalyUruguay and the Congo. Over theyears they have also had missionaries in ChadSenegal and Haiti. Asmembers of a Secular Institutesome live aloneothers in their familyhomesand some live together in community.

The ways of living themissionary mandate of “evangelizing the poor” are as variedas the talents and professional expertise of the members. Some activitiesare carried out togetherothers alone. They include developmenthumanpromotion and direct evangelization in foreign countriesparish missionscatechesissecretarial work in diocesan mission officesand parishesin Italyserving meals to day workersand helping in a center forforeign immigrants. Whenever possible they work side by side with Oblatepriests and brothers. The Institute’s Secretary GeneralAntoniettaMongiòfor exampleworks five mornings a week in our GeneralSecretariat at 290 via Aurelia.

Fr Liuzzoreminiscingsays former Superior General Fr Leo Deschâtelets used to callthem “his daughters”. His successors up to this day have alwayscultivated a warm relationship with the COMI. They are part of the familyand it is not uncommon to see a group of them in attendance at importantOblate feasts at the OMI General House. We have the same father!

European Mission Conference:Believing in young people

Youth pastoral work wasthe main theme of a meeting sponsored by the European Mission Conference.Twenty-five European Oblates met for a week in late June at the Provincialhouse of the Italian Province in Frascati. – The full report isdelayed since the secretary’s laptop computer was stolen whilehe was returning from the meeting. He is working hard to reconstructthe report from memory. – A recent letter from the secretariatto the Provincials of the Region and the members of the Conference givesthe main lines of the meeting.

After a week of sharing their experiencesquestionsconvictionsfears and hopes concerning their work both withand for youththe participants became aware that the situation of youthministry is basically the same in all of their countries. While eachProvince approaches this ministry in its own wayall felt a commoncall to show an unconditional love for youth. “We wish to affirmexplicitly that we believe in young people and in their involvementin the evangelization of other youths.”

Three wordsrepresentingthree important attitudescame up frequently in the discussions.

1. <1.>Listening to youngpeopleto the questions and possibilities they have.
2. <2.>Daring to find newways to make the Gospel present in our society and for youth.
3. <3.>Patience in journeyingwith them and being ready to wait a long time for results.

The European Provincialshave already agreed to set up a regional committee for the pastoralcare of youth and for vocationssimilar to the European Formation Bureau(cf. OMI Info #402June 2001). Proposals from the Frascati meetinghave been passed on to the core group preparing this committee.

Italy: Liturgicalmusic CD

The Italian Province inconjunction with the Movimento Giovanile Costruire (MGC)a youth movementclosely associated with the Oblates in Italyhas just put on the marketa compact disk under the title “Verbum Panis. Messa per coro”a Mass for choir. It is the second CD made by the Florence MGC choir.The first“Aquero” was a musical based on the Lourdes story.

Composer Mite Balduzzipreferred to use Latin for the ordinary parts of this Mass because hesays that language lends itself better to counterpoint than Italian.The disk has several new songs arranged by Walter Savelli for this newMass.

The Mass was sung forthe first time by the Florence MGC choir at the Marian shrine in Loretoon September 16 to celebrate the fifth anniversary of “Eurhope”Pope John Paul’s meeting with European youth in 1996.

The CD is available fromthe Mission Procure of the Italian Province for 35000 lire (about US$17.50).Procura delle Missioni OMI35 Via Alberico II00193 RomeItaly ore-mail to procuraomi@libero.it.

In the 2001 edition ofExcellent Catholic Parishes : The Guide to best Places and Practicesby Paul Wilkesthe Oblate parish of San Juan de Los Lagos in San Antonio(Texas) is rated as one of the excellent ones. The comments made aboutthe parish are: “Program for senior citizens makes a differencein this barrio parish; strong music program; welcoming atmosphere; vigorousreligious education program and leaders.”

Because of this listingThe San Antonio Express News also highlighted this parish ina feature article. Oblates have been ministering at San Juan for thepast forty years. Fr. Thomas OVALLE is the current pastor. (From TheOblate WorldOct. 2001.)

New Orleans:Ministry in the “Quarter”

Located on the edge ofthe French QuarterSt. Jude Shrine is a haven for the poor and needyof New Orleans. The Oblates who minister there work with people whoare searching for support and guidance in their lives.

Throughout the daypeoplefrom many different backgrounds are welcomed at St. Jude. Spouses strugglingwith failing relationshipsaddicts seeking freedom from drugs and alcoholthe despondent on the verge of suicidethe unemployed in search ofa jobmothers with sons in jailall come to St. Jude Shrine to findcomfort and inspiration. “The poor see a priest and they want totalk” says Fr. Joseph FERRAIOLIpastor of Our Lady of Guadalupeparishwhich is responsible for pastoral care at the Shrine.

St. Jude’s was originallybuilt in 1826 as a mortuary chapel for the victims of yellow fever.Laterit served as a gathering place for Confederate veterans of theCivil War. In the late 1800sItalian immigrants gathered there to worship.Todaythe Shrine sits between a public housing projectthe centralbusiness districtand the French Quarter.

The Oblates have ministeredin the French Quarter for several generations. For 78 yearsthey staffedSt. Louis Cathedrala landmark in the French Quarter. “It is veryunusual for an Order to run the operations of a cathedral” saysFr. Francis MONTALBANO. “But with so many immigrants living herethe archbishop turned to the Oblates because of our past experienceworking with the poor.”

St. Louis Cathedral nowprimarily ministers to tourists. The Oblates relinquished their rolethere in 1996 to concentrate on serving the poor and needy at St. JudeShrine.

One of the most popular events at the Shrine is theSt. Jude Novenacelebrated four times a year. Thousands of people fromthroughout New Orleans come for the novenawhich has been held since1935.

Through their ministryat the Shrine Oblates seek to help the needy of New Orleans improvetheir liveskeep the faithand experience the love and compassionof God. (From The Oblate WorldOct. 2001.)

Texas: Death-rowprisoner: “I die a Catholic…”

“The color had drainedfrom his face; they had shaved his head; the shirt he was going to diein was white…. Everything was the same color.”

That is how Fr John COLLINSdescribed the prisoner that he and Fr Hugh FINNEGAN had come to comfortbefore his execution in a Texas prison. The prisoner said that he hadnever practiced any religionbut after reading the Bible and seriousreflectionhe had come to believe in the Church and decided to havea priest come.

The two Oblates stayedseveral hours with himhoping that the sentence of death would be commutedat the last minute. The execution was set for two o’clock in themorning. At about one o’clock the prisoner asked for baptism. AsFr Collins poured the water on the prisoner’s head the guardsprison officials and journalists present fell silent. Finallywhilethe prisonerwalking between the two prieststook his last steps towardsthe place of executiona guard asked him if he had anything to say.He answered: “I die a Catholic and I am happy about that. I laymy sins before the Lord. I believe he will save me.” Then he kissedthe Oblates’ cross. The morning after the execution the newspaperswrote“This baptism was the most inspiring religious act everseen within the walls of the HuntsvilleTexas prison.”

It was in 1911 that thefirst Oblates began ministry in Texas prisons. In those days the prisonswere not very easily accessibleoften far from the cities. There wereno facilities for religious services. The chaplain had to find somesmall corner to listen to the prisoners and offer them the comfort ofreligion. But the Oblates never let themselves be discouraged. Overthe years more than thirty have ministered to prisoners in Texas andcontinue to do so today. (By Guy Gaudreauo.m.i. in ApostolatVol. 72No. 4.)

[Editor’s note: BothOblates mentioned above are no longer livingand the date of the incidentmentioned is not known. It is nevertheless an example of the many namelessOblates all over the world who carry on this kind of ministry so dearto the heart of St. Eugene. OMI Info welcomes contributions fromany Oblate who would like to share stories of how the Lord touches peoplethrough his ministry.]

St. Eugene’sexample

One of the Founder’sbiographersAchille Reynotes that it was thanks to St. Eugene’sefforts that a semblance of humane treatment was introduced into Aix’sprison. Eugene visited the prison every day “teachingconsolingencouraging them when they expressed the desire to return to the practiceof religion.” Rey reports the incident when St. Eugene accompanieda female prisoner known as la Germaine during her last days rightup to the scaffold. Condemned to death for heinous crimes“shewas so touched by Fr. De Mazenod’s exhortations that she was converted.She was so well disposed that contrary to practice at the timeFr.De Mazenod let her have communion…. Public opinion concerning thiswoman was considerably changed when they saw the poor woman walkingto the scaffold giving impressive signs of her repentance and docilitytowards the exhortations of the confessor who accompanied her with greatemotion. Words of compassion and mercy from the crowd encouraged therepentant victimand they loudly blessed the charitable apostle whohad so efficiently carried out this marvel of grace” (A. ReyVol.1p. 158).

Prison ministryin the 1818 Rule

The Founder not only setthe examplebut included prison ministry among the works to be givenpriority by his men. “We are never to forget that one of the principalends of our Institute is to help the most neglected souls. For thisreasonthe unfortunate inmates of prisons have a rightful claim uponthe charity of the Society.” He prescribes that they be visitedfrequently“at least on Sundays” taught their religiousdutiesencouraged to confess often and receive Holy Communion. Concerningcare of the condemned he wrote: “We will exhaust all resourcesthat Christian charity can inspire to help the condemned to preparethemselves well for death. We will accompany them even to the scaffoldand the missionaries will not leave them until they have breathed theirlastsince it is their duty to strengthen them in their final momentsagainst the assaults of the devilthe anguish of deathand the dangerof despair.” (1818 RuleFirst PartChapter Three§ 4.)

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50 Years of Priesthood

25 Years of Priesthood

+ 4 October 2001 in Poznan

1980