OBRA, POLAND
08-07-2019
During the weekend, the inter-capitulars had some time to rest and visit the city of Poznan. The visits included a tour of the city square and the Holy Eucharist and a festive meal at the provincial house of the province of Poland. The archbishop of Poznan, His Grace Stanislaw Gadecki, welcomed the inter-capitulars to his episcopal palace later during the day. In his address, he thanked the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate for the great work they do within the archdiocese of Poznan. He praised their zeal in the pastoral activities of the dioceses.
After some time of rest and visits, on Monday, the inter-capitulars entered into a 2-day retreat. This retreat comes to revive the inter-capitulars and remind them that all missionary activities are centred on the person of Christ. The retreat-master, Fr. Vlastimil KADLEC, reminded the inter-capitulars that the charism of the founder is still alive and vibrant in our contemporary society. Centred on the experience of the disciples of Emmaus, he invited the inter-capitulars to take some time and heave three deep sighs which he referred to the ‘three oufs’. The first sigh is of gratitude, the second of being assured, and the last sigh of relief. His morning and afternoon sessions were centred on love: the love of God for the world, and his loving presence in times of trial. He reminded the inter-capitulars that God’s Love is at the centre of life. He insisted on the fact that The Love of God is founded on what humanity gives to God, it is about what God has done and continues to do for humanity.
Left: The retreat-master, Fr. Vlastimil KADLEC; Right: Preparing for the “Breaking of bread”.
Constitution 4 reminds all Oblates that the Cross of Christ is at the centre of their mission. It is in line with this constitution that the day concluded with a celebration of the Cross. As Fr. Vlastimil had greatly insisted on reconciliation and mutual love in community life, time for personal confession was accorded to all inter-capitulars.
