CENTRAL EUROPEAN PROVINCE

Fr. Sebastian Büning, OMI

On February 2 and 3, 2021, we had the pleasure to experience a first in our province. Since a meeting in Hünfeld was not possible due to the pandemic situation, our Provincial Assembly this year took place online.

The fact that such an online meeting has its advantages was shown above all by the number of participants, which was higher than usual. About 60 participants (Oblates, Oblatas and associates from Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic) were present via zoom, and about 30 followed the meeting on You Tube.

On Tuesday morning, Fr. Felix REHBOCK, the Provincial Superior, gave an overview of the state of the province and the current challenges and new beginnings within the framework of our jointly developed “Vision 2024”. There was also some time for exchange and discussion.

On Wednesday, the morning hours and a part of the afternoon were dedicated to the theme “Interculturality in our Province”. We heard a presentation on this by Fr. Peter Narh, SVD, who is a proven expert in this field. Earlier in the morning, we had already met online some of our “international confreres” who will be coming to our Province in the coming months. Another part of the Wednesday afternoon was reserved for reports from the many commissions and teams of our province: Vocation ministry, Mission with Youth, Lay Associates, Oblate Studies and Social Media Evangelization.

In spite of all the limitations, it was a successful meeting that strengthened the bonds of our Oblate family.