September 17
This morning, after prayer, Fr. Ferdinand Owono presented the report of the Africa-Madagascar Region. The capitulars then met in small groups to develop questions and comments on the report. Then, in the Assembly, a dialogue was held on the African Oblate reality. The same procedure was used for the reports of the Latin America and Caribbean Region, presented by Fr. José Ariel Martínez, assisted by other members of the Region, and for the Asia-Oceania Region, presented in the afternoon by Fr. Christian Fini.
The second part of the afternoon was dedicated to the Oblate Laity. Sandra Prather (Canada), coordinator of the group; Gigi Velasquez Espinosa (Philippines); Pauline Thomas (Wales, UK); Sebastian Cortes (Chile); Michèle Mbeukeu (Cameroon); Mildred March (South Africa) and Stefano Dominici (Italy). After introducing themselves, they reported to the Chapter on the conclusions of the 2nd World Congress of Oblate Lay Associations held in May 2022. They passionately communicated their wishes and dreams for the future and presented some concrete recommendations to the Chapter. At the end, the capitulars burst into loud and warm applause. The Superior General thanked them for their presence and work during the first week of the Chapter – tomorrow, Sunday, they will return to their places of origin – and he presented them with an Oblate rosary.
