Raymond MWANGALA, OMI
The 2023 Orientation Session for Major Superiors concluded with Mass presided over by the Superior General, Fr. Luis Ignacio ROIS ALONSO, OMI, on Saturday, December 2, 2023.
Key moments of the Session
Prior to the Mass, the Superiors spent time reflecting on their experience and doing an evaluation. Many of them spoke positively of the experience, highlighting some key moments: the workshop on leadership led by Br, Joseph McKee, FMS, the presentation on animation around the Oblate charism led by Fr. Paolo ARCHIATI, OMI, the visit to St. Peter’s Basilica during which they concelebrated in the Mass at the tomb of St. Peter and then the visit to the excavations, the various presentations by members of the General Administration, the visit to the International Roman Scholasticate (IRS), etc. Others spoke appreciatively of the fraternal spirit in the General House, among the Superiors themselves, and with members of the Central Government.
Appeal for Missionaries
The Superior General began his closing remarks by appealing for missionaries for Cuba, China, Turkmenistan, and Ghana. He pointed out that some of these are difficult missions, but they are missions that require the presence of Oblates. In his homily during the Mass, among other things, the Superior General reminded the Superiors that “Our ministry should lead us to grow in friendship with Jesus and with the poor.” Taking care of one’s heart so as not to grow weary by the demands of the ministry should be taken seriously, he said. Quoting from the Bible, he said, “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of the daily life and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.” He further explained:
“…I would like to draw your attention to this because we are often tempted to fill our emptiness or seek compensation with seductions and substitutions for the requirement to live our vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. We should be able to speak openly about it and allow ourselves to be helped to live our religious vows with joy and generosity.”
The heart of the Founder, St. Eugene
The closing Mass was celebrated in the presence of the relic of the heart of St. Eugene. At the end of the Mass, the Superior General blessed the congregation with the relic and invited those present to come forward to venerate it. It is the wish of the Superior General that each of the Major Superiors will carry within them a part of the Founder’s heart and will grow in the virtues which fired his heart.
Notre dame de la Garde
With their faces turned to the statue of the Oblate Madonna, they all sang the Salve Regina, remembering how the early Oblate missionaries would leave the Port of Marseille – the last thing they would see as they sailed off to the missions was the statue of Notre dame de la Garde. With the Mass and closing rituals concluded, they all shared in a fraternal moment of aperitivo and lunch with the General House Community. During the lunch, the community took the opportunity to wish the Superior General a happy 60th birthday (December 4).
A New Phase Begins!
The session was intense and filled with a lot of information. There is a lot to be digested. With the close of the session, a new phase has begun in the lives of our brothers. We wish them well and God’s abundant blessings in their ministry.
