OMIWORLD

The Central Government and the Major Superiors of the Africa-Madagascar region will hold their joint session in Dakar, Senegal, from March 18 to 23.

While Christians are on pilgrimage towards Easter and Muslims are beginning Ramadan, Senegal will echo the calls to prayer and devotions typical of this season. This experience will be a novelty for many of the participants. Perhaps we will also hear the call to work towards building human solidarity between people of all faiths, echoing the Pope’s recent messages alongside Islamic leaders. In a world characterized by conflict and discord, unity is paramount.

Let us remember and honor the memory of the countless victims of wars and injustices across Africa who are often overlooked by the media but cry out for recognition and redress. Furthermore, Africa’s blessed land is suffering the consequences of climate change and relentless exploitation.  Let us pray to God, who knows what is in each person’s heart, and attend to the call to conversion by walking together to make our world more just and fraternal.

The Africa-Madagascar Region has the highest number of Oblates and the most members in first formation. It is a region rich in missionary initiatives and Oblate identity committed to the poor. Additionally, there is an explosion of youth groups and associates sharing our charism and mission.  Whenever I visit a unit, I ask myself: What is special and unique about the way this unit, this region embodies the charism, that needs to be shared with the entire charismatic family? 

Most members of the Central Government are traveling to the different Units of Africa with great emotion, learning about this “uniqueness”, and thanking God for the fresh energy that is rejuvenating the entire congregation. Is it Africa’s time? I think it’s been a long time coming. Our forthcoming joint session will be an opportunity for this to become tangible and shine forth. Please accompany us with prayer so that we can be bold and continue to grow as a united and missionary family with the poor.

Suffrages for our Deceased Brothers

I recommend to your prayers the soul of our departed brothers:

Bro. Damien PROULX, OMI from the Province of NOTRE-DAME-DU-CAP who died on February 29, 2024, in Richelieu, (Canada) at the age of 93 and 72 years of oblation.
Fr. Herman HOSTENS, OMI from the Delegation of BELGIUM & NETHERLANDS who died on March 4, 2024, in Veurne (Belgium) at the age of 86 and 60 years of oblation.
Fr. Herbert BROMLEY, OMI from the ANGLO-IRISH province who died on March 5, 2024, in Donegal (Ireland) at the age of 91 and 70 years of oblation.
Fr. Joseph BOUVET, OMI from the NOTRE-DAME-DU-CAP province who died on March 10, 2024, in Richelieu (Canada) at the age of 93 and 73 years of oblation.

Chicho ROIS, OMI