Joint Session of the Central Government and the Africa – Madagascar Region
18-23 March 2024
Day 4 – Thursday, March 21
Fr. Antoni presided over the Mass, delivering a homily that stressed the importance of balancing law and reason with the art of discernment, a process deeply intertwined with prayer and seeking God’s will. He urged the congregation to embrace the gift of their calling with courage, dedicating themselves wholly to God’s service.
The assembly also heard from Father General, who introduced the administration members and elaborated on their mission. He accentuated the Oblate presence in Africa and expressed gratitude for the dedication shown across the continent. Father General emphasized the foundational role of Christ in leadership, advocating for a personal relationship with Christ as the cornerstone of our faith and mission. He shared his vision of sanctity for each Oblate, urging them to place Jesus Christ and His gospel at the core of their lives, fostering a community animated by planned and purposeful engagement.
A significant focus of the meeting was on the charism of the Oblates, emphasizing the necessity of living this charism within the community. The general service of justice, peace, and integrity of creation (JPIC) was discussed, acknowledging the challenges in animating these areas, especially in the Africa Madagascar region. This reflection led to a broader discussion on environmental stewardship and social justice, highlighting the Oblates’ role in advocating for these causes.
The youth ministry was another critical area of discussion, with Fr. Simon Pierre Badji highlighting the importance of pastoral care for young people. Acknowledging Saint Eugène de Mazenod’s special love for youth apostolate, he called for enhanced support for youth projects, aiming to foster their faith and involvement in the Church’s mission.
The session also carved out space for lay associates from the Senegal Guinea-Bissau delegation to share their experiences and challenges. Discussions revolved around the history and evolution of their association, ongoing formation for laypeople, and the vision for closer collaboration between lay associates and the Oblates to further the Church’s mission.
In his closing remarks, the Father General reiterated that the charism of the Oblates is a gift to the entire Church, underscoring the collaborative journey towards serving the poor and marginalized. This gathering served as a spiritual renewal for the participants and a reaffirmation of their dedication to living out the gospel and engaging in a mission that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.
The Oblates of Mary Immaculate and their lay associates left the session renewed in spirit and more committed than ever to their calling, ready to face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in their shared journey of faith and service.
