Pasquale CASTRILLI, OMI
As the Church in Europe changes, 28 foreign-born Oblates currently serving across Europe have gathered at Nikolauskloster, Germany, to process the reality of ministering in a culture not their own.
The “Crossing Borders” session provides an opportunity to share their personal experiences and challenges of adaptation and integration.
Sharing the Lived Reality
The “Crossing Borders” session started tonight at St. Nikolauskloster. It brings together 28 Oblates who were born outside Europe, mostly from Africa, Asia, and the Americas, but who now serve the Church in Europe. St. Nikolauskloster has been a spiritual powerhouse for the German Oblates since 1895, sending missionaries out to the world. Today, it hosts missionaries who have come in—missionaries currently serving in Norway, England, Ireland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, France, Spain, and Italy.
Throughout this weeklong session, these missionaries will have a space for honest dialogue about the reality of ministry in a foreign land. These Oblates are facing the real challenge of inculturation: how to authentically preach the Gospel in modern, secular Europe while navigating new languages and social norms. The session is designed to let them share that experience, discussing the struggle and the beauty of becoming “all things to all people” in a land that is not their own.
Accompanied by Leadership
Recognizing that internationality is the future of the mission in Europe, four Provincial Superiors are accompanying them throughout the week. Provincial Superiors Fr. Renuald SALIBA, OMI (France), Fr. Lorcan O’REILLY, OMI (Anglo-Irish), Fr. Christopher HEINEMANN, OMI (Central European), and Fr. Javier MONTERO, OMI (Mediterranean) are present at Nikolauskloster to listen and engage in the dialogue.
Formation and Dialogue
The work of the coming days will move between shared experience and theological reflection. Fr. Peter Claver Narh, Provincial Superior of the Divine Word Missionaries (SVD) and an expert on interculturality, will lead the group in examining the dynamics of mission across cultures. Fr. Raymond MWANGALA, OMI, Assistant General, is also scheduled to intervene. He will address the theme of internationality, drawing on the direction established by the 2025 Interchapter.
The session, prepared by a regional team including Frs. Renauld SALIBA (France), Joseph IRUDAYARAJ (Mediterranean/Spain), Eduardo NÚÑEZ-YÉPEZ (Anglo-Irish), Pasquale CASTRILLI (Mediterranean/Italy), and Mariusz BOSEK (Poland), runs through the week.
