Oblate News

Australian Oblates Celebrate 125 years of Oblate Mission

Oblate Provincial from the Anglo-Irish Province attends

Australian Oblates Celebrate 125 years of Oblate Mission

The Oblates of Mary Immaculate celebrated the arrival of the Order in Australia and the dedication of St Patrick’s Fremantle as a Basilica from 15 – 18 August.

The Oblates first landed in Fremantle in 1894, under the supervision of Fr Gaughren OMI, the Anglo-Irish Provincial who was accompanied by two other priests, Fr Daniel O’Ryan OMI and Fr Roger Hennessy OMI. On the evening of Thursday 19 July, the three priests were welcomed to Australian shores by 350 people.

To mark this special occasion the Province hosted the De Mazenod Family Gathering in Fremantle, with the theme ‘Respond with joy to our call to Evangelise’. Sixty-three people from all around Australia and from a variety of ministries gathered together. These were made up of 40 lay people and 23 Oblate Fathers.

The event provided the opportunity to share and learn from each other, to explore the recent vision and mission document developed by the Oblates and to address the realities facing the contemporary life and mission of our Church.

On conclusion of the gathering, participants were asked to ‘Think Big’ and brainstorm on what can be possible now and into the future. A colourful array of ideas came to light many of which can be implemented in the short term and certainly some long term plans.

More importantly the participants left with a greater understanding of the Oblate Charism and a sense of renewed faith.

The weekend concluded with Mass at St Patrick’s Basilica commemorating the arrival, which was celebrated with the Oblates of Australia and Priests from the Archdiocese of Perth.

The Anglo-Irish Province was represented a these events by Oliver Barry OMI ( Provincial )