Oblate News

Building Bonds: Insights from the Recent Major Superiors’ Gathering

Noel GARCIA, OMI Secretary General

Article is taken from, Cor Unum – OMI World

The recently concluded Orientation Session for Major Superiors, held from June 7 to 22, 2024, offered an invaluable opportunity to meet the servant leaders of various Oblate units in person. This session allowed me to connect faces to the names I had previously known only through email exchanges about information, documents, requests, inquiries, and communications. It was truly gratifying to see their faces, shake their hands, and engage with them during the session.

My responsibility was to orient them about the General Secretariat, its functions, and responsibilities. Together with Ms. Alessandra Spano, our office assistant, and Fr. Bizama GANAVA, OMI, the administrative assistant, we guided them through the operations of the General Secretariat. We also took the opportunity to communicate our needs from the units to keep the General Secretariat updated and expressed our commitment to assist them. Additionally, we discussed what the Major Superiors require for a more effective collaborative relationship with the Secretariat. Our team emphasized that the General Secretariat is always ready to support them and their respective units.

In collaboration with Fr. Sakubita LIKE, the Procurator General, I also provided input on administrative and legal issues. Before my presentation, I invited the Major Superiors to participate in an icebreaker activity featuring a video titled “Yakity Yak,” which helped set a relaxed and engaging tone for the session.

The session was not just about orientation and learning but also a celebration—a celebration of brotherhood and the bonds formed during our time together. It reinforced the message that they are not alone in their journey of servant leadership; they have the full support of the community. We hope that the Major Superiors return to their respective units filled with confidence and hope.

Noel GARCIA, OMI
Secretary General