Oblate News

Canada-USA Joint Session: Collaboration and Challenges

OMI World

From July 7 to 12, Washington, DC, hosted the Canada-USA Joint Session, a crucial meeting for the Central Government of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Well organized by local Oblates and lay staff, the session was led by Dr. Scott Woodward, who recently retired as President of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio (OST). Additionally, a team of scholastics, organized by Fr. Fernando VELÁZQUEZ, OMI, provided outstanding hospitality, liturgical support, and translation services, ensuring everything ran smoothly.

One of the standout moments was the visit to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. This visit connected us deeply with the history of the African diaspora, complementing a recent trip to Gorée Island in Senegal, the departure point for millions of enslaved Africans sent to the Americas.

The session focused on the region that includes the Canadian provinces of Assumption, Lacombe, Notre Dame du Cap, and the United States Province. These units share common goals, such as working with immigrants, Indigenous communities, and parishes, and focusing on forming laity through retreats, shrines, and theology schools.

Despite facing significant challenges, such as declining vocations and evangelizing in an increasingly secular society, the session fostered open and respectful dialogue. Three of the four units are experiencing a decrease in numbers and have many retired Oblates. Additionally, three units cover vast geographical areas, spanning up to five time zones between their farthest missions. Despite these challenges, the linguistic and cultural diversity in their ministries (French, Polish, Spanish, English, Vietnamese, and Indigenous languages) remains a powerful source of hope and missionary zeal.

The support from Oblates in other regions has been essential for this area, which has historically supplied much personnel for Oblate missions worldwide. The region is becoming more intercultural, reflecting demographic changes in Canada and the United States. Collaboration among the provinces has been strong over the years, and this session reaffirmed their ability to strengthen the Oblate community and mission.

A wise Oblate once said, “When all is said and done, more is often said than done.” However, this session showed that significant progress can be made in addressing challenges and seizing opportunities with goodwill and leadership.

Jim BROBST, OMI     
General Councilor, Canada- U.S. Region

This article has been taken from OMI World