2023 marks the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi constructing the first Christmas crèche in a cave in Greccio, Italy.  To mark this special anniversary in our faith history, we invite everyone to share a picture, or video, of their crib whether it is at home or in the workplace. As every crib has...

Please find attached the December 2023 issue of Oblate Connections in PDF format and a new interactive format called Epub which is used for digital books and is supported by many e-readers, and compatible software is available for most smartphones, tablets, and computers. When you open the PDF version, you may be given an option...

We join Superior General, Luis Ignacio ROIS ALONSO, OMI, for this year’s Christmas Message:   Merry Christmas: “May your heart be filled with peace, love and joy; let glad tidings be your reason to smile!” “Dear Brother Oblates, Lay Associates and the entire Charismatic Family, As we come together in the warmth of this Christmas...

Dear friends, we invite you to join Christine on the island of Anglesey for today’s prayer. Jesus said to the crowds, ‘To what can I compare this generation? Just like children who sit in the marketplaces and call to one another.’ This metaphor Jesus uses identifies adults who act like children, who stand divided, shouting...

It is with regret that the Oblate Community announces the death of Fr Des O’Donnell OMI. Des died peacefully surrounded by his family, the Oblate Community and Care staff of the House of Retreat on Friday, 8th December 2023, Feast of Mary Immaculate.   Funeral arrangements are below.   May Des rest in peace.  ...

10th December 2023 2nd Sunday of Advent A(I) “Essential Christmas requirement” When we come back to the beginning, looking at the example of John’s ministry, we cannot escape this main challenge he puts in front of us – our first and main Christmas preparation requires one – and one only – to truly trust in...

Dear Oblates and Members of our Charismatic Family, I hope this message finds you well and filled with the grace of our shared mission. I am thrilled to announce my upcoming Pilgrimage of Hope to Lesotho, a sacred land steeped in Oblate history and a spirit of missionary zeal. This journey holds immense significance for...

Good morning all, and welcome to morning prayer. We join Pádraig Corcoran in Dublin for today’s prayer. Pádraig is the director of Oblate Youth Ministry. Two words always jump out from this gospel passage; the words “rock” and “sand”. It reminds us of something said by St Thomas More. Are our lives like our lives...

December 8, 2023, is addressed to Oblates and members of the charismatic family. The Superior General expresses gratitude for prayerful companionship throughout the year, during which the central government members made a pilgrimage to places serving the poorest. The message emphasises the Oblates’ mission to the poor and the profound impact of serving them. The...

This article has been taken from the Denis Hurley Centre Newsletter. Find out more about Denis Hurley Centre – www.denishurleycentre.org So many of us have been troubled by what has happened, and continues to happen, in the Middle East and wonder how to respond. As Pope Francis has said: “War is always a defeat.” We...