Te Deum: A Time for Reflection and Gratitude

Antoni BOCHM, OMI Vicar General

At the end of 2024, on behalf of the Central Government of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, we thank God and all who have journeyed with us this year. It’s been a busy stretch, with many events, visits, sessions, and decisions.

The end of the year is always a moment to pause and reflect on what we’ve been through these last 12 months. It’s a chance to see the good that came our way and the good we did for others. It is also a moment when the entire Church intones the Te Deum in gratitude to God, who guides us daily. At the same time, we ask forgiveness for the moments we failed, made mistakes, and disappointed ourselves or others. The close of one year and the start of another inspires fresh plans and resolutions.

At the end of 2024, on behalf of the Central Government of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, we thank God and all who have journeyed with us this year. It’s been a busy stretch, with many events, visits, sessions, and decisions. It was also a chance to strengthen our common bonds, though we only spend four or five months together each year.

We thank God for the newly appointed provincials, vicar provincials, bursars, delegation superiors, formators, and those who professed their final vows. We’re grateful for guidance in finances and other decisions. In all these moments, we sing Te Deum for God’s support.

The wider Church saw significant happenings in 2024. The second session of the Synod on Synodality took place in Rome, with three Oblate bishops attending. Many other Oblate bishops came for their ad limina visits. We also celebrated the opening of the Jubilee Year.

Within our Congregation, we held two Joint Sessions: one for the Africa-Madagascar region in Dakar (in March) and one for the US-Canada region in Washington (in July). In Rome, we hosted two Orientation Sessions for Major Superiors in June and November, with about 30 participants each. In Aix, we led four sessions: one for CCRR animators in June, one for pre-novitiate directors in August, and two De Mazenod Sessions (in Spanish and English). Our committees, the General Administration, and the General House Community contributed greatly. We also thank every Oblate and member of our Oblate Family for your dedication, service, and hospitality as we visited your missions and communities. Thanks to you, we felt at home everywhere we went.

Still, 2024 brought its share of challenges: tensions grew among nations, and many people fled danger, persecution, and extreme poverty. We stand in solidarity with those suffering and our Oblate brothers who serve in risky areas. May peace soon touch every corner of the world.

We begin 2025 with hope. Pope Francis opened the Jubilee Year of Salvation and opened the Holy Doors. Its theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” reminds us that our true hope is in Jesus and that we should bring this hope to everyone, especially those searching for it. We entrust ourselves, the people we serve, and all who suffer to the Merciful Lord.

For the Central Government, 2025 promises to be just as active. Rome will host several Jubilee Year events, including the Congress of Oblate Youth in July. We’ll hold a Joint Session with the Asia region in the Philippines, preceded by unit visits and the Inter-Chapter meeting in India, where we’ll discuss various matters, including our structures. Another Orientation Session for Major Superiors will occur in Rome in October, along with a De Mazenod Session in Aix (French). We also have three Plenary Sessions and many other gatherings ahead. We sincerely appreciate everyone who helps and collaborates with us.

May God guide us through 2025, pouring out blessings, and may the Holy Spirit give us strength and light. We extend our best wishes to all Oblates, everyone in the Oblate Family, and all our friends and benefactors.

May God stay close to you and Mary Immaculate watch over you. Happy New Year!

– Antoni BOCHM, OMI
Vicar General

With thanks to OMIworld Rome.