Oblate News

The 37th OMI General Chapter 2022

“Pilgrims of Hope in Communion”

The 37th General Chapter of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate will be held in Nemi, Italy, from September 14 to October 14, 2022

The general chapter of a religious community or congregation is the largest decision-making gathering of representatives of a community from its various locations around the globe. In our case, representatives from all the Oblate missions and regions around the world will travel to Rome and meet together to encounter, pray, and discern together. This event happens every six years. During the chapter, a new Superior General (overall leader of the community) will be elected.

The theme of this Chapter is “Pilgrims of Hope in Communion. Fr Louis Lougen OMI, current superior general of the Oblate Community, says of these words, “Each of these words contains in themselves their own reflection.” We invite you to reflect on these words and what they might mean for you, and for all those who are living as Oblate People participate in the mission and charism of Saint Eugene de Mazenod.

We also invite you to join us in prayer for this event as pilgrims of hope in communion.

	Pilgrims: As a pilgrim people we are on a journey; following the path: the way of Christ; much like the People of God in the desert; like the disciples on the road to Emmaus; the community of the Way in Acts; like Jesus going up to Jerusalem; we are on a journey, missionary disciples on the pathway with all its twists and turns, its ups and downs. Along this way, we hear and listen to the Word of God which guides us, helping us to discern how to faithfully follow.
	Hope: A gift of God (Eph. 3:17-20); the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, as we place our trust in Christ’s promises not relying on our own strength, but on the help and grace of the Holy Spirit (CCC 1817). The life of prayer and contemplation sustains hope. “Leaven of the Beatitudes at the heart of the world” (C 11).
	Communion: The communion that exists among Oblates in apostolic community – “the most united family on earth” (St. Eugene). communion with the entire Oblate family in all its many manifestations. communion with others in the Church, with the Mystical Body of Christ. communion with all of humanity – (Fratelli Tutti). communion in Christ, who is our Communion. communion in the Trinity who calls and sends us forth on mission. communion that corresponds to interculturality. communion for mission: (C 7); “evangelizare pauperibus misit me” – evangelization in numerous ways.

“At the beginning of its history, your Congregation endeavoured to rekindle the faith that the French revolution was extinguishing in the hearts of the poor of the countryside of Provence and overwhelming many ministers of the Church. Over the course of a few decades, it spread into the five continents, continuing the journey that was started by the Founder, a man who loved Jesus passionately and the Church unconditionally.”

– Pope Francis addresses members of the 36th General Chapter, October 7th 2016 in Rome

Oblate Youth in Australia prepared this informative and interesting video giving an overall impression of the 2022 general chapter, with young people reflecting on the words of this Chapters theme; pilgrim, hope and communion:

Prayer for the 37th General Chapter
Pilgrims of Hope in Communion

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