On July 25 the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows welcomed a new Director – Fr. Tom Ovalle, O.M.I. Father Tom comes to the Shrine with an abundance of experience in faith formation and spiritual guidance.

As Fr. Tom settles into his new role, he reflects on the challenges he faces. “I’m sure that there will be many details, schedules and routines that will be different from my previous roles, yet all ministry essentially is about being called to care and serve others,” he says. “Here at this holy place, we are called to care for those who come looking for an inviting quiet space, to provide a welcoming place that brings hope and healing…especially where the pressures and tensions of the world seem to weigh heavily on one’s heart and shoulders. In a sense, that is what all ministry is about. I know that this already happens here at the Shrine and I want to join in that wonderful ministry of care.”

Father Tom has long been part of the Oblate family. He was born in San Antonio, Texas in 1950 and grew up in an Oblate parish. At age 15 he enrolled in the Oblates’ St. Anthony High School Seminary in San Antonio. “It was during high school that I really got to know the Oblates,” said Fr. Tom. “They made a positive and lasting impression upon me.”

Ordained to the priesthood in 1977, Fr. Tom was first assigned to teach at his old high school. After eight years at St. Anthony he took a campus ministry position at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, ministering to young adults for five years. He then returned to Texas where he served in two parishes, two retreat houses and another campus ministry position.

Prior to becoming Director of the Shrine, Fr. Tom was the Oblate Director at Oblate Missions in San Antonio. Oblate Missions is one of the fundraising and evangelization ministries of the Oblates. It was one of the first Catholic fundraising ministries in the country to focus on the Hispanic community, and is now considered a leader in that field. One of the ministries of Oblate Missions is the Lourdes Grotto of the Southwest. The grotto is a major spiritual center in San Antonio and home to a variety of devotional events throughout the year.

Father Tom looks forward to the changes that lie ahead as he becomes familiar with his new assignment at the Shrine. His arrival allowed him to experience the planning and implementation of the Annual Way of Lights. His first experience with the Way of Lights was fifteen years ago. He reflects, “I was at a meeting in Belleville during Advent and had the occasion to drive through the sights and sounds. But now there’s even more – including camel rides!” Father Tom is surprised by the amount of work that goes into the annual event. “There is a lot to do, but our co-workers can take all the credit,” he said. “The energy and commitment of each one of them pays off when our visitors experience the beauty of all these acres and the thought that goes into each event and program.”

Of the Shrine, Fr. Tom adds, “We have certainly taken to heart the yearly theme of our Solemn Novena, for everything that we say and do around here has as its end Healing and Hope. I pray that we will never lose sight of this.”