In This Issue:
From Horseback to Bicycles - The Oblate Trail Ride
Oblate Parish in Denmark Celebrates 50 Years
First Oblate Ordained In Turkmenistan
More than 150 years ago, Missionary Oblates arrived on horseback to carry the Gospel to the people of Texas.
Today, hundreds of bicyclists annually retrace the path of these brave pioneer missionaries.
“The riders take the same trail that Fathers Bretault, Parisot, Keralum, Janvier and Telmon once traveled to bring the Gospel to the rancheros along the Rio Grande River,” said Fr. Mike Amesse, O.M.I. pastor at Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Brownsville, Texas.
These first Oblates in Texas were commonly referred to as the “Cavalry of Christ” because they rode horseback throughout the vast Rio Grande region. The Oblates, in wearing black soutane with the Oblate Cross hanging from their necks, fanned out on horseback to serve hundreds of scattered ranches in southern Texas.
The Oblates were caught up in the tumultuous events of the region’s early history: border lawlessness, civil wars in the United States and Mexico, yellow fever and hurricanes. Seven Oblates died during the early years of the mission, leading the Oblate founder, St. Eugene De Mazenod, to exclaim, “Cruel Texas mission!”
The path the Oblates traveled between Brownsville and Laredo became known as the Oblate Trail. It has been designated a historic landmark by the Texas Historical Commission.
As Texas became more settled, the Oblates accepted new ministries including parishes and schools. They founded Oblate School of Theology in 1903. When the automobile replaced the horse, the Oblates brought the Mass to the scattered ranches by using an oversized van that enlarged as a tent to become a chapel.
Today there are nearly 100 Oblate priests and brothers ministering in Texas. Ten Oblate scholastics are studying for the priesthood there. The Oblates are involved in numerous ministries including parishes, schools and retreat centers.
Each year the annual Oblate Trail Ride is held to celebrate the more than
150 years of Oblate presence in Texas. The event attracts a variety of participants, from trail riders on horseback to die-hard cyclists. Riders can take routes ranging from 12 miles to 115 miles.
The most recent trail ride was held on May 21, the feast day of St. Eugene. The day marked the 150th anniversary of St. Eugene’s death.
Riders left from the parking lot of Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Brownsville with a blessing from Bishop Daniel Flores. A cowboy on a horse led them through the start of the trail.
Many riders completed their journey at La Lomita Chapel, a small church outside of Mission, Texas. There a rally was held to commemorate the contribution Oblates have made in bringing the Catholic Church to Texas.