Dear Friend,

In St. John’s Gospel, Jesus said to His apostles before He was sentenced to death, “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever — the Spirit of truth. . . This counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you”
(John 16: 16-17, 26).

The Holy Spirit, whom Jesus bestowed on the apostles, is also with us. We may have felt the presence of the Holy Spirit at our Confirmation. I like to believe the Holy Spirit is always present, guiding us in our lives.

In this issue of Oblates, you will find examples of the Holy Spirit’s presence at work. Our feature article is about the native people of Bangladesh and how the Oblates are working with them to help them reclaim their dignity. Through a Fair Trade agreement, women of the Garo people are providing help for their families. The Holy Spirit surely shines in their work and dedication.

You also may want to read about the life of St. Anthony of Padua, who was guided by the Holy Spirit to find his calling and to save the souls of the thousands who heard him preach.

The Oblate Profile also shows the work of the Holy Spirit. Fr. Bill Morell, O.M.I., attributes the path of his Oblate life to the Holy Spirit’s help.

I hope you find this issue inspiring and that you feel the fire of the Holy Spirit within you!

Gratefully in the Lord,
Father Tom Singer, O.M.I.
Director