From the Desk of...
Fr. Lou Studer, O.M.I.

Dear Friend,

For almost 200 years, Missionary Oblate priests and brothers have carried on the legacy of our founder, St. Eugene De Mazenod, serving the poorest of the poor worldwide. The Oblates have touched thousands of lives and continue reaching out to the poor today.

The following pages of this edition of Oblates will reveal a bit more about some of the Oblates’ current ministries. You will discover the tremendous work of the Oblates in Colombia who are reaching out to street children and giving them a chance to thrive. You will meet Fr. Adrien Gesse, O.M.I., who has facilitated our first Oblate Fair Trade Initiative to help his impoverished community in Congo, Africa, make fair wages for their handcarved crafts. You will even have the opportunity to receive some of their beautiful work.

Another important feature of this edition will tell you about the Oblate Prayer Campaign for our benefactors. You see, when St. Eugene De Mazenod founded the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate to become servants of the poor, he knew that it would never be possible without the prayers and support of others. Which is why, in humble thanks for their supporters, Oblates devote themselves to offering daily prayers on their behalf.

If you are reading this magazine, you ARE a co-missionary! Your continued interest and generous support is essential to our mission. Thank you for helping us carry God’s message of hope and love to the poor in over 70 countries throughout the world.

Gratefully in the Lord,

Fr. Louis Studer, O.M.I.