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IN THIS ISSUE
From the Desk of
Fr. John Madigan, O.M.I.
Oblates Begin Mission with Secularity
Dear Friends,
I was recently in the small Appalachian town of Jenkins, Kentucky
where for four decades the Oblates ministered at St. George Catholic
Church. Today the parish is in transition because its most recent pastor,
Fr. Ed Randall, O.M.I. had to move into a retirement home.
For 28 years Fr. Ed shepherded the small congregation. He ministered in simple ways, carving the Last Supper scene on the altar, lending a hand to elderly parishioners who needed home repairs and listening to young people dealing with crisis in their lives.
You never would have known that this humble man was a major influence
in the life of one of the Catholic Church’s most famous people. Mother
Teresa opened a home for abused women in Jenkins and for 15 years she and
Fr. Ed were close friends. Father Ed accompanied Mother Teresa on many of
her U.S. trips and conducted a retreat for her sisters in India.
In this issue of Oblates Magazine you will read about Oblates who like Fr. Ed are ministering in humble yet extraordinary ways. There is a team of Oblates in Indianapolis ministering to people who have lost their faith. You will read about two Oblates who rose to the highest ranks in the community and then went to Zambia to be among the poorest of the poor. You will read how the Oblates have had a profound effect on one of America’s most famous singers.
I thank you for walking in step with the Oblates as we minister in simple, but profound ways. Please keep the Oblates and all those we serve in your prayers.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. John Madigan, O.M.I.
Oblate Director