Handcarved Boxes from Congo

Since the Missionary Oblates began working in Congo in 1931, they have established churches, schools and a seminary. Nearly 150
Oblate priests, brothers and seminarians live and work in Congo teaching in schools, training future Oblates and staffing parishes – many of which are in remote areas.

Father Adrien Gesse, O.M.I. lives and works in Congo. He focuses much of his efforts toward helping the poor people of his village find jobs and fair wages for their work. To help him achieve this goal, he works with the Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate to make the goods of local artists available to you, our benefactors.

Father Adrien hopes that this initiative will allow some of these impoverished artists to lift themselves out of the destitution that they know all too well. “Some of these artists have many children and they make a meager living by creating ancient cultural works of art. We Oblates want to help them help themselves through their God-given talents. Our ministry takes us very close to the poor, because for Oblates, reaching out to the poor is our special charism,” explains Fr. Adrien.

Each cross-shaped box is truly one-of-a-kind, so variations in pattern add to the beauty and charm of each piece. The small boxes measure approximately 6 inches and the large boxes measure approximately 8 inches. Perfect for holding rosaries and other religious items, these boxes will remind you daily of the Oblate missions and the people we serve around the world.