Formation
is one of the most important aspects of Oblate missionary life.
As we look at the 150th Anniversary of the Immaculate Conception
dogma, we recognize how far we’ve come and how far there is still
to go.
Peru – Oblates in Peru are
redoubling their efforts in formation. They have set a goal for
themselves of 40 members by the year 2015. Moving away from being
individual ministers, the Oblates are striving to build a
missionary team which could function in a spirit of unity and
cooperation. There are currently six scholastics and four
pre-novices.
Zambia – At a recent meeting
in Lumulunga, the Zambian delegation noted that growth was
the most promising reward from the Zambian missionaries.
Currently, there are 45 men in the process of vows. These
men will go on to support such emerging Zambian ministries such as
Oblate Radio Liseli (light) and the newly built parish, fittingly
titled, Mary Immaculate.
Poland – As the largest Oblate formation house in
the world, the Oblate Seminary in Obra, Poland, is a cornerstone of
formation. In fact, it has recently celebrated its 75th
anniversary. More than 500 Oblates who have studied at Obra are
currently in service to the needy. Over half of these graduates
serve in foreign missions.
India – In India, the
Oblates emphasize attention to young people. As of the year 2000,
with only 29 Oblates in perpetual vows, they looked after 103 young
people in seminaries, juniorates, and parish-based boarding facilities.
Vocations are so strong in India that of the 40 members in the
community, only three are not from India.
