Ten thousand young people came to Lourdes, France, during the Pope’s recent visit. Among them were four thousand French and three thousand Italians. Four thousand stayed in the buildings or tents at the Youth Village, which is entrusted to the Oblates. “In my opinion,” says Fr. Saverio Zampa, O.M.I., “one can divide these young people into three categories: the curious, those who are searching for something, and those who decided to have a faith experience. The latter give themselves body and soul to it.”

The Pope’s visit to Lourdes was also a special time for the international community of Oblates who work at the Shrine. On Saturday, August 14, the Oblates joined the other chaplains at the Massabielle Grotto to recite the Angelus with the Pope. That evening, during the candlelight procession, Fr. Yves Chalvet, O.M.I., carried the gold rose offered to the Shrine by Pope Pius IX. Then, on Sunday, August 15, all the Oblate coordinators introduced the Mass presided by the Pope and concelebrated with him and the other chaplains.

Shortly before his departure, Pope John Paul II received all chaplains at the Notre Dame reception building. The Oblates were present with sixty youth volunteers of the Youth Service, who sang for the Holy Father under the direction of Fr. Zampa.

In Dhaka, Bangladesh, Fr. Frank Santucci, O.M.I., reports that nearly three-quarters of the country is under water, and more than 200 people are reported to have died. Floodwaters cover 40% of the capital city Dhaka. With more rains expected, experts fear an outbreak of cholera.
Upon arriving in Dhaka, Fr. Frank found some 150 families, about 400 people, had taken refuge on the Scholasticate property. The people are everywhere on the premises, even occupying the living quarters of the community. “Our scholastics are doing a sterling job among the people bringing hope and comfort and soothing frazzled nerves,” he says.

The last time this happened was in 1998. It was two months before the refugees were able to either return to their homes, or find alternative accommodations. The Oblates in different mission centers are working around the clock to alleviate the misery of the people in whatever way
they can.