Dear Friend,

Welcome to a very special issue of Oblates. We’ve decided to devote this issue of the magazine to the whole of the Oblate world, from our founder’s first days to our most recent success stories.

Take a step back in time and read the powerful story of St. Eugene De Mazenod and his early missions in Corsica and Canada. Then, look at our Oblate profile, a highlight of our own Blessed Jozef Cebula, whose courage and faith were tested in a Nazi concentration camp. The tales of these two dynamic men are sure to be an inspiration.

In this issue, we also look at the founding of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. The Shrine is a wonderful ministry, attracting over one million pilgrims a year. In fact, my friend Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, recently shared this sentiment: “The Shrine is a perfect icon of the Oblate charism.”

I feel blessed to look back on the history of our congregation and find so much beauty, wisdom, and strength. Likewise, I am happy to share stories about the works of my Oblate brothers around the world, who follow in St. Eugene’s footsteps.

I hope you enjoy this issue as much as I do.

In the love of Our Patroness Mary Immaculate,
Father Tom Singer, O.M.I.
Director, Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate