With nearly five decades of experience as an Oblate, Fr. Tom Singer, O.M.I., brings a wealth of wisdom and knowledge to his new role as Director of the Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate. As he focuses on his new position, he follows two principles that have guided him through much of his life.

“As Director, I want to do two things: Be Approachable and Available,” he said. “Many people can be very approachable, but not available enough to help you when you need them. The opposite is also true. I want to be as helpful as I can, and I never want people to think that they cannot approach me with their concerns.”

With this calm and open attitude, Fr. Tom has played an important role as facilitator of many different organizations. On one notable occasion, Fr. Tom helped reconcile the relationship between a fellow Oblate, Fr. Tissa Balasuriya, and Rome.

In 1990, Fr. Tissa published a book that was condemned by local Sri Lankan bishops, and eventually, by the Vatican. After some unpleasant communications, Fr. Tissa was excommunicated in 1997. However, with a “reconciliation team” led by the Superior General, Fr. Tom facilitated a week-long process that allowed Fr. Tissa to work through his problems with the Vatican. He was welcomed back into the Church at a reconciliation ceremony in 1998.

“In that situation, the most important thing to do was listen,” Fr. Tom said. “We spent the first few days just listening. There was a lot of built up emotion around the subject, and I had to create a safe climate where people could feel free to talk. As a facilitator, you have to recognize your role is to help a group or a person do everything they can. Eventually, we were able to work it all out.”

This skill as a facilitator has served Fr. Tom well over the last six years as General Councillor for the Oblates in Rome. As General Councillor, he spent one-third of each year traveling to the Oblate missions throughout the world. This firsthand experience increased his respect and admiration for the Oblates in the missions.

“It began with my breakthrough trip back in 1963,” he reminisced. “I traveled to Recife, Brazil, and it changed me. I had never seen true poverty before. I want to facilitate the work of the missionaries because they are the ones on the frontlines. They are the generous, dedicated people.”

Now, Fr. Tom wants to serve as a facilitator for the Missionary Association to carry on support for the missions.

“We can support the missions in many ways: spiritually, psychologically, and financially.”
While developing plans for the Missionary Association, Fr. Tom readily recognizes the previous achievements of the organization.

“I have a high regard for Fr. Studer,” Fr. Tom said. “He’s a truly talented man.”

Now with Fr. Studer as the Director of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Fr. Tom hopes that together they will continue to improve the work of the Missionary Association in its efforts to support Oblates throughout the world.

“I hope we can all work together on this. I value and appreciate everyone’s efforts towards this great goal.”