Dear Friend,

Although we’re already into February, I still want to wish you a Happy New Year! 2007 is a special year for me. This year I’ll celebrate my 10th anniversary as Director of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows.

My time as Director of the Shrine has been filled with many blessings. I’ve worked with so many dedicated people who truly believe in the Oblates’ charism. Also, I’ve met some very special people who come to the Shrine in search of hope. Their faith in Our Lady and Our Lord strengthens my own.

This issue features an article about my time at the Shrine and at the Missionary Association, our organization that raises funds to support the Oblates’ important ministries. I’ve found that after ten years, I’ve left quite an impression and people aren’t shy about sharing!

This year is also special for the Oblates and pilgrims in Lourdes, France. This entire year is devoted to preparing for the 150th anniversary of the Lourdes apparitions in 2008. The cover story explains the important role of the Oblates in Lourdes and how they carry on Our Lady’s message centuries later.

The Oblates’ ministries are all around the world, including in Africa. A special feature on the AIDS pandemic in Africa shows the Oblates’ important work with the sick and the survivors.

It’s all about hope. The stories in this magazine are filled with hope - hope for the pilgrims coming to the Shrine, hope for the prayerful at Lourdes, hope for the suffering in Africa. Hope for the present; hope for the future.

I pray you find hope within these pages.

In the love of Our Lady,
Fr. Louis Studer, O.M.I.
Director