On Saturday, September 23, 2006 the Office of Charitable Gifts hosted the first annual celebration dinner to honor De Mazenod Society Members and Good Samaritan Members.

De Mazenod Society Members are donors who have contributed over $1,000 in gifts to the Missionary Oblates in the previous calendar year.
Good Samaritan donors have either made an Oblate gift annuity or have remembered the Oblates in their estate plans. The dinner was attended by 66 guests. Donors came from Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and as far away as Canada.

Fr. Tom Singer, O.M.I., was the master of ceremonies for the evening. The guests were treated to a presentation by St. Eugene De Mazenod himself, and his sidekick, Fr. Louis Studer, O.M.I. Also presenting was Terrence Peterson, a donor from Godfrey, IL, and Br. Reuben Sitali, an Oblate Novice originally from Zambia.

Mrs. Deanna Goon from Ontario, Canada, had this to say about the event:

“I came with my son and daughter-in-law and it was all ‘great.’ The people were friendly, generous, and hospitable. This was my first trip to the Shrine and I found it ‘wonderful.’ I loved the Church and the Resurrection Garden. The Stations of the Cross were my favorite. I brought my son on this trip because he was cured of cancer a couple of years ago and I wanted to introduce him to the Oblates who prayed for him. Next time, I plan on bringing my daughter.”

Miss Marie Quail, 85, from Ontario, Canada, also wanted to share her experience:

“I came from Canada, and I came alone! I had to take two buses and a train to get to the Toronto Airport and it only cost me $2.05! Then, there was a direct flight to St. Louis.

The employees of the Missionary Oblates really took great care of me while
I was there. This was my third trip to the Shrine and there have been some changes since I was there last, but they have all been for the better. The dinner was wonderful and I had a great time. I thoroughly enjoy the Shrine, I see it as a ‘Holy Place.’ I hope I can do it again!”

The event was well received by those donors who attended and will become an annual event.

For more information, please contact Nicole Yocks at 1-800-233-6264 ext. 3216 or nyocks@oblatesusa.org.