“January 25 1816 is the beginning of our congregation, characterized by the missionary spirit of Eugene and his companions to respond to the situation of the Church by preaching the Gospel to the poor and most abandoned. They responded to this missionary call by coming together in poverty and joy to live in apostolic community.”
Father Louis Lougen OMI
The all-important first day of community life for the Missionaries was obviously a story often repeated in all its details. In his Memoires, Father Tempier, described it as: “This memorable day that I will never forget for as long as I live.”
As I begin this extraordinary day which is also the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul I find it more touching than ever before – perhaps because of my studies as we delve ever more deeply into the charism.
There is joy and wonder as I look at the title – two hundred years of proclaiming the greatness of the Saviour – the Oblates and with Mary Immaculate, Patroness of the congregation! That one sentence alone – to recall it over and over as I study and as I go to a special Mass at St. Paul University – founded by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate.
I think of some of special days in my life when I first ‘met’ the Oblates, when I first said to one of them that God had given them [Oblates] to me and me to them. “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;” And I think of the many special times and days since then and my experiences – “and my spirit rejoices in God my savior…”
How for me the Oblates, their charism, the Mazenodian Family and a quite specific way of thinking and living has become foundational [God’s immense gift] “and the Mighty God has done great things for me,” It all began with him and is in him, with him and through him – “and holy is His name!”
Today I shall return again and again to this, remembering the milestones of my life since first receiving this most particular gift from God, and meeting Eugene. I will carry them as I study and as I go to Mass and as I return to my studies. Each moment an opportunity to stop and give thanks. This will be how I today will proclaim the greatness of the Saviour.
A Blessed and Joyous Feast Day to you all!