1826, February 17 – Ecclesiastical approbation by the Pope of the Congregation and its Rules, under the title of Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. The charism of Eugene was recognized as having its inspiration in the Holy Spirit
Rejoice with me and congratulate yourselves, my beloved, for it has pleased the Lord to grant us great favours; Our Holy Father the Pope, Leo XII, gloriously reigning from the chair of St. Peter, has sanctioned with his apostolic approbation, on March 21 of this current year, our Institute, our Constitutions and our Rules. See then our little flock, to whom the Father of the family has kindly wished to open wide the field of the holy Church, given a place in the hierarchic order, associated with the venerable Congregations which have spread throughout the Church so many great benefits and enlightened the entire world with so bright a light; see her, right from her birth, enriched with the same privileges of those illustrious Societies, in the footsteps of which, with all her strength and all her means, she will certainly strive to walk steadily forward.
Letter to all the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, 1826, E.O. VII n.232
“Rejoice with me and congratulate yourselves, my beloved, for it has pleased the Lord to grant us great favours… with all her strength and all her means, she will certainly strive to walk steadily forward.”
The other night I had the privilege of celebrating the 90th birthday of one of our Oblates and it was an evening of joy and love and laughter. I experienced my own version of looking around and celebrating with my beloved Oblates. So great is the gift of love that God has bestowed on me – they, you , are my beloved, even back to Eugene and moving forward. My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.
These past few days I have had the joy of praying with a book called “Praying the Oblate Constitution and Rules” by Nestor Gregoire, OMI. There is a beautiful intimacy and connectedness in praying this way, of praying with. And my spirit exalts in God my Savior.
So great is this gift that God has given to me, to us. To be called, then to be chosen. Not something I would have asked for or sought out. Yet what could be more perfect? For He has looked with mercy on my lowliness and all generations will call me blessed…
It is thus we begin our day, that we “strive to walk steadily forward” in the footsteps of St. Eugene.