A REQUEST FOR AN OBLATE VICARIATE
The Vatican had divided the diocese of Jaffna into two and appointed Bishop Bravi to Colombo. Eugene wrote to Propaganda Fide:
While the Christians in the vicariate of Colombo are more numerous, much richer, and more generous, the schools in the vicariate receive 100 pounds sterling from the government every year. The schools in the Jaffna vicariate receive nothing at all.
Because Jaffna would be the poorest area after the division, the Oblates wanted to consolidate their missionary presence there.
I am speaking about this because I have had the occasion to write to you and the idea I would venture to submit for your Excellency’s consideration would be to obtain from the Sacred Congregation that the vicariate of Jaffna to be served totally by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, and that an Oblate, for example Fr. Semeria whom I have often praised, be chosen as coadjutor of the present Apostolic Vicar with the right of succession. I feel that this measure would ensure the good of that Vicariate which would prosper thanks to unity of discipline and conformity of views. It would then be possible to attach greater importance to the propagation of the faith, establish a house of education and, if possible, a seminary. All of this would be possible for a religious Congregation, but very difficult for isolated priests working on their own.
Letter to Bishop Barnabo, Secretary of the S. Cong. of Propaganda Fide, 27 February 1850, EO V n 13.
This request would only be fulfilled six years later.
REFLECTION
In those days when means of communication were so difficult, it was important to ensure a unity of approach in missionary endeavours. This is why Eugene began to request that when an area was to be confided to the Oblates, then the Bishop of that area, who also acted as the religious superior, would be an Oblate. We have had several examples of this in our history.
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I can only imagine what it is like for the many in today’s world who a few have deemed unworthy to be in the same stratosphere that they have created for themselves. I think for a moment of one of the early Start Trek shows when the crew of the Enterprise found themselves in the stratosphere of a planet used their gifts of super intelligence to make the main planet’s people serve them with a disdain that was incredibly cruel. Today such treatment is not a show on TV but rather the main headlines and matters of the news. The main players in this strategy to use the entire world for their own not so private enjoyment and playground. It is no longer covert and whispered but out loud for the richest and cruelest in our world.
Like Eugene we find ourselves unable and unwilling to ignore what is happening to the new poorest of the poor. We who look on what is happening feel horrified and helpless; what if that happens to us?
Especially in these times of brokenness, violence and a general disregard for others it is important for all the members of our Oblate Charismatic Family to act as one, lovingly serving God, the Church and each other; and then taking that to the many poor who seemingly want to lessen life for those who have less than them. It is perhaps easier, at least for me, to pray in this light for them who want to rule this world…
The “Animation Material” sent to all of us by Fr. Chicho, our Superior General offers and invitation in how we might approach and walk together as Pilgrims of Hope in Communion. It offers all of us an intentional and foundational way to walk and pray together as a community, a family…
“We achieve unity in our life only in and through Jesus Christ. Our ministry involves us in a variety of tasks, yet each act in life is an occasion for personal encounter with the Lord, who through us gives himself to others and through others gives himself to us.
While maintaining within ourselves an atmosphere of silence and inner peace, we seek his presence in the hearts of the people and in the events of daily life as well as in the Word of God, in the sacraments and in prayer. We are pilgrims, walking with Jesus in faith, hope and love.” (C 31 of the OMI CC&RR)