OUR LOVE FOR THE CHURCH HAS BROUGHT US INTO THE OBLATE FAMILY (C6)

Posted on July 14, 2025 by franksantucci

“Our love for the Church inspires us…” (Constitution 6)

Eugene’s love for the suffering Church led him to become the founder of the Oblate Family.

The Church, that glorious inheritance purchased by the Saviour at the cost of all his blood has in our days been cruelly ravaged…
The sight of these evils has so touched the hearts of certain priests, zealous for the glory of God, men with an ardent love for the Church, that they are willing to give their lives, if need be, for the salvation of souls.

Eugene de Mazenod’s Preface

In 1816 it was the hearts of “certain priests” that were touched, today it is the hearts of all of us that have been touched and have led us to respond according to Eugene’s spirit:

The call of Jesus Christ, heard within the Church through people’s need for salvation, draws us together as Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. (Constitution 1)

And

Lay people recognize that they are called to share in the charism according to their state of life, and to live it in ways that vary according to milieu and cultures.(Rule 37a)

As we prayerfully reflect on these Constitutions, may we grow in love for the Church and in our efforts to love Jesus Christ as we love the Church and vice versa.

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5 Responses to OUR LOVE FOR THE CHURCH HAS BROUGHT US INTO THE OBLATE FAMILY (C6)

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate Associate says:
    July 14, 2025 at 13:57

    I begin with the Spirit reminding me of the order that God brought to the chaos of the universe. It is as members of the Oblate Charismatic Family that God and St. Eugene restore and renew within us a greater and fuller sense of who we are in the eyes of God.

    The Holy Spirit who dictated to Saint Eugene this new order and rule of life within the heart of the Church, now helps me to recognize more deeply the implications of being a lay Oblate missionary in today’s world.

    This is not a lessening of who we are within this specific way of being as Oblate Charismatic Family members within the Church and God’s heart; rather it supplements who we are becoming (we are not yet there) within our Church and our charismatic family. Nor is this heresy in way, for it is God who calls and the Church which intensifies and enlightens this magnificent Rule of Life.

    The wealth and incarnation of each aspect of life is to be recognized within the Constitutions and Rules. It is in this way that we become pilgrims of hope in communion. The bonds that hold us together are the points of light in darkness and chaos are each unique, but part of bigger whole. No one particular constitution or rule stands on it’s own; it is within us that the flow of love restores and renews.

    As one community, family in the Church and God the flow of love intensifies within and beyond…

    Constitution 6 is but one focus that will join the others growing among and within us.

    Reply
  2. Kirk says:
    July 15, 2025 at 14:13

    Thanks Frank. Inspirational insights as always. God bless our Oblate family

    Reply
  3. Fr. Jack Lau says:
    July 15, 2025 at 14:37

    Thank you Frank. Good luck et bon courage in Rome. I appreciate you reflections.

    Reply

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