As priests and Brothers, we have complementary responsibilities in evangelizing.
Constitution 7
Passionate as a cooperator of Jesus the Savior, Eugene brought together the first Oblate priests in 1816 to make this ideal a reality for themselves and for the most abandoned. Nearly three years later the group realized that God was calling them to become religious. This meant that our Oblate identity was now first of all as consecrated religious – which made it possible for men who chose not to be priests to be missionaries. Each would bring his talents and abilities to the service of the mission in a complementary way. The history of the ministry of the Oblate Brothers throughout the world makes for inspiring reading.
In 1818 the Holy Spirit led the initial Oblate Family of priests to expand to include those who were not priests to be members. Since then, the Holy Spirit has led the Church to understand that the call to holiness is universal (Vatican II Lumen Gentium n. 5) and not the exclusively limited to the “call to perfection” of priests and religious.
Thus, over the years, lay persons have experienced the call to live the charism of St. Eugene together with the Oblate religious – each group having complementary responsibilities.
This leads to the question: “How do you see your responsibilities in evangelizing where you are and in whatever situation you find yourself.?”
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Complementary – combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of each other or another. Similar to the wording of Rule 37a: reciprocity.
Yesterday Frank shared with us how the first 6 Constitutions and Rules show us how we are called by Jesus and invited by St. Eugene de Mazenod. Not just as priests and brothers, but as members of the Body of Christ, serving each other and beyond…
My response to God sending me here to this part of Canada was yes and when he introduced me to the Oblates I was ready to find out more and respond yes to him and to St. Eugene de Mazenod. So much has been given to me and I am responsible for sharing and enlivening this way of being and loving with all those I meet, especially the poor and suffering. I am blessed that I am able to take part in the formation of some who would like to learn more about God, the Church and being a member of the Oblate Charismatic Family.
This kind of a response is only capable of being and growing when it is both personal and communal. My response is to evangelize and proclaim the Glory of God in our every day living. Ongoing formation is a necessity; not just an extra to experience in our lives.
¡Anda! We just buried the the two brothers in our community, Bro. Pete and Bro. Val. Both lived the missionary vocation with gusto and focus with their hearts on fire with the charism of St. Eugene and ever faithful to the vow of obedience. God be good to these two faithful sons. Moreover, at the convocation in Arizona, we saw Bro. Chava masterfully lead the process to facilitate our moving the province of priest, brothers and lay men and women into the future as Missionary Oblates sons of Mary Immaculate. The future is definitely the Spirit’s working with us in a synodal way. God bless us and may Mary always accompany us.