Saint Eugene’s dream of the Oblate Family being the most united family in the world is seen in his description of the 1837 General Chapter of his missionary family:
The Chapter gave the image of a family, united around its head, in which all the members are making great efforts to become worthy of their mission. The most fraternal cordiality reigned throughout. The greatest zeal to attain the perfection of their vocation and attachment to my person and to the Congregation were manifested effusively. We left with the firm intention of profiting greatly from the lights that God had showered on the assembly and to work efficaciously for our own perfection and the advancement of the holy work confided to us.
Eugene de Mazenod’s Diary, August 1837, EO XVIII
At the present moment in the Inter-Chapter, Eugene’s heart must have been filled with joy:
“The second part of the day turned to the Lay Associates, who share in the Oblate charism. Inspired by 1 Cor 12,4-12, the conversation revealed that their collaboration is not a strategy but a spirituality, a way of living together in the Church by listening to the Spirit in diversity. Recalling the mandate of the last Chapter, participants prayed with the words: “The Lay Associates recognize their mutual vocational call to the charism, their profound sense of belonging together, and their commitment to mission lived out through the charism of St. Eugene” (PHC 18.2).
Listening to the Spirit through one another, the community recognized more clearly the growing role of the laity and lay associations. Their contribution touches parish ministry, solidarity, ecology, prayer, and education. Their testimonies expressed joy in service, while underlining the need for deeper recognition and structured spiritual accompaniment. The gift of the lay and the youth is undoubtedly of the Spirit. The Assembly affirmed that the Oblate charism is not exclusive to the Oblates, but to the entire Church. For this reason, there is a call to accompany, promote, and form Oblate Lay Associates and their associations.”
What a gift to read, to taste and to make our own as we “recognize our mutual vocational call to the charism, our profound sense of belonging together, and our commitment to mission lived out through the charism of St. Eugene.” (Ref. PHC 18.2)
The first time I was invited to take part in, to serve the Oblates at an OMI Lacombe Convocation I witnessed the joy of the Oblates as they entered and renewed their family relationships, as well as meeting other members of their Oblate Family. Then at the next convocation being able to take part in that joy with Oblate Associates – some of them for the first time. I am sure that our shared joy must have been evident to everyone else.
Our mutual vocation which is so much more than the role that we live out in our daily lives; rather it is the spirit of how we live out our various roles in life. Mutuality becomes our way of living and loving. Our responses may look a little different, depending on our cultures and milieu but it is the Spirit who invites and accompanies us through members of this Oblate Charismatic Family.
We are pilgrims of hope in communion – so much more than just a “catchy” name. Nor is it a matter of how we are called. It is the Spirit herself who touches us in such a specific way that we are unable to help ourselves. Our hearts continue to find a home…
God is always the initiator of all life. Through him and with him and in him…