VIVAT: A PRESENCE WHERE DECISIONS AFFECTING THE FUTURE OF THE POOR ARE BEING MADE (Rule 9a)

Posted on November 17, 2025 by franksantucci

Responding to the call of the Spirit, some Oblates identify themselves with the poor, sharing their life and commitment to justice; others are present where decisions affecting the future of the poor are being made. (Rule 9a)

Father Daniel LeBlanc is based at the United Nations in New York, and is involved in VIVAT, a faith-based non-governmental organization rooted in Catholic social teaching, which has grown into a global network of over 17,000 members from 12 religious congregations operating in 121 countries.

Founded in November 2000 by the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) and the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS), VIVAT International takes its name from the Latin verb vivere—“to live.” This name reflects a deep commitment to promoting life in all its fullness, especially for the most vulnerable. The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) joined in 2009, bringing with them a deep-rooted presence in marginalized communities and a shared dedication to global justice.

VIVAT’s strength lies in its dual presence: deeply embedded in local realities while actively engaged on the international stage. Holding Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and being associated with the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC), VIVAT brings grassroots voices into global decision-making spaces. Whether advocating for human rights, environmental justice, or sustainable development, VIVAT serves as a bridge between people and the policies that shape their lives.

(https://www.vivatinternational.org/vision-mission/)

See also: https://omiusajpic.org/2025/07/10/4th-financing-for-development-ffd4-takes-place-in-sevilla-spain/

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One Response to VIVAT: A PRESENCE WHERE DECISIONS AFFECTING THE FUTURE OF THE POOR ARE BEING MADE (Rule 9a)

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate says:
    November 17, 2025 at 13:37

    This morning we are reminded about the work of Father Daniel LeBlanc OMI, and so many others around the world who have been called to be present “where decisions affecting the future of the poor are being made” (Rule 9a). Truth be known: whether have met them before or not they lead and accompany us as we are all sent out into the world and live out our preference for the poor.

    Eugene de Mazenod found himself being silenced by the Church for a period of time due to political decisions: and we in our own lives can expect to be treated in much the same way (without all the headlines and news reports) as we go about serving the poor in the manner is given to us by God. For the members of the laity who are drawn towards a life of oblation: we too are called to lovingly serve God, the Church, all of life and sometimes particular ministry(s). We may also be met with slurs, accusations, condemnations and judgements of unworthiness.

    We are all sons and daughters of St. Eugene de Mazenod and while there might not be a lot of recognition in the sense of what is being done in today’s world we know who we are and how dearly we are loved: by God and those we walk with.

    As for Fr. Daniel LeBlanc OMI: every time a see a photo of him I am reminded that like me he is from Canada and there is a connection and inspiration. There is not any difference when I meet an Oblate, no matter their origins and I am inspired and grateful for all that they share with me and others who are like me. We too need to connect with others who are present as we make our personal and communal decision affecting the future of the poor to whom we belong.

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