Apart from the grace of the recognition of the Oblates and the Rule, the approbation event also confirmed us in our new name. Eugene had arrived in Rome to ask for the approbation of the “Oblates of St Charles” (see: https://www.eugenedemazenod.net/?p=6238 ) and instead he had been inspired into asking for approval of the new name: “Oblates of Mary Immaculate.”
May we truly understand who we are! I hope that the Lord will grant us this grace, with the assistance and protection of our holy Mother, the Immaculate Mary, to whom we must have great devotion in our Congregation. Does it not seem to you that it is a sign of predestination to bear the name of Oblates of Mary, that is, consecrated to God under the patronages of Mary, whose name the Congregation bears, like a family name shared with the most holy and Immaculate Mother of God?
It is enough to make others jealous, but it is the Church that has given us this beautiful title, and we receive it with respect, love, and gratitude, proud of our dignity and the rights it gives us to the protection of the Almighty before God. Let us not delay any longer in using this beautiful name
Letter to Fr. Tempier in Marseilles, 20 March 1826, EO VII n. 231
Once the Church had approved this title, and all that it meant, then Eugene could say that it was the Church who had given us this name.
