In preparation for our patronal feast, we recall Eugene\u2019s decision to change our name to Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Once the decision had been made, and Eugene had requested this new name, he was filled with joy at having done the right thing.<\/p>\n
\nOblates of the Immaculate Mary. But this is a passport to heaven! How have we not thought of it sooner?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Letter to Henri Tempier, 22 December 1825, EO VI n 213<\/em><\/p>\n
\u00a0Eugene \u201cseems to become aware of the fact that, even if he had always loved Mary, he had not yet understood the essential role she played in the plan of Redemption. In searching for the patron who best expressed the goal of his Congregation \u2013 that is a person walking in the footsteps of Christ, committed to the apostolate of service and to the instruction of the poor \u2013 he had not thought of Mary. While in Rome, he understood who Mary really was. The title of the Congregation was thus born from a discovery that, in order to respond in an authentic way to the urgent needs of the Church, its members should identify with Mary Immaculate \u201cto offer themselves\u201d to the service of God\u2019s plan of salvation like she did.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Casimir Lubowicki, \u201cMary\u201d in the Dictionary of Oblate Values, http:\/\/www.omiworld.org\/dictionary.asp?v=9&ID=1056&let=M&pag=4<\/a><\/p>\n
Today: \u201cMary Immaculate is patroness of our Congregation. Open to the Spirit, she consecrated herself totally as lowly handmaid to the person and work of the Savior. She received Christ in order to share him with all the world, whose hope he is. In her, we recognize the model of the Church\u2019s faith and of our own.<\/em>\u201d CC&RR Constitution 10<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
In preparation for our patronal feast, we recall Eugene\u2019s decision to change our name to Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Once the decision had been made, and Eugene had requested this new name, he was filled with joy at having done … Continue reading