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:<\/p>\n
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.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Eugene de Mazenod\u2019s Diary, \u00a0August 1837, EO XVIII<\/em><\/p>\n At the present moment in the Inter-Chapter, Eugene’s heart must have been filled with joy:<\/p>\n “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: \u201cThe 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\u201d (PHC 18.2).<\/em><\/p>\n 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.”<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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 … Continue reading