The participants of the 37th General Assembly of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate also met with the Pope at the Vatican on October 3rd. On the occasion, the Pope encouraged them to spread the gospel light of hope, joy and peace throughout the world.
C. Rubini CTC, Vatican News
The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) was founded in 1816 in the south of France by Saint Eugene de Massenod.
Addressing the congregation, the Pope offered his greetings. OMI for six years Fr., who was elected as the new Superior General of the Church last Thursday. The Pope congratulated Luis Ignacio Roiz Alonso for the past 12 years of service and former Superior General Fr. Lewis also expressed his gratitude to Logan.
“Pilgrims of Hope”
Resolution chosen by the Oblates at their 37th General Assembly: “Pilgrims of Hope in Communion” means Pope Francis noted that the theme embodies their identity as disciples of Jesus, “called to bring the Gospel of hope, joy and peace” in an age darkened by wars and conflicts, the struggles of migrants and refugees, and an economy focused on the rich.
The Pope said that only the Gospel can ignite the light of hope. The main mission of the Oblates is to become pilgrims who travel the world to serve the Church in 70 countries, the Pope said. “It means always being ready to go with his disciples like Jesus,” the Pope explained.
“Pilgrims of hope, walk with the holy people of God, faithfully living your vocation together with the laity and young people who share the faith of your founder in the Church and who want to be an active part of your mission.” Papa reminded them.
Also, as “missionaries of hope,” learn how to recognize virtue among the poor, dare to evangelize the less fortunate, so that they “teach you the way of hope for the Church and the world,” the Pope continued.
The importance of living in community
“Living in communion today is a reliable foundation for the future of the world, the Church and consecrated life.” ‘This future must first be rooted in the communion between us, which must be nurtured “with all without exception”.
“I appeal to you to be promoters of communion through expressions of solidarity, closeness, synodality and fraternity with all.” Papa said.
Return to the source
Pope Francis noted that taking care of “Mother Earth” is crucial because our earth is the source that sustains us without asking anything in return. Similarly, the Pope went on to say that it is necessary to return to God the Father, the source of life and mission, to “that first love that made them leave everything to follow Jesus”.
The Pope asked that the tradition of St. Eugene, the founder of the Church, “rooted in mutual love for others and in “zeal for the salvation of souls,” should remain an index point of Oblate life. The Pope wished that St. Eugene’s great love and mission for the poor would inspire the Oblates to spread the love of God through faith.
“May Jesus always be your example in your great apostolic field, which covers the whole world, as in St. Eugene. He decided one day to offer his life before the crucified Savior, so that everyone, especially the poor, may experience the same love of God that brought him back to the path of faith,” the Pope recalled their church founder.
Look to the Blessed Mother as a model for the Oblate life
Focusing on the special grace Saint Eugene received before the statue of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception in Aix-en-Provence at a difficult moment for the monastic order, Pope Francis said the Mother can play a special role “as their fellow traveler” on the pilgrimage route.
Answering “yes” to God, Mary hastened to “share God’s gift and give herself in service.” Therefore, the Pope explained, the Holy Virgin can become a model of how to best live a life of service for the apostolic work and the people of God. Pray for the congregation of Oblates who continue the General Assembly and Oh. M. The Pope blessed the congregation and those associated with them and requested them to pray for him.