Latin America

This region comprises the mostly Spanish-speaking part of the Americas, with a few exceptions. The Missionary Oblates are present in several countries across the vast area, including Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, Venezuela, Surinam, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina and Chile. The Oblates also have missions on the islands of Cuba and Haiti in the Caribbean.

The Oblates have been ministering in some parts of Latin America for a long time, such as Uruguay since 1931, whilst other missions in this area, such as Cuba, were only established recently. Although Latin America is renowned for a deep sense of Catholicism, we also know from its history that the Church has been persecuted there over many centuries. In addition, Latin America often faces a great power struggle between the rich and poor.

“We are members of the prophetic Church…We announce the liberating presence of Jesus Christ and the new world born in his resurrection. We will hear and make heard the clamour of the voiceless.” - OMI Constitutions & Rules, C. 9

The Missionary Oblates work in all areas of evangelisation within the vast continent, but most especially pay attention to the rural poor who do not receive pastoral care from the mainstream Church; the youth who are often forgotten and neglected; migrants who are just trying to find a better home; workers who are exploited and used; and the sick and addicted who are ostracised. Our mission is always to those who are poor and most abandoned.

Fr Jesse Esqueda OMI explains the work of the American Oblates amongst the youth of Tijuana, Mexico

Our Spanish sisters (Las Oblatas) join forces with our missionaries in Peru and bring young lay missionaries to work amongst the poor and remote communities