The Oblates Ongoing Formation event was held at the St. Therese Spirituality Centre in Ormiston, Brisbane, from March 4th to March 8th, and was a rich experience for all participants. The gathering commenced with an evening of heartfelt storytelling, where two esteemed seniors of the Oblates in Queensland, Fr. John Sherman OMI and Fr. Lewy Keelty OMI, shared their life journeys and ministerial experiences as Oblates in Australia. This session not only provided a platform for intimate sharing but also fostered a sense of fraternity among the 24 attendees.
The following day was dedicated to visiting various Oblate ministries, including Iona College, Rosies, Cannon Hill Parish, and St. Eugene's College at Burpengary. For some participants, this excursion marked their inaugural visit to these places, offering them firsthand insights into the diverse work undertaken by Oblate ministries across Queensland.
Continuing the momentum, the subsequent day featured an enlightening session led by Bp. Tim Norton SVD, focusing on intercultural community and mission. With his extensive background as a Divine Word Missionary and current role as Auxiliary Bishop of Brisbane, he helped us to appreciate the cultural difference each person brings to the Australian Province and to have a greater awareness of the challenges it brings also to individual communities.
The culmination of the event saw Fr. Chris Ryan MGL delivering a thought-provoking presentation on preaching in the secular context of Australia, drawing from his co-authored book, "Preaching On Purpose." Building upon previous discussions on secularism, Fr. Chris challenged attendees to preach with intentionality, recognising the presence of seekers within congregations and striving to nurture them into missionary disciples of Christ.
The gathering concluded with a session of candid and fraternal dialogue facilitated by the Provincial, Fr. Christian Fini OMI, addressing various matters concerning the Province. This reflective exchange provided a fitting conclusion to an enriching event aimed at nurturing ongoing formation among all Oblates.
In essence, the Oblates Ongoing Formation event served as a platform for spiritual enrichment, professional development, and communal bonding, reaffirming the commitment of participants to their ministry and the mission of the Oblates within the Australian context.
