From 22–25 October, 30 members of the De Mazenod Family gathered at St Eugene's Retreat Centre in Newborough, Victoria, for the 2026 DMF National Gathering. Participants travelled from Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria, joined by several Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, to share in a weekend of faith, friendship, formation and community.
Guided by the theme One Heart, One Family, One Charism, the Gathering offered an opportunity to deepen our understanding of St Eugene de Mazenod's vision and reflect on what it means to live the Oblate charism today. Formation sessions explored the foundations of the Constitutions and Rules, the place of lay people within the wider De Mazenod Family, and our shared responsibility to carry the charism forward in mission.
Throughout the weekend, participants heard personal reflections from members of the Lay Association Formation Program, shared in the experiences of those who travelled on the recent De Mazenod Family Charism Pilgrimage, and explored the international dimensions of the Oblate family through stories of mission and service. Time for prayer, liturgy, Eucharistic Adoration and reflection provided opportunities to encounter God both personally and as a community.
Just as importantly, the Gathering created space for conversations, laughter, renewed friendships and new connections across states and generations. Whether gathered around the table, sharing stories or praying together, participants experienced something at the heart of Eugene's vision: a family united not simply by a common history, but by a living charism.
The weekend concluded with a special Commissioning and Associates Commitment Ceremony, marking an important milestone in the life of the De Mazenod Family in Australia, as six members made their commitment as Oblate Associates.
We give thanks to everyone who participated, contributed and helped make the Gathering such a meaningful experience. May the relationships strengthened and the seeds planted throughout the weekend continue to bear fruit in our communities and ministries across Australia.
One Heart. One Family. One Charism.