Anniversary of the Approval of the Congregation and Rule

17th February
Anniversary of the Approval of the Congregation and Rule

17 February, 1826, ten years after the foundation of the Oblate congregation, the congregation and its Rule were officially approved by the Church. From the Rule and Constitutions, it states that these "...set out a privileged means for each Oblate to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. They are inspired by the charism lived by the Founder and his first companions; also, they have received the approval of the Church. Thus, they allow each Oblate to evaluate the quality of his response to his vocation and to becomea saint.”

The preface to the Oblate Rule sets out advice on how “…those who want to follow in the footsteps of their divine Master Jesus Christ (should) conduct themselves…

They must strive to be saints.
They must walk courageously...
They must wholly renounce themselves…”

As members of the De Mazenod Family, the above words of St Eugene to the Oblate priests can apply to us as well. As we mark the anniversary of the Church's official recognition of St Eugene’s vision - for an order of priests willing to “oblate” themselves or fully lay down their lives in order to bring others to Christ -let us spend a moment asking ourselves: How do we follow in the footsteps of Jesus, how can we present Him to those we come across each day?

How can we more readily lay down our own life for the other?

Click here to read the Letter by the Superior General to the Congregation on the Anniversary of the Papal Approval of theConstitutions and Rules.

Lenten Reflection - Fr Austin Cooper OMI

More reflection avaliable HERE

Fr Bernard O'Brien OMI, RIP

Fr Bernard Maurice O’Brien OMI, RIP

It is with great sadness that the Australian Province of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate received the news of the passing of Fr Bernard Maurice O’Brien OMI, on the 16th January 2021.

Fr Bernard was born on 12 December 1937 in Melbourne, one of four siblings, and educated by the Christian Brothers at Brunswick and North Melbourne. After meeting the Oblates through his summer holidays at Sorrento, he joined the Oblate Juniorate in Geelong in 1951 to complete his studies and discern his vocation. He joined the Oblate Novitiate at Sorrento in 1955 and was sent to study at Cedara, South Africa. He was ordained in Durban on 3rd February 1962.

His first obedience was to the teaching staff at Iona College from 1963 - 1977 followed by 5 years teaching at Mazenod College, Lesmurdie. Fr Bernard was one of the few Oblates who studied and trained specifically for primary education.

He moved from education ministry to parish ministry in 1983 as assistant at St Paul’s, Massey, New Zealand, for two years, then 6 years as parish priest at St Michael’s, North Melbourne. His next ministries were assisting at Dernancourt 1991 Apr- 95, Tea Tree Gully 1996 - 2000 and St John Vianney’s 2001 - 04. From 2005 to 2014 he ministered at Moe, the first 4 years as assistant, then as parish priest.

Early in 2014 he moved to Sorrento to assist, but his health deteriorated and in October 2018 he retired to Camberwell and moved the next month to aged care at East Hawthorn.

In January 2021 his health deteriorated and he died on 16th January at Cabrini Palliative Care, Prahran.

Fr Bernard was an open and approachable priest. His ministry was characterised by a warm and friendly pastoral approach, able to use his own sensitivities to connect with people very effectively.

We thank God for Fr Bernard’s faithful service to the Australia Province and Church for over 59 years.

The Oblates would like to extend their deepest sympathies and assurance of prayers to all of Fr Bernard’s family and friends.

Fr Bernard will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.

Christmas Message

De Mazenod Family Gathering 2.0

August 2019 saw us celebrate our inaugural De Mazenod Family gathering in Fremantle and was the beginning of setting up the De Mazenod Family Office. Nimmi Candappa was appointed as Charism Coordinator and shortly after, Emma Hoad joined the team as Charism Coordinator assistant. Emma Rice and Luisa Amati help round out the current team, bringing their expertise from their current roles. It was always the intention of the team to hold a gathering each year, with every second year being held online. With everything that has been thrown our way this year in 2020, we were all becoming familiar with zoom and the wonders that can be achieved with technology.

Sunday 29th November was the day we gathered. We had around 100 people gathered with most connected as individuals, plus a small number who connected in Parishes as a community. De Mazenod Family Gathering 2.0 was an opportunity for us to introduce our team, and be able to “see” them, given that COVID-19 stopped us in our tracks. We heard about the programs that have been developed, as well as how they might morph into the future. A tour of our digital platforms including our De Mazenod Family website, our YouTube Channel and our newly developed Learning Management System. 

We also heard about the plans that we have for the coming 12 months. Meeting with people in the communities as travel restrictions ease and travel remains safe, connecting with those who are abandoned or inaccessible, developing a national committee for the De Mazenod Family with a cross representation of as many of our mission’s communities as possible, planning for our next De Mazenod Family Gathering in 2021 in June, and more.

If you missed joining us for this year’s gathering you can find all the sessions plus questions from the discussion group on our De Mazenod Family website. 

Fr Daniel Szewc OMI. Doctor of Theology. University of Divinity, 2020

A Graduation Ceremony at the University of Divinity is usually a large impressive liturgical function. Each third year it takes place in either St Patrick’s (Catholic) Cathedral, St. Paul’s (Anglican) Cathedral or St. Michael’s (Uniting) Church in Melbourne and is led in prayer (a form of Evening Prayer or Evensong) by the respective Archbishop or Moderator of the Uniting Church. There is also the occasional graduation in Adelaide at St. Peter’s (Lutheran) College. The awarding of diplomas and degrees is then conducted by the Chancellor of the University. This year, the ‘lock-down’ regulations due to the Covid19 pandemic, meant that a scaled down form had to take place and it was conducted on Zoom: most participants sitting in their own home.

In these very ‘low key’ circumstances Daniel Szewc opted to graduate at the Adelaide ceremony this December rather than wait for the Melbourne graduation, usually early in the first semester. The Prayers were recited in St. Pater’s College Chapel with the Chancellor present: everyone else was in their own locality. Nonetheless it was a very moving ceremony and three graduands were invited to speak, among them Daniel, the only Doctoral candidate to graduate. Daniel paid gracious tributes to the University and its ecumenical ethos, his local campus (Catholic Theological College) and his supervisors, Professor Austin Cooper OMI and Dr Phillip Gleeson SDB. He found the whole experience ‘democratic’ in the sense of fostering a willingness to listen to various points of view.

It is also fitting to pay tribute to Daniel. The long hours of research required for a doctorate are rarely understood or appreciated.  Daniel was among the several Oblates to have had to do all this while undertaking his usual pastoral responsibilities, the days of study leave for three years or more are for most a thing of the past. Yet despite his heavy work load, Daniel produced a very original analysis of the ministry of St. Eugene as a model for New Evangelization.  This required a familiarity of the writings of the Founder along with placing them in the context of the times in which he ministered. Daniel produced a thesis with a quite original structure, involving a sympathetic reading of St Eugene and his ‘reading of the signs of (those) times’ and written in clear and elegant English prose.  His work deserves the warm appreciation of his fellow Oblates and indeed of all who are concerned about preaching the timeless message of the Gospel in these times.  Well done Daniel!

AORC Gathering on Mission with Youth

On the 21-22 November, representatives from all across the region came together for the Asia-Oceania Regional Council (AORC) Gathering on Mission with Youth. Over the two days, representatives from Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam had the opportunity to explore the Congregation’s Vision and Mission Document for Mission with Youth and develop an AORC network for Mission with Youth.

Originally planned to be held in Hong Kong in January 2020, it was postponed to August 2020. Unfortunately due to COVID-19 and restrictions on travel, the gathering moved to an online format. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as more representatives were able to attend. The gathering began with prayer before each of the Units had a chance to share and introduce the work they are doing with the youth in their Unit. The rest of the gathering was spent exploring and discerning the Vision and Mission Document. Each session began with a short video presentation that introduced the 3 goals of the Vision and Mission, which was then followed by each Unit spending time discussing and exploring each goal and how it applies to their youth ministry. Units were asked to look at what they are currently doing in their mission with youth, what they are doing well, what could be improved and to come up with some new ideas or actions to implement in the future. After each Unit session, there was an opportunity to share with the whole region. Hearing from each Unit was very insightful and showed that many of the challenges we face in our mission with youth are universal and not just specific to our own Units.

The AORC Gathering on Mission with Youth was an incredible opportunity for the region to come together and share, forming new connections and strengthening old ones. Although we are from many different countries and cultures, we are united in our passion for the work we do with the young people in our region.

AORC Gathering on Mission with Youth

Vietnam

Australia

Vietnam

India

West Bangal Region, India

Vietnam

Hong Kong

De Mazenod Family Gathering 2.0

Sunday 29th November, 2020
2:30pm AEDT
2:00PM ACDT
11:30AM AWST

Following on from our Gathering in Fremantle in 2019, we will once again meet as a community, as a family. This year’s gathering will take place online via Zoom.

We are excited to share with you our new Vision & Mission Statements, the projects we have been working on throughout 2020 and the projects we are aiming to complete heading into 2021. If you attended the 2019 Gathering we encourage you to attend and reconnect with the De Mazenod Family and the people you met at the inaugral gathering. Everyone is welcome to attend the Gathering and see where we are heading into the future as the De Mazenod Family.

The Gathering will run for around 1.5 hours and we ask that you register your details in the form below so we can send you the link to the Gathering closer to the event.

If you have any questions, please email: demazenodfamily@oblates.com.au

Fr Donal Madigan OMI, RIP

Fr Donal Francis Madigan OMI

It is with great sadness that the Australian Province of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate received the news of the passing of Fr Donal Madigan OMI, on the 14th August 2020.

Donal Madigan was born on the 20th May 1937, in inchicore, Dublin and was educated at CBS James Street (Christian Brothers). He joined the Oblates in 1956 at Cahermoyle, studying first at Belmont from 1957 to 1959, and then at Piltown from 1960 where he was then ordained on the 24th February 1963. He was one of seven young men from his street who became Oblates, including Patrick Dwyer.

Donal wanted to be sent to minister in Africa, however in May 1963, he received an Obedience to Australia. He spent his first 4 years in Victoria, at Sorrento, Camberwell, Springvale North then Moe. In 1967 he moved to Fremantle where he was the assistant priest for 5 years. In 1972 he returned to Moe as Parish Priest, until January 1975. He spent the next 6 years as Parish Priest at St Mary’s Star of the Sea, Sorrento before he was sent to Massey, New Zealand from 1981 to 1988, assisting and then as parish priest.

In 1989 Donal became parish priest at Eagle Vale, where he stayed until January 1995. Donal then spent the next 6 years as parish priest at Our Lady of Lourdes, Lesmurdie WA. He then spent 5 years at Sefton, both as parish priest and assisting. He continued assisting at Lesmurdie and Burpengary before returning to Eagle Vale where he spent 6 and a half years before retiring on August 7, 2018 in Camberwell.

Fr Donal was a gentle, genuine, caring priest, always interested in people and their wellbeing, and with a big heart. He was very much a people’s person, gregarious and loved company. He was a devout priest who loved good liturgy and his fellow Oblates.

The Oblates would like to extend their deepest sympathies and assurance of prayers to all of Donal’s family and friends.

Fr Donal Madigan will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.

If you would like to live stream Fr Donal Madigan's funeral please click on the link below. Private Funeral to be held on Thursday 27th August, at 5:00pm (AEST) which will lived streamed https://tobinbrothers.com.au/tribute/details/17241/Fr-Donal-Madigan-OMI-Mass/obituary.html#tribute-start

St Kieran's Catholic Church, Moe 1970 - 2020

St Kieran’s Catholic Church, Moe
1970 - 2020

On Sunday 9th August 2020 the parishioners of St Kieran’s, Moe, now incorporating Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Newborough, gave thanks to God and celebrated the 50th Anniversary, The Golden Jubilee, of the opening of the present St Kieran’s Church, Moe.
The history of St Kieran’s Parish, Moe commenced in 1949 with the establishment of this new faith community. Bishop Ryan, then Bishop of the Diocese of Sale, invited the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate into the Diocese to pastorally care for the people of St Kieran’s, Moe. This pastoral care extended to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Newborough in 2014 under the new banner of Parishes in Partnership, through the pastoral care and guidance of the new parish priest, Fr Harry Dyer OMI.

The original two storey building (left) included the church on the ground level and St Kieran’s primary school on the top floor, commenced construction in 1948. Fr John Ryan OMI was appointed the first parish priest of St Kieran’s parish in 1949 and in that same year the church and school were blessed and opened by Bishop Ryan, Bishop of Sale.

In 1965, after 16 years of prayer and service planning for a new church begun under the guidance of Parish Priest, Fr Thomas Shortall OMI. In 1969 the building of the new St Kieran’s Church was approved. The cost of St Kieran’s Church was just over $67,000.00 with a seating capacity of 500 people.

On Sunday, 9th August, 1970, after much hard work and with an atmosphere of great excitement, the new St Kieran’s church was blessed and opened by Bishop Arthur Fox, Bishop of Sale. Fr John Dunlea OMI, Parish Priest, Fr John Hannah OMI, Oblate Provincial, fellow Oblates, and local clergy were in attendance. A large gathering of Moe parishioners, with family and friends from near and far, joined in this faith filled celebration.

In 1999 St Kieran’s parish celebrated 50 years with a written history of the parish entitled ‘A Great People’. Thankfully, this title still rings true to this day. The Official Souvenir booklet has two different references.

From the very beginning there were many nationalities and since its foundation, Moe Parish has been blessed and assisted by generous parishioners serving the community and the wider De Mazenod Family. It is the people of God who are the life of any parish. However, the physical building of St Kieran’s church is also an important reminder to passers-by of the presence of God amongst them, even if they do not frequent our community on a regular basis. The building makes a strong and imposing statement that the life of faith is still alive and active through its people and the doors of welcome are always open. The original description for the church building in the Official Opening Souvenir Booklet highlights this: ‘The porch and main entrance are soaring up inviting people’.  Today, this remains a great witness to all who pass by.

Currently the Oblates pastorally caring for the Parishes in Partnership are Fr Harry Dyer OMI, PP,
Fr Nadeem daniel OMI and Fr Vincent McGillicuddy OMI.

Sadly, on this milestone Sunday in 2020, amidst our new restricted way of life due to covid-19, we can only remember this occasion, rather than our usual prayerful gathering for the Eucharist, followed by a joyful community celebration in Oblate Hall. However, more importantly, we can still give thanks to God for the gift of the many faithful who have been welcomed and passed through the doors of St Kieran’s church to celebrate faith filled family events such as Baptisms, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Weddings, Funerals, school Masses, Anointing Masses, Anniversaries etc and, of course, the weekend and weekday celebrations of the Eucharist which is the source and summit of our Christian lives.

Together, over the 71 years of St Kieran’s parish, parishioners, priests and religious, have continued to strive to live and be faithful to, the ‘Joy of the Gospel,’ which in turn, enables the presence of God to dwell within our City of Moe. Hopefully, this souvenir edition of our parish newsletter will bring back some wonderful memories for parishioners, who, of course are a little older now, than when they were present on this day in 1970.

Fr Don Hughes OMI, RIP

Fr Donald Oswin Hughes OMI

It is with great sadness that the Australian Province of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate received the news of the passing of Fr Don Hughes OMI.  Fr Don lived a full and active life as a faithful Oblate and generous Priest and up until recent months, even at the age of 87, had been present in the Mazenod College Western Australia Community supporting students and staff.   Earlier this year he refused further aggressive treatment for his cancer, which he had battled with for many years.

In his ministry as an Oblate, he was involved in Education, Formation and Parish ministry.  Fr Don was an Oblate who generously responded to the needs of the Province. 

Born in Fremantle, WA on 23rd August 1932, and educated at CBC Fremantle. Intending to be a diocesan priest he studied philosophy at St Charles Seminary in Guilford WA, then joined the Oblates in 1953 at Sorrento. In 1954 he went to study theology at Piltown, Ireland where he was ordained on the 15th September 1957.

His first obedience was 3 months at Holy Cross, Liverpool, UK before he returned to Australia, to Sorrento.  In his first 2 years he was also at Penshurst NSW, Beaconsfield WA and Camberwell Vic. He taught at Iona College 1961-65, then went to Mazenod WA 1966-72 as first rector.

Fr Don was then rector of St Mary’s Seminary until January 1976, when he moved to Massey New Zealand as parish priest until 1982, then Rosebud Vic for 14 months followed by Tea Tree Gully SA until the end of 1989.

From 1990 to 1995 he was novice master then rector of St Mary’s Seminary for a second term, followed by 10 years of parish ministry in WA, at Fremantle then Lesmurdie. He was then Rector of St Charles Seminary (archdiocesan), Guildford WA for two and a half years, then had a year back as novice master at St Mary’s Seminary, Mulgrave.

He joined the Mazenod College Community in Lesmurdie in 2011, where he has been since. There he loved watching sporting matches, was involved with the boys, and was seen as a witness of faith and reassuring presence and pastoral support to both students and staff.

Fr Don was a generous Oblate, serving a number of terms on the Provincial Council, and was willing to go wherever he was asked, to do whatever was needed. He has been in all the Oblate ministries - he has been missioner, parish priest, teacher, college and seminary rector, formator. He was passionately interested in the congregation: he has been the historian of the province and the keeper of the stories.

Fr Don Hughes will be greatly missed.

Congratulations to the new Bishop of Wagga Wagga

On behalf of the Australian Province, we would like to congratulate our brother Bishop Mark Edwards OMI on his appointment as the seventh Bishop of the Diocese of Wagga Wagga.

While the Oblates do not serve in the Diocese, we are delighted that the Oblate charism will be shared with the people of Wagga Wagga through Bishop Mark.

Please find attached the Melbourne Archdiocese Media Release. Link

Feast Day Message - Fr Christian Fini OMI

On the 21st May, we celebrate the feast of St Eugene de Mazenod, father of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate and the De Mazenod family. For the Australian Province, this may be the first time we celebrate the Feast Day with a more formal sense of our De Mazenod Family identity since our De Mazenod Family Gathering in August 2019. Who could have imagined the situation we find ourselves in today when we gathered last year, yet we have managed to continue developing the De Mazenod Family spirit in the Australian Province.

Like any father, we look to him as an example, and we model our lives on him. There are many characteristics of de Mazenod, which I find appealing, but at the moment amid this Pandemic, his ability to be daring and creative seem to stand out.

As a young man, he experienced instability first hand when his world was turned upside down by the French Revolution, becoming a refugee. His experience growing up gave him great resilience and a sense of daring to try new things and never give up in proclaiming the Word of God.

Let us pray on this feast of St Eugene de Mazenod for his intercession our behalf to God, that we might follow in his footsteps of daring and creativity as we face these challenging times together.

God bless

Fr Christian Fini

Easter Message from Provincial

Letter from St Eugene De Mazenod - Reflection

My dear children,

I, a man of the XIXth century, want, by this letter, to reach you in your times of the XXIth where, in this period of Lent 2020, you are going through a global health crisis. With my life experience, I would like to share this with you:

As a young priest in 1814 in Aix-en-Provence, my heart is bleeding today with you in front of so many anguished “poor people with many faces”, so many isolated or carefree young people, so many rebellious prisoners. On this subject, do not forget that I contracted typhus from Austrian prisoners of war and that, I owe healing thanks to the incessant prayer of young people in front of the Statue of our Lady of Grace.

As Superior General of a missionary Congregation, my heart is bleeding today with you before this pandemic which affects all continents: after Asia, now Europe, and already Latin America and Africa. To date, I see that more than a third of humanity is confined because of this virus.

As Bishop, my heart is bleeding today with you in front of the disarray of the People of God who cannot come together and celebrate. However, in 1848 – in quite a different circumstance certainly – remember that I had exempted the Christians of Marseilles from Easter Mass to allow them to go to vote! You? You are lucky to have the Internet! So, including praying and celebrating, I repeat: “for new needs, Charity invents new means”!

Like a Pastor too, I had to face the cholera epidemic of 1837 which ravaged our dear city of Marseilles. Being in the countryside at the time of the arrival of the plague, I immediately returned to the diocese to live these dark hours with the people of Marseilles, Les Marseillais. I remember a newspaper headline saying, “The future is in our hands.” Certainly, this is true. For you today, it is in the hands of experienced health professionals, researchers, cashiers, police, authorities … But the future is primarily in the hands of God. So, my turn to tell you, “don’t be afraid”; and with another message dear to my Oblate sons: “But pray my dear children, God will hear you in no time”; our Lord Jesus Christ, full of tenderness and mercy, lets himself be touched. He will not abandon you.

I share with you the grief and mourning of all those who have already lost a loved one, victim of this scourge. Myself, I was very hard hit by the death of my most faithful servant at the bishop’s house during the cholera. Again, this loss made my heart bleed. At the end of the epidemic, I celebrated a solemn service at the cathedral for all the victims.

One more piece of advice: invent the means to take care, to show interest and to have concern for the families hit by this terrible epidemic, for families and isolated people, confined on their own. It is important that no one is forgotten.

Finally, remember that at the beginning of the epidemic of 1837, my first gesture was to go up to Our Lady at Notre Dame de la Garde, to celebrate Holy Mass there and to ask Our Good Mother to intercede for us with her divine Son. So, my dear children, today also turn to her, with the same confidence.

Charles Joseph Eugène +

Wednesday, March 25, 2020, on the feast of the Annunciation.

Bernard Dullier, omi

Message from Provincial

Dear De Mazenod Family,

It is with great sadness we have received instructions from the Bishops to suspend all public liturgies, including celebrations of the Mass, until further notice.

While this is difficult and devastating for us as a people that define ourselves through the celebration of the Eucharist, especially as we move towards Easter Season, it is a measured and correct response to the current escalating seriousness of COVID-19.

What we are being asked to do is so counterintuitive to our human nature: in challenging times we want to gather and support one another.  We need to find new and creative ways to do this. The Oblate hope is to be live streaming Mass from Camberwell and special events, and to be putting other resources online. These will be available at www.oblates.com.au.

We are living through unprecedented times.

I know for myself my mood has shifted in these days from a degree of disappointment and frustration because I have had to make changes to my plans (which my character type doesn’t naturally like doing), to a degree of concern and unease at not knowing what the future may hold.  It seems for the first time in my life, and maybe in the lives of many who have lived surrounded by wasteful abundance, we don’t know what the immediate future holds.  I think the humble roll of toilet paper is somewhat symbolic of this tension, a creature comfort unimaginable to live without.  It reminds us that our hearts and minds have been filled with false hope that we are in control.  

Our modern society wants to play god with everything, stockpiling weapons to be the strongest, curing every disease and living forever, having a right to have everything on demand and having the money to solve every problem.  We want to be in control and we pretty much think we are in control, yet, a tiny microscopic virus seems to have put everything on hold. 

While we must be prudent and follow every Government direction, we cannot be paralysed by fear.  Many people will be paralysed by fear and panic because for them, there is no life beyond the present and no real meaning to life.   This contagious extreme secularism pervades our community. I pray that as people of faith we can be a people of hope. While the formal celebration of the Eucharist is suspended, we are the living Eucharist, looking beyond ourselves and our own needs to be the presence of God in our world. Part of the journey of faith is a sense of surrender, living with mystery and not having all the answers; otherwise it would be science and not faith.

In moments like this, the Gospel that comes to mind is the account of the disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee when a sudden storm risks sinking their boat. After exhausting their abilities to save themselves, they become paralysed by fear and remember that Jesus is there amongst them on the boat sleeping.  “Save us, Lord, we are lost! And he said to them “Why are you so frightened you who have so little faith?” (Matt 8:24-35).  Let us never forget that in the midst of all of this Jesus is amongst us.

It is important that you know that the Oblates will continue to celebrate the Eucharist privately in our communities, for your intentions.  The Oblates remain committed to serving the Mazenod Community, and will be available to support families through anointing of the sick and other pastoral needs as they arise.

Be assured of my prayers.

God bless

Fr Christian Fini OMI

Fr Andrew Chen OMI

The Oblates are very pleased to announce the installation of Fr Andrew Chen OMI as the new Rector of St Mary’s Scholasticate in Camberwell, Victoria. Fr Andrew was installed on Monday February 17. He comes to the role following 2 years as on the formation staff.

The Provincial Council would like to express thanks to Fr Daniel Szewc OMI for his leadership of the St Mary's Community and Formation program for the last six years. Fr Daniel’s was influential moving St Mary’s to 649 Burke Rd and involved in building and setting up the new St Mary’s on 647 Burke Rd.

Young people from Oblate Parishes and Schools gather for NOYE 2020!

National Oblate Youth Encounter 2020!

National Oblate Youth Encounter was another successful camp! This year we had over 105 people attend. The support from the Oblate communities around the country helped us break triple figures for the first time in many years, with our venue at capacity.

This year’s theme “mission is possible” gave us the opportunity to understand exactly what mission is in our lives and how we can go about living out this mission. We were able to break this topic down through three daily talks given by representatives of our Oblate Youth community. Mission for young Catholics can often be challenging in today’s world, however given the opportunity to gather together as a community of young people inspired by the oblate charism enabled us to see that mission really is possible. Encounter was not only a chance to meet with new people from the various Oblate communities, but to personally encounter Jesus through sharing, adoration, reconciliation, and prayer.

This year we were joined by eight Oblates for the whole camp. Their support and presence was hugely appreciated, helping the young people to talk with and understand the Oblate charism on a deeper level. Over the four days, we found ourselves reflective, joyous and moved, and we can’t wait to do it all again next year. If you’d like to get a more detailed look at this years Encounter, please see the links below to our daily recap videos and check out the photos below!

DAY ONE

DAY TWO

DAY THREE

Christmas Message

On behalf of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate,

I would like to wish you all a Holy and Blessed Christmas.

May this season, often filled with so many things, be a time of recognising that God is here amongst us.

I would like to thank you for supporting us this year. We give thanks for the blessing of this year, especially the 125th Anniversary of the Oblates arriving in Australian, and we ask God’s blessings on 2020.

God bless

Fr Christian Fini OMI

Fr David Shelton OMI, RIP

RIP- Fr David Eddie Shelton OMI

It is with great sadness that the Australian Province announces the death of Fr David Shelton OMI, on 12th December, 2019.

Fr David had been suffering from a form of Lymphoma; he had just been admitted for scheduled Chemotherapy and died quickly and peacefully in the hospital.

Fr David was a missionary from the Anglo Irish Province and a great gift to the Australian Province and Church. Fr David Shelton was born on the 25th June, 1941 in Stourport, UK, had one sister, and was educated at St Mary’s Colwyn Bay, Wales. He joined the Oblates in 1958 at Cahermoyle, Ireland, studied at Belmont and Piltown, and was ordained 11th February, 1968 in Birmingham.

His first obedience was to Australia, and he spent from 1968 to the end of 1970 as assistant priest at Hillcrest Parish, SA. In 1971 he went to Indonesia as one of the first 4 Oblate missionaries, with Kevin Casey, Pat Moroney and Pat Slattery, and worked in Purwokerto East and then Cilacap with Kevin Casey.

In 1983 he returned to Australia to be briefly the assistant priest at Our Lady of Fatima, Rosebud (Victoria) then assisted at Sefton (NSW) till early 1987 when he went to be an assistant priest at Dernancourt, Adelaide for 2 years. Six years as Sorrento parish priest followed, then a year assisting at St John Vianney’s, Springvale North, then some short supplies in various places before settling in WA as prison chaplain based at Fremantle.

Fr David excelled in this ministry for well over 20 years with his great compassion and care for the poor, often building relationships with prisoners and assisting them and their families. Fr David had two big interests – tennis and Formula 1 racing. He traveled around following F1, to Melbourne for the Australian grand prix, and overseas. In March 2016 while he was leaving the Australian grand prix, he suffered a major heart attack and was out of action for the remainder of the year

. Fr David had a big heart, did little acts of kindness, was great with the down and out; he was loyal, with a wicked sense of humour, and loved food and drink.

The Australian Province thanks God for the gift of Fr David Shelton OMI.

(Requiem Mass details Mazenod College Chapel Friday 20th December at 11:00am Burial at Springvale Cemetary followed by refreshments )