2024 De Mazenod Family Education Network Charism Pilgrimage
A Charism Pilgrimage was planned for 2020. The intent was to provide members of the De Mazenod Family Education Network an opportunity to travel in the footsteps of St Eugene De Mazenod.
A Charism Pilgrimage was planned for 2020. The intent was to provide members of the De Mazenod Family Education Network an opportunity to travel in the footsteps of St Eugene De Mazenod. The pilgrimage was the inspiration of the newly appointed Provincial Fr Christian Fini OMI. As part of World Youth Day experiences many of the Oblate Youth have visited the heartland of the Oblates, Aix-En-Provence, the birthplace of St Eugene and the original site where the Congregation was established on January 25 1816 - The Missionary Oblates of Provence, later to be called the Missionary Oblates of St Charles and finally as they are known in over 67 countries around the world today, The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Fr Fini hoped to extend the experience to staff members within the network and those connected to the De Mazenod Family.
The 22 pilgrims, including our leader and mentor Fr Fini, accompanied by Fr Bill Ousley OMI set the schedule that included time for contemplation, reflection and discovery. The founder and patron established his congregation and started his community in an idyllic location, Cours Mirabeau, the main street in Aix-En-Provence. This is where St Eugene grew up until the family went into exile because of the French Revolution in 1879 and is also the location for the Church of the Mission, which provides the historical and contemporary sacred home for the Oblates to gather.
The hospitality and enthusiasm of the Oblates stationed in Aix as well as at the General House in Rome featured in the highlights of an amazing 10-day schedule. Celebrating Eucharist at these sacred locations as well as in the crypt at the Vatican, in the catacombs in Rome and in the Cathedral in Marseilles (in the chapel where St Eugene is entombed under the altar) all were special moments for those making the pilgrimage.
St Eugene was appointed Bishop of Marseille and travelled to Rome on several occasions to present his congregation’s rules and laws for papal approval. He also was instrumental in laying the foundation of Sacre Cour. Travelling to Paris, Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Pisa and Rome means you have to capture “non-St Eugene” travel must dos as well. The Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees, Arch de Triumph, Cruise down the Seine, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Popes Palace in Avignon, The Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel, The Roman Forum and The Colosseum were all added into a hectic ten-day schedule. The Papal Basilicas in Rome, St Peter’s, St Paul’s, St John Lateran and St Maria Maggiore all featured as well.
All attending received formation material that provided an historical context of the turmoil in people’s lives because of The French Revolution. The formation material also provided explanation of the sites and their significance, giving further insight into the sacredness of the times, the people and our shared faith.
Thank you to everyone who attended. Their sense of community and willingness to immerse themselves in the experience made the event so memorable. In 2026 it is the anniversary of the establishment of the Constitution and Rules. It is hoped the Charism Pilgrimage will be a biennial event enabling members of the DMFEN and the extended De Mazenod Family to include this in their travel plans so they can witness and experience this true charism experience. Coordinating the next pilgrimage with such an anniversary could be very opportune.
Thank you to Fr Fini, Fr Bill and all the pilgrims for an amazing ten days.
Our Lady Of Hope Primary School raise funds for MAMI
Recently Our Lady Of Hope Primary School in Greenwith, South Australia ran a fundraiser centered around the humble pumpkin. Cups of pumpkin soup were made and sold to students to raise money for MAMI.
Recently Our Lady Of Hope Primary School in Greenwith, South Australia ran a fundraiser centered around the humble pumpkin. Cups of pumpkin soup were made and sold to students to raise money for MAMI. The soup warmed the hearts of the staff and students and fueled their passion to continue making a positive impact in the world. Well done to all the staff and students for running the fundraiser and to all the families who donated ingredients for the cause!
If you would like to make a donation to MAMI to assist with Oblate Missions please head to our donation page. https://mami.imiscloud.com/Donate/GiveNowPages/Donation.aspx
Oblate Week of Prayer for Vocations
Please join all the Oblates and the De Mazenod Family in prayer for Vocations from 21st May to 29th May.
More than a week actually…the nine days between the 21st May and 29th May have traditionally been held as a Novena (nine days) of prayer for Oblate Vocations. From the Feast of the Founder, St Eugene de Mazenod to the Feast of Blessed Joseph Gerard, the whole congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and the wider De Mazenod Family joins in prayer for vocations.
This year we are grateful to the Associates of the Lacombe Province in Canada for assembling a series of prayers and reflections to use over the next nine days. We encourage you, either personally or in community, to pray this novena and ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers into his harvest.
You can download the 2024 Novena for Oblate Vocations below.
You can also use the following Youtube videos to join in prayer with us for the upcoming Novena.
2024 De Mazenod Family Education Network Charism Retreat
Representatives of four Oblate colleges came together in Ormistion, QLD for a deep retreat into the charism of our Founder, led by Fr Daniel Szewc OMI.
The 2024 De Mazenod Family Education Charism Retreat was held at the Santa Teresa Spirituality Centre Ormiston Queensland. The Retreat is designed for a time of personal reflection and contemplation for staff from schools affiliated with the DMFEN schools and colleges. Staff from Iona College, St Eugene College, Mazenod College Victoria and Mazenod College Western Australia joined Fr Christian Fini OMI, Fr Joe Antony OMI, Fr Joshua Nash OMI and Fr Daniel Szewc OMI to discover more about St Eugene and how his charism has influenced the missionary work of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate here in Australia and around the world.
The renowned setting is a perfect location for staff to spend quiet time reading Oblate Commentaries and personal writings from St Eugene de Mazenod. Fr Daniel based his keynote presentations on St Eugene’s “Moments of Grace” and his deep historical analysis provoked and inspired those in attendance.
The Retreat highlighted how fortunate we are to have a shared culture that permeates from the wonderful work of the Oblates in our De Mazenod Family communities. To have them present and sharing their witness and faith is a gift.
All our gatherings / conferences / retreats are designed to be times to build connection, community and develop charism. Thank you to all who participated in the 2024 Charism Retreat, and for the generous way they participated to the programme.
We hope this model will serve staff from affiliated primary and secondary schools in the future and encourage all staff members to consider the possibility of participating in 2025 and beyond.
State of Kenya and Kenyan People after continued Heavy rains
We have recently received an update from Fr Fidel Munkiele OMI about the Missions in Kenya. They have been experiencing a great deal of rain and flooding in the country. He provided the following article for you to read.
We have recently received an update from Fr Fidel Munkiele OMI about the Missions in Kenya. They have been experiencing a great deal of rain and flooding in the country. He provided the following article for you to read.
Thank you for your interest in the welfare of our Kenyan people. Some of the following points might help you understand what is happening here. The Government have promised much, and some assistance is happening in various parts of the country. However, this issue is too big for just the Government. Many NGO’s and local churches are also responding to the extent they have resources. In some places, like the slums, public training centres are opening their doors to give shelter to those who have lost their homes. But the number of people in need is large.
Some local populations are going to be evacuated to safer locations due to the danger of dam failures, and the Government is promising to establish temporary accommodation centres with all the basic needs.
Some general points about events that have happened:
1. Mai Maiu: 70+ people killed while sleeping due to a flash flood caused by a ruptured water dam in the mountain behind them at 3am in the morning. The rest of the population lost ther
2. Nairobi slums: many people have lost their homes along the small river-ways which have become raging rivers: in Mathare slums, alone, 60,000 people had their homes washed away.
3. On a positive note, the young people in general, living in Mathare, were praised by the County Government for their courage in rescuing hundreds of people: it meant the deaths were very few, from drowning. But, if the Government response is slow, disease may kill many more. eg. cholera.
4. Several large water dams around Kenya are at breaking point: but it is also dangerous to release water, to reduce the danger, because of existing floods below the dams.
5. The soils are saturated with water everywhere in Kenya, which means the additional heavy rains forecast for the next few weeks will become more difficult to handle.
6. Corruption, neglect, lazy contractors and poor supervision has exposed drains blocked by rubbish, drains too small, overcrowded development, broken sewerage systems, building in drainage routes, etc. Even deforestation in parts of the country have contributed to the disasters happening.
The Oblates are effected in particular ways as follows:
7. Meru Parish (includes a local slum area): primary school toilet block collapsed due to heavy rains weakening the ground behind it; general increase in difficulty for people move around and find daily work.
8. Kionyo Parish (up in the mountains): elderly people are suffering from cold due to difficulty to get dry firewood, and it’s very dangerous to walk to the village for supplies due to slippery, muddy roads.
9. Kisaju Postulancy (formation of missionaries): due to saturated ground and difficult soil type (black cotton), we are experiencing some flooding in the basement chapel and bedrooms as water seeps through the outer and inner walls. The house is like an island surround by water, and only a few months back it was like a desert!
10. Kisaju Parish (Maasai land): the main centre is OK, but each of the seven prayer centres are suffering in various ways.
a. Some areas are land-locked (eg. Olturuto and Jamii Bora): access roads across rivers are being blocked by water and sometimes fallen trees. This means some people can’t get to work in the local areas or city. But worse, some people are starving because they can’t reach food or medical care. One family called Fr Phelix and somehow he managed to get food through to them. A lot of people live in isolated areas and may not have phones, cars or motorbikes.
b. Last Sunday, Fr Phelix left the motorbike on one side of the river and walked through water to cross
the “bridge”, where he climbed over a fallen tree in the middle, and continued on foot for 2.5km of muddy road to reach the church: which was packed! They had missed out on Mass the week before because the river water level was too high. Even the main highway was closed several times in two or three locations, prevents people getting to the city and even missing flights.
c. The local Maasai people, recovering from a long drought, now have difficulty of getting their few remaining cows to adjust from sparse dry grass to lush green grass: some are getting sick and others have died.
11. Larmudiac Parish: people have lost crops, and spent all their hard-earned money buying the seed and fertiliser. And many were sold fake, subsidised fertiliser from the Government agents (ie. corruption). More accidents on the road. One truck tried to ferry people across a flooded bridge and it got washed away with much loss of life.
12. Knock-On effects in general: the major events are bad enough; however, all parishes and schools will now suffer reduced contributions to manage the parish/ school expenses, pastoral programmes, children’s food programmes, etc.
Of course, any assistance you can give us to share with the people in need will be appreciated. In the meantime, our parish Oblates working to alleviate suffering where they can and our Oblate youth are continuing to give out our regular food help in Mathare Slums in Nairobi.
In Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate
Fr Fidel Munkiele OMI
Mission Superior
Visitors from Australia
A small group of teachers from Mazenod College WA and Iona College visited the Bangladesh Delegation
A small group of teachers from Mazenod College WA and Iona College visited the Bangladesh Delegation from April 6-10, 2024.
The visitors were Damian Wallis, Kate Anne and Suzanne Michelle, along with Fr Joe Antony OMI, an Indian Oblate working in Australia who was one of the pioneers in starting the West Bengal Mission.
The purpose of the visit was to experience the Oblates’ missions and to plan student immersion programs for 2025 in Bangladesh. Australian student immersion programs are in place for Sri Lanka, India and China, and Fr Christian Fini OMI started exploring the inclusion of the Bangladesh Delegation during his 2023 visit.
The visitors went to the Delegation House in Dhaka, St. Eugene’s School, Baridhara, St. Eugene’s Mission School at Khadim, Lokhipur school, Borlekha parish, the Oblate Juniorate and caught up with Fr Dominic Rozario OMI who served in Melbourne, 2017 to 2020.
Mazenod College Victoria Mission Action Day 2024
Each year Mazenod College raises money for the Oblate Missions via a day called Mission Action Day. Fr Harry Dyer OMI has kindly shared a few words about how the fun fill fundraising day went.
Each year Mazenod College raises money for the Oblate Missions via a day called Mission Action Day. Fr Harry Dyer OMI has kindly shared a few words about how the fun fill fundraising day went.
Mission Action Day was a huge success for the Oblates Missions due the generosity of our families, staff, senior students, students, and sponsors. A special mention to Jennifer Vissenjoux and her team for their enthusiasm and ensuring all of us were aware of the real reason we celebrate MAD. The day commenced with an Easter liturgy in the Provence Centre followed by our students hitting the streets of Mulgrave for the walkathon. The Parents and Friends were generous with their time by being at the finish line and offering a well-earned Zooper Dooper to the students after their 5Km walk or run.
After this the students launched into the variety of fun festivities for the remainder of the day before being called to assemble in the Provence Centre for the drawing of raffles and the announcing of the winners from the various activities. A final blessing for a Holy and safe Easter was accompanied by the joyful enthusiasm of starting the holiday break.
On behalf of the Oblates, I want to thank all of you for your generosity towards our missionary endeavours around the world, particularly in our Asian Oceania Region which has resulted in $55,000.00 being raised. You can be assured that every dollar goes towards much need assistance and makes a huge difference to the lives of our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
MAD CONCERT
On Wednesday evening March 20 our music department entertained a large crowd by generously displaying their musical talents to funds and awareness of the Oblate Missions. The concert night raised over $800.00 so a big thanks you to all who attended for your generosity. On behalf of the Oblates, and the people they serve in their various missions, I extend my gratitude and thanks to all who organised, participated, sponsored, and attended this most enjoyable annual event.
In addition to MAD, we also enjoyed March Madness Month where several different fun events were organized by our senior students. One of these enjoyable events was a version of the TV show ‘Family Feud’ which saw a team of staff versus a team of students. I am happy to report that the staff clinched a close contest with the final answer.
OMI Ongoing Formation Week
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 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.
The Diaconate Ordination of Br LUAN HA OMI
The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate celebrate the Diaconate Ordination of Br Luan Ha OMI.
The celebrations were held at St John Vianney’s Parish, Friday 16th February 2024.
The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate celebrate the Diaconate Ordination of Br Luan Ha OMI.
The celebrations were held at St John Vianney’s Parish, Friday 16th February 2024, 7:00PM.
If you were not able join us in person on the day then please view the live stream using the link below.
National Oblate Youth Encounter 2024
Another successful encounter with 75 participants gathering at Mazenod College, Mulgrave.
National Oblate Youth Encounter 2024 was a smashing success with 75 participants from 8 different Oblate communities around Australia gathering together for a 4-day experience at Mazenod College, Mulgrave. The theme this year was ‘You are the light of the world’. After 24 years it is great to see how Oblate Youth Australia continues to grow and lead young people to encounter Jesus Christ and learn who they are in the eyes of God.
A big thank you to all our Oblate fathers and brothers who were present amongst our youth and to the National Coordinators and Hosting Community for their tireless efforts in making this such a successful encounter. May we all continue to let our lights shine for all to see!
Join Us on the De Mazenod Family Education Network Charism Pilgrimage
We are thrilled to extend an invitation to all members of the De Mazenod family to embark on a journey of discovery, reflection, and connection.
We are thrilled to extend an invitation to all members of the De Mazenod family to embark on a journey of discovery, reflection, and connection. Originally designed for the dedicated staff of Oblate colleges attending an international education conference, the De Mazenod Family Education Network Charism Pilgrimage is now open to everyone eager to explore the profound heritage and spiritual legacy of our beloved founder, Saint Eugene de Mazenod.
What to Expect:
A Spiritual Awakening: Immerse yourself in the rich history and spirituality of Saint Eugene de Mazenod. Experience the transformative power of his charism, which has touched countless lives around the world.
Historical Exploration: Walk in the footsteps of Saint Eugene, visiting significant sites and shrines where he found inspiration and solace.
Community Building: Connect with fellow members of the De Mazenod family, building friendships and a sense of unity that transcends borders and generations.
Details:
Dates: 19th – 30th June 2024
Location: PARIS - AIX EN PROVENCE – ROME
Indicative Cost (Land Only!): $6590 - twin share
Open to All: This pilgrimage is no longer exclusive to Oblate college staff. All are welcome to join and experience the De Mazenod legacy.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to strengthen your connection to the De Mazenod family and deepen your spiritual journey. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot today!
For more info visit: www.omi.com.au
or contact Tony Coghlan:
Email: tcoghlan@omi.com.au
Phone: 0488788137
The De Mazenod Family Education Network Charism Pilgrimage is your chance to be part of something truly extraordinary. We look forward to sharing this unforgettable experience with you.
Download Itinerary
To download the De Mazenod Family Education Network Charism Pilgrimage Itinerary do by clicking HERE or clicking on the image below.
Fr Christian Fini OMI shares a Christmas message. (Includes song from St Mary's Scholasticate)
Fr Christian Fini OMI shares a Christmas message on behalf of the Australian Province.
Provincial for the Australian Province of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate Fr Christian Fini shares a Christmas message.
Be sure to stay to the very end to view a special Christmas song sang by the Community at St Mary's Scholasticate - OMI Australia
Perpetual Vows of Br Kombo Benjamin OMI
The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate will celebrate of the perpetual vows of Br Kombo Benjamin, OMI. The celebrations will be held at St John Vianney’s Parish, Sunday 26th November 2023.
The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate celebrate of the perpetual vows of Br Kombo Benjamin, OMI. The celebrations will be held at St John Vianney’s Parish, Sunday 26th November 2023, 5:30PM.
If you are not able join us in person on the day then you can view the live stream using the link details listed below.
Watch online
If you were not able to make it on the day then feel free to watch the entire celebration online via YouTube: Click Here to watch
De Mazenod Family National Gathering
The De Mazenod Family National Gathering was held at Mazenod College Victoria from Thursday 9th to Sunday 12th November. The theme this year was “Pilgrims Celebrating Community’.
The De Mazenod Family National Gathering was held at Mazenod College Victoria from Thursday 9th to Sunday 12th November. The theme this year was “Pilgrims Celebrating Community’. Fifty people attended, representing all our ministries in Australia, staying at the Novotel, Glen Waverley, where we opened our Gathering over drinks and canapes, then proceeding each morning to Mazenod College by bus to hold our sessions.
Opening our first full day together was a video call with the Superior General, Fr Chicho. We are very grateful to Fr Chicho for giving up some of his time (and sleep) in Aix-En-Provence to be with us live. The group listened intently as Fr Chicho shared his experience on being elected as Superior General and what it means to be a missionary.
Over the next three days participants shared and discussed their connection and experience of the charism of St Eugene de Mazenod in their various ministries. The highlight of our time together was the launch of the
“De Mazenod Family Australia Lay Associations Guidelines”. Participants were the given the opportunity to break open the document and reflect and discuss each of the components within the guidelines.
Each day began with prayer, and we were fortunate to celebrate Mass in the Mazenod College Chapel with the Oblates each afternoon. Over the three and a half days participants from each state developed and deepened friendships while immersing themselves in the charism of St Eugene de Mazenod, truly being pilgrims celebrating community.
A big thanks is due to Edward Bartels and Sonia Mohanaraj for the music over the weekend and thank you to the SJV Oblate Youth Group who joined us on the last day. A special thank you goes to the De Mazenod Family Committee and all those who shared their experience of the De Mazenod family throughout the Gathering. We heard amazing stories of the charism of St Eugene being lived out in ministries and gained inspiration from others in extending the De Mazenod Family as we go forward.
Join Us on the De Mazenod Family Education Network Charism Pilgrimage
We are thrilled to extend an invitation to all members of the De Mazenod family to embark on a journey of discovery, reflection, and connection.
We are thrilled to extend an invitation to all members of the De Mazenod family to embark on a journey of discovery, reflection, and connection. Originally designed for the dedicated staff of Oblate colleges attending an international education conference, the De Mazenod Family Education Network Charism Pilgrimage is now open to everyone eager to explore the profound heritage and spiritual legacy of our beloved founder, Saint Eugene de Mazenod.
What to Expect:
A Spiritual Awakening: Immerse yourself in the rich history and spirituality of Saint Eugene de Mazenod. Experience the transformative power of his charism, which has touched countless lives around the world.
Historical Exploration: Walk in the footsteps of Saint Eugene, visiting significant sites and shrines where he found inspiration and solace.
Community Building: Connect with fellow members of the De Mazenod family, building friendships and a sense of unity that transcends borders and generations.
Details:
Dates: 19th – 30th June 2024
Location: PARIS - AIX EN PROVENCE – ROME
Indicative Cost (Land Only!): $6590 - twin share
Open to All: This pilgrimage is no longer exclusive to Oblate college staff. All are welcome to join and experience the De Mazenod legacy.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to strengthen your connection to the De Mazenod family and deepen your spiritual journey. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot today!
For more info visit: www.omi.com.au
or contact Tony Coghlan:
Email: tcoghlan@omi.com.au
Phone: 0488788137
The De Mazenod Family Education Network Charism Pilgrimage is your chance to be part of something truly extraordinary. We look forward to sharing this unforgettable experience with you.
Download Itinerary
To download the De Mazenod Family Education Network Charism Pilgrimage Itinerary do by clicking HERE or clicking on the image below.
MAMI NEWS: A message from Rev Deacon Jesington Logu OMI
Recently we have been lucky enough to receive a message from Rev Deacon Jesington Logu OMI. Deacon Jesington has since returned to Sri Lanka to take up diaconal ministry in his province of Jaffna. He sent through the following message.
Recently we have been lucky enough to receive a message from Rev Deacon Jesington Logu OMI. It was only as recently as June this year Jesington had is ordination to the Diaconate. It was held at St John Vianney’s Catholic Church in Mulgrave. Deacon Jesington has since returned to Sri Lanka to take up diaconal ministry in his province of Jaffna. He sent through the following message.
“I just wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for all the support you guys have given me over the past three and a half years. It's been an incredible journey filled with so many amazing experiences that I'll cherish forever.
Your guidance and encouragement have played such an integral role in shaping me into the person I am today. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank each and every one of you for being there for me every step of the way.
I can't even begin to put into words how much this time with you all has meant to me. The memories we've created together are truly one of a kind, and I feel so incredibly blessed to have had this opportunity.
As I move forward, I'll always carry the lessons and values you've instilled in me. Your unwavering support and belief in me have given me the confidence to chase my dreams, and for that, I am forever grateful.
Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You guys are the absolute best!”
Warmest regards,
Jesington Logu OMI
De Mazenod Family Education Network 2023 Oblate Staff Conference
Last week staff from St Eugene College Qld, Mazenod College Vic, Mazenod College WA and Iona College Qld attended the annual conference in North Lakes Brisbane.
Last week staff from St Eugene College Qld, Mazenod College Vic, Mazenod College WA and Iona College Qld attended the annual conference in North Lakes Brisbane. St Eugene College hosted the event which included a visit/tour of their campus and Professional Learning focussing on Transformative Learning. Grade 3 students Ellie and Gracie provided an extraordinary insight into the programme designed to empower young people to understand and appreciate what they are learning. The four C’s, Creativity, Critical Reflection, Communication and Collaboration are the ingredients to create a more socially justice world according to the structures of Transformative Learning, introduced to delegates by Mr Adam Fritz and Mr Mitch Ulacco.
Rectors and principals from the four colleges directed conversations by sharing ideas and resources that complemented the De Mazenod Family Charism Signposts. Fr John Sherman OMI, Fr Joe Antony OMI, Fr Harry Dyer OMI and Fr Christian Fini OMI attended the conference. Fr Harry enlightened the group about the History of the Oblates, focussing on the life of St Eugene and our Oblate Founders. The Provincial of the Oblates, Fr Fini, spoke of the challenges in our contemporary context, drawing comparisons to the challenges facing St Eugene at the time of the French Revolution. He also endorsed the need to build resources to better understand our shared charism. The De Mazenod Family Education Network was established in 2022 as part of the broader network, the De Mazenod Family. Anyone connected to our colleges, primary schools, parishes and mission work are invited to learn more about these associations by accessing the following websites: www.omi.com.au and www.demazenodfamily.com.au
Staff conferences provide an opportunity to learn more about the De Mazenod Charism and share valuable information, but there is also a collegial and social aspect to these gatherings. Our hosts, St Eugene College, were the perfect hosts. Thank you to Ms Louise Olley, Mr Adam Fritz and Ms Carolyn Wakefield for their hospitality and planning.
Thank you to all the delegates who participated so enthusiastically and shared their experiences so generously throughout the conference.
Oblate Youth Australia and their Pilgrimage to World Youth Day 2023
A quick little recap of the World Youth Day 2023 pilgrimage so far. Hear from Fr Christian Fini and other members of Oblate Youth Australia about their experiences so far.
Oblate Youth Australia have travelled to Lisbon to be part of the World Youth Day 2024 Celebrations.
Whilst they have been travelling through the Holy Land to Lisbon and on Aix-en-Provence thy have managed to put together a quick little recap of the World Youth Day 2023 pilgrimage so far. Hear from Fr Christian Fini, Provincial and other members of Oblate Youth Australia about their experiences so far.
World Youth Day Oblate Event
Oblate Youth Australia arrived at Parque de Jogos for the international Oblate youth event. After beginning their pilgrimage 10 days prior in the Holy Land, they arrived a little tired, but very excited to be united with the entire young De Mazenod Family.
This morning, the small pilgrimage contingent from Oblate Youth Australia arrived at Parque de Jogos for the international Oblate youth event. After beginning their pilgrimage 10 days prior in the Holy Land, they arrived a little tired, but very excited to be united with the entire young De Mazenod Family.
Our last international gathering of young people was at World Youth Day in Poland, 2016 and even though almost 7 years have passed since then, it was fantastic to see old friends reunited. It was also wonderful to witness those that have never been to an international oblate youth encounter meet and get to know other young members of the De Mazenod Family. It was especially special for our province as we were able to connect with the China Mission Pilgrimage group from Hong Kong who are also part the Australian Province. Both groups will be lucky enough to spend some time in Aix-En-Provence together after World Youth Day to reflect on their pilgrimage.
Unfortunately we only had 2 hours together, but we made the most of every minute we had with each other. We danced, waltzed, sang, chatted, and took many, many photos. No doubt a quick scroll of any Oblate social media page will be filled with videos and pictures from the event.
But the highlight of the event was the address from the Superior General Fr Chicho. It was a powerful moment of prayer and reflection as we listened to Fr Chicho reflect on the theme from the General Chapter: Pilgrims of Hope in Communion. Fr Chicho challenged us to walk with God just as Mary did, to be sowers of hope by placing ourselves at the service of the poor and to continue to be in communion with the Church and with God.
We ended this powerful moment of prayer and reflection by being blessed by our founder St Eugene’s cross and being told to go be Superior Generals in our own communities.
We would like to thank the European Vocations and Youth Ministry for all the work and time spent preparing and hosting this event under challenging circumstances. We hope that the next World Youth Day will allow us some more time together.
OYA travels to World Youth Day 2023
Pilgrims from the Oblate Community on their way to World Youth Day share their thoughts and experiences of their trip so far.
Pilgrims from the Oblate Community on their way to World Youth Day share their thoughts and experiences of their trip so far.