General Mission Committee Assembly: Day 1 – Listening with the Heart of St. Eugene

Published on Monday 17 February 2025

Raymond MWANGALA, OMI
Assistant General for Mission
 

February 17, 2025, marked the 199th anniversary of the Papal Approbation of the Constitutions and Rules. That morning, members of the General Mission Committee (GMC) met in the Chapel of the Heart of the Founder at the General House in Rome for the 2025 Assembly.

This location was chosen to echo the sentiments that moved St. Eugene. He was known for having a heart as big as the world. We too want to extend the boundaries of our love so that we can include those on the margins of our society today—those whose conditions cry out for salvation.

Towards a Missionary Vision
Speaking to the assembly, the Superior General, Fr. Luis Ignacio ROIS ALONSO, emphasized three aspects of their service to the Congregation.

1. Develop a mystical vision. As Oblates, look at the world through the eyes of the Crucified Lord. He sees a broken world and loves it enough to reach out and heal it. The General paraphrased the words of Karl Rahner SJ (1904-1984), “The Oblate of the 21st century will be a mystic, or else he will not exist.”
2. Serve the poor. Poverty continues to worsen globally. As Oblates, we cannot remain indifferent. This means that we cannot continue to operate in the usual manner. We must look for new ways of being missionaries.
3. Live in community. Ministry happens in and through community. Any renewal depends on a fresh commitment to apostolic religious communities. Our communities must be intercultural so that they can stand as prophetic symbols against so much that is against community today.
   All of this is guided by the 37th General Chapter and grounded in our Constitutions and Rules.

Oblate Mission Today

In the afternoon of the first day,  the assembly reviewed reports on issues affecting Oblate mission. The first report, by Fr. Thierry SIMO, focused on the Africa-Madagascar region. It noted growth in vocations, the youthfulness of Oblates, and the struggle to remain faithful to religious life. It also mentioned limited resources for Mission, failure to give preference to the poor, challenges in initial formation, and low missionary zeal. The second report, by Fr. Romeo SANIEL, looked at the Asia-Oceania region. It described the region’s rich religious and cultural variety. It identified five key problems: abuses against migrants, exploitation of indigenous peoples, persecution of Christians, climate change, and family breakdown.

Celebration and Welcome

The day ended with the Eucharist in the General House chapel, presided over by the Superior General. Two scholastics from the International Roman Scholasticate renewed their vows during Mass. A festive meal followed, where the GMC members were introduced and welcomed.