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Project Grace: A Concrete Response to the Pandemic February 17th, 2021
From a very small start, Oblates at Our Lady of Grace Parish in Manila, Philippines have grown a hands-on ministry that is making an impact on the rise of hunger among the poor during the pandemic. It’s called, “Project Grace” and this engaging 12-minute video which has been seen around the world documents this important work being done by the Oblates.
Oblate Presence and Solidarity with Native Americans in Minnesota Pipeline Controversy January 27th, 2021
“According to the owner, Enbridge Energy, Limited Partnership, the purpose of the Line 3 Pipeline Replacement Project is to replace the Minnesota portion of the existing Line 3 pipeline (built in the 1960s) to: 1) address known integrity risks, 2) reduce apportionment due to decreased transport capacity related to integrity issues, and 3) restore flexibility to the Enbridge Mainline System for more efficient operation. The new Line 3 pipeline would have an annual average capacity of 760,000 barrels per day and would serve the same markets and transport the same products as the existing Line 3 pipeline.
Operationally, the new Line 3 pipeline would continue to transport crude from Canada to the Enbridge terminal facility in Clearbrook for subsequent delivery to Minnesota refineries via interconnected pipeline facilities operated by Minnesota Pipeline Company, and would deliver crude oil to the Superior Wisconsin terminal for subsequent delivery on the Enbridge Mainline System to refineries in the Midwest, Eastern Canada, and the Gulf Coast.”
Visit OMIUSA.org to read the full story.
OMI Webinar No 3: “Emerging from the COVID-19 Pandemic: Guidance from Laudato Si” January 21st, 2021
Input talk by – Joe Gunn – Executive Director Centre Oblat – A Voice for Justice
With a video presentation about “Project GRACE” at the Oblate parish of Our Lady of Grace in the Philippines.
Registration link: bit.ly/3hn0aPm
Date and Time – January 23, 2021
10:30 AM – EASTERN STANDARD TIME (EST)
7:30 AM – PACIFIC STANDARD TIME (PST)
4:30 PM – CENTRAL EUROPEAN TIME (CEST)
9:00 PM – INDIA / SRI LANKA
11:30 PM – THE PHILIPPINES
OMI JPIC – Most Viewed Stories in 2020 January 19th, 2021
Want to know which stories received the most attention on OMI JPIC’s website and Facebook page in 2020? Click the link for the list and happy reading!
http://omiusajpic.org/2020-most-viewed-stories/(opens in a new tab)
Special Release of Resources for the Week of Christian Unity January 8th, 2021
FOR RELEASE TO ALL OBLATES, OBLATE INSTITUTIONS, and OMIUSA WEB:
(Editor’s Note: This news release was sent out today (January 6) by Fr. Jim Brobst alerting the Oblate community (or Mazenodian Family) of resources available for the week of Christian Unity prepared by Fr. Harry Winter, OMI. Fr. Winter’s website, “Mission-Unity-Dialogue” may be accessed HERE)
January 6, traditional feast of the Epiphany, God’s Revelation to the Nations
For All Members of the Mazenodian Family:
Special thanks to Fr. Harry Winter, OMI, for generously drawing our focus to these resources for the upcoming week of Christian Unity. He has distilled for us some helpful resources for our own participation in this missionary endeavors, even though pandemic precautions prevent much in the way of ecumenical or interfaith gatherings in crowds.
Admin Team
Fr. James Brobst, OMI
Please review pp. 73-76 of our Oblate Prayer book, explaining the importance of the annual Church Unity Octave, or Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. I recommend especially the material for every parish and community published by the Vatican and the World Council of Churches, available from Graymoor: Click here. The theme this year is “Abide in My Love. . . . You Shall Bear Much Fruit”(Jn.15:1-17).
These materials include “Homily Notes, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day,” which this year is Monday, Jan. 18. There is no doubt this year, with the Black Lives Matter movement, is more important than ever as we continue to overcome the effects of slavery in the USA.
During the Week of Prayer, we pray with more Evangelical Protestants than ever. They are our allies as we approach the Jan. 31 March on Washington and elsewhere to combat the effects of the Roe vs Wade abortion decision. Will President Biden and Vice-President Harris back off from the controversial position of the Democratic Party on abortion?
You may enjoy the mini-course on Christian Unity represented by the attached “Ecumenical Vademecum.” Although it is addressed to bishops, it is clearly written for every Catholic and indeed every Christian. Do not let the 50 pages overwhelm you. These are actually the half pages which the Vatican uses for some documents, and the language is less technical than usual.
Pope Francis continues to promote a vital New Evangelization, using elements from Popes John Paul II and Benedict, and including his special emphasis on people on the fringes. He alerts us to the growing number of drop-out Catholics, and those belonging to no religion. As a help for each member of the Oblate Family, please consult perhaps monthly the province website Mission-Unity-Dialogue. You may access it in two ways, either going onto www.omiusa.org and clicking on Mission-Unity-Dialogue, the fifth item on the right “Looking for Something?” or directly using www.harrywinter.org.
Let us profit from this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
The document can also be downloaded at this link: Vademecum-EN.pdf (christianunity.va)
Rev. James P. Brobst, OMI
Vicar Provincial for Mission & Ministry
U.S. Province, Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate
U.S. Provincial Reflects on the New Year and What’s Ahead for 2021 January 8th, 2021
By Will Shaw with Fr. Louis Studer, OMI
Fr. Louis Studer, OMI
On January 5th U.S. Provincial Fr. Louis Studer, OMI took some time to reflect on the new year and discuss some of the important events taking place in the province in 2021.
COVID in the Province
The men of the U.S. Province have not escaped the devastation of the COVID virus. Fr. Studer reported that a total of 10 Oblates have passed away from complications of Covid during 2020 and into the first week of 2021. Many more Oblates who had COVID infections are now recovering or have recovered.
Oblates are known for being “close to people,” and that closeness makes it especially risky for Oblates as they do ministry. Oblates in Tijuana, San Fernando, CA, New Orleans, LA and San Antonio, TX all contracted the virus after coming into contact with COVID positive individuals in the course of doing their ministry. Fr. Studer discussed the Oblate response to the pandemic:
“We’re called during this emergency to find and develop new and creative ways to do ministry that will enhance the safety of our men and the people to whom we minister,” said Fr. Studer. “I’m impressed that many of our parishes are now streaming masses and reaching out through ZOOM meetings and phone calls. I saw that Fr. Jack Lau gave out communion at Sacred Heart in Oakland to people who drove by in cars, Oblates at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows offered drive-by blessings on special days. Though we look forward to the time when distribution of the vaccines will allow us to go back to doing things in a more normal fashion, we will continue to utilize technology to enhance our ministries and reach more people.”
Read the full story at OMIUSA.org.
