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Earthquake in Chile March 3rd, 2010

Oscar Gonzales OMI in Chile writes of the destruction in the country from the recent earthquake. He reports that the Oblates have suffered no major harm, except perhaps some damage to the Provincial House. They are working hard to help those who have been affected, especially the impoverished families with whom they work.

Read the message from an Oblate in Chile…

This information is also available in Spanish.

Blood Diamonds & Congo Beat January 23rd, 2009

Fr. Camille Piche, OMI – International JPIC Coordinator for the Oblates – recently returned from several weeks in DR Congo. Fr. Camille saw the conflict over Congo’s vast mineral wealth up close in a visit to Goma in the war-torn east. He reports on the conflict and reflects on the role of the church. Churches provide both basic services and vital moral support to the people. (Download PDF of Fr. Piche’s report)

Learn more at:

• Friends of the Congo- Washington Based
• The Enough Project
• Congo Global Coalition

HAITI – The Hurricanes of 2008 October 20th, 2008

The following are stories of the terrible hurricanes of 2008 from Oblates working in Haiti.

GONAÏVES From Fr. Albert Cator (Haitian) September 22, 2008

Around 3:30 PM on Sunday, August 31st we arrived at Gonaïves under a warm sun and a blue sky with few clouds. Excellent welcome for the Director of the residence… It hadn’t rained for weeks and there was no sign of the forecasted cyclone: a beautiful and calm evening! Without anyone noticing it, around 8:30 PM the sky became totally overcast and it started to rain, covering the scorched ground. Our sigh of relief was quickly transformed into a nightmare.

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Oblate Orphanage Diplaced by War for the Third Time October 10th, 2008

“Anpaham Orphanage” run by the Oblates of the Jaffna Province has been displaced for the third time in one month. The present situation in Kilinochchi and the surroundings is causing undeniably awful pain and suffering.

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Haitians Devastated by Recent Hurricanes September 22nd, 2008

Hurricane Hanna wreaked devastation on a Haiti already buffeted by two previous hurricanes – Faye and Gustav. Many have lost all their possessions and food and potable water are scarce. What follows are excerpts from Oblates based in Haiti:

Hanna has caused more devastation in Haiti than Faye or Gustav. Many Oblate parishes and facilities experienced flooding and/or damage. Due to often poor communication, details remain skimpy – most Oblates are focusing on responding to the immediate needs of those around them.

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Oblates work with Immigrants in Western Massachusetts February 8th, 2007

Padre Daniel Meehan, OMI worked in Brazil for more than 40 years. He is temporarily in Western Massachusetts, working in that area with immigrant workers, particularly Brazilians.

Immigrants Day, an annual event for immigrants held in Pittsfield, MA, was described in an article published in The Berkshire Eagle, a local paper. [see below] Fr. Meehan has also sent us his comments on the current situation:

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