Latest OMI JPIC News
Oblates Daily Prayer July 26th, 2024
Every day the Oblate Community and Family in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales publish a short reflective morning prayer video, created by members. Please join in daily from where you are.
Visit their Youtube channel for more videos: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOblates
Reflection on July Field Trip with OMI Novices July 25th, 2024
(By Sr. Maxine Pohlman, SSND, Director, La Vista Ecological Learning Center)
[L to R: Novice Elisha Chisanga, Novice Chandu Ponugumai, Brother Pat McGee, Father Paul Wightman, Novice Alvaro Chapa]
In the opening chapter of the encyclical Laudato Si, we learn about urgent environmental issues facing “our common home.” For our final field trip of the year we focused on one of these, biodiversity loss, learning that a unique Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate has quietly been promoting biodiversity health for many years, well before Laudato Si was published.
Father Paul Wightman, OMI, followed a youthful allurement to caving, and as a result has had a significant impact on biodiversity in southern Illinois. In his delightful and informative presentation Father Paul took us on a pictorial tour of Fogelpole cave, entertaining us with stories about his underground experiences through the years. With a twinkle in his eyes and a charming grin, Paul showed us what it is like when a person is allured by a special part of our rare and precious planet and gets serious about enjoying it.
Located near his hometown of Waterloo, Illinois, Fogelpole Cave is the largest and most biologically diverse cave in Illinois, and exploring it became his hobby. He took many students and scientists into the cave throughout his life. Because the owners were careful about providing access to the cave on their land, it has remained pristine to this day. The cave is home to threatened and endangered species; consequently, it is now part of the Illinois Nature Preserves System, preserved in perpetuity, contributing to the health of biodiversity forever!
[Father Paul with students inside Fogelpole Cave]
In addition, the 500 acres above the cave are also preserved and dedicated in the Illinois Nature Preserve System as the Paul Wightman Subterranean Nature Preserve. Because of this preservation, the water flowing into the cave remains free from pesticides and herbicides. In addition, volunteers have turned the farmland above the cave into a native prairie, providing habitat for many pollinators.
The Novices, Brother Pat McGee, and I were touched with the way Father Paul modestly shared his impactful caving career, and we felt inspired to contribute to the health of our rare and precious planet, each in our own special way.
A New Heaven & A New Earth New York City Pre-Launch Concert & Livestream July 23rd, 2024
OMIUSA has been apart of this special event, which has been organized by the A New Heaven & New Earth (HNE) Collaborative to lift up gospel inspired songs and the special God-given gift of creation, which we are called to protect and care for.
Inspired by the call of Laudato Si, the encyclical letter of Pope Francis, people of faith across the world are responding to the challenge and have made this mission a special part of their ministry and values. (Fr. Séamus Finn, OMI)
A Ministry of Presence: Ceasefire Walk in Oakland, California July 17th, 2024
Republished from OMIUSA.ORG
By Jack LAU, OMI
[On Friday June 28, 2024, Bro. Noel Garcia, OMI (Secretary General), joined Fr. Jack Lau, OMI, and Ms. Carrie McClish, an Associate of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, for their weekly walk against gun violence in Oakland.]
For the past three years, they have walked every Friday night, seeking an end to the violence that plagues their city. They are part of Faith in Action East Bay, a faith-based community organization dedicated to promoting peace and ending gun violence through shared values from diverse faiths, races, and social backgrounds.
The evening begins at a local church with a prayer, followed by a review of the safety rules. Equipped with signs, they then take to the streets.
The group usually walks between five and ten blocks, eventually standing on a busy corner with signs displaying messages like “Stop the Violence,” “Violence is Not an Oakland Value,” and “Honk for Peace.” Drivers frequently show their support by honking as they pass. This is a ministry of presence, signaling to the neighborhood that the “beloved community of varied faiths” stands with them.
Oakland Ceasefire employs an evidence-based strategy to reduce community violence. This initiative, driven by a community-police partnership that includes clergy, street outreach workers, service providers, and law enforcement, uses data to identify those most at risk of being shot or killed. The program then engages these individuals, offering them options and opportunities for change.
Missionary Oblates: Central Government & Canada-US Region Hold Joint Session, July 8-13, 2024 July 11th, 2024
(Republished from OMIWORLD)
Day 3 – Wednesday, July 10
On this anniversary of the death of Br. Anthony Kowalczyk, OMI, participants in the CROCUS Joint Session, were reminded of his exemplary religious life. His humble and dedicated zeal for service to others, particularly the youth, and his intense search for God were central themes. The Canada-US leadership strives to emulate this same devotion to mission and service to the poor as they discern the future path of Oblate missionaries.
Where do we want to go? How will we get there?
These two questions guided the day’s discussions, primarily in small groups. Three key priorities emerged repeatedly: fostering a life-giving community, living out the vows (CCRR), and caring for each other.
Fr. Charles Rensburg took to the podium to present the results of an extensive OMI demographic analysis. He discussed the financial implications of demographic changes within the Oblate Congregation over the next eight to ten years and how these shifts might influence decision-making as the Congregation moves forward in this synodal process toward renewal.
With all this information in mind, participants walked to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, a few blocks away. There, they celebrated the Eucharist in the Oblate Chapel, with CROCUS President Fr. Ken Thorson presiding.
