Latest OMI JPIC News
Merry Christmas & A Blessed 2018 December 6th, 2017
Rediscovering the Importance of Brotherhood through Jesus’ Life December 5th, 2017
“Brother” is the name traditionally given to the male lay religious in the Church since the beginning of consecrated life. The title does not belong to them exclusively, of course, but it represents a significant way of being in the ecclesial community in which he is the prophetic memory of Jesus-Brother, who told his followers: “And you are all brothers” (Mt23:8)
It is important to know that Jesus was a layman calling people to be brothers and sisters. He himself represents the big brother for all of us. His brotherhood is a gift from God to the world and to the church: “Jesus Christ first of all became brother, shared our flesh and blood and was in solidarity with the sufferings of his brothers and sisters,” “The word became flesh and abides among us”( Jn 1.)
The vocation of the brother has its origins in Jesus, fount of all vocations. This particular vocation comes from a man who never was engaged as a member of the priesthood of Israel. His ministry was a ministry developed in a secular way; his consecrated life comes through his faith in God.
Read the full article on OMI Lacombe Canada’s website.
Letter of the Superior General, Fr. Louis Lougen OMI – December 8, 2017 December 4th, 2017
YEAR OF OBLATE VOCATIONS
December 8, 2017 – January 25, 2019
The Joy and Generosity of Oblate Life!
Happy Feast Day to all those who live the Oblate charism! We begin the Year of Oblate Vocations on the solemnity of our patroness, Mary Immaculate. The grace of her immaculate conception fills us with great joy, love and gratitude for all that God has done in her. This is a missionary feast. Mary’s immaculate conception prepared her for the call and the mission which God would entrust to her: to be a worthy dwelling place for the Son of the Most High. Mary’s faith-filled response inspires us to live faithfully our oblation as missionaries of the Kingdom of Jesus. We entrust this special year, the Year of Oblate Vocations, to the care of Our Lady, firmly believing that she will intercede so that God’s grace, in God’s own time and in God’s own way, will bless our efforts.
READ the full letter here.
DOWNLOAD Fr. Lougen’s letter.
December 8 – Feast of the Immaculate Conception December 4th, 2017
December 1 – PRAYER FOR WORLD AIDS DAY November 30th, 2017
On World AIDS Day – December 1 – the global community will reflect on the progress made to end AIDS and progress towards universal health coverage and the right to health. While great progress has been made, much still needs to be done. Goal 3 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aims to Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. The specific SDG target related to HIV/AIDS is 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable diseases.
Visit the UNAIDS website to read more.
Join Maryknoll Office for Global Concern’s World AIDS Day 24-hour prayer vigil.
PRAYER FOR WORLD AIDS DAY
God of Promise, today we are mindful of our sisters and brothers suffering with HIV and AIDS. We ask your healing presence on millions of people living with the disease today; particularly the children who are infected or who have been orphaned by the disease. Make of us a safe haven for those who are abandoned, discriminated against and rejected on account of their illness. Inspire us to speak out for a just distribution of health care and medical aid in this country and for generosity in sharing our resources with those struggling under the weight of this epidemic overseas.
As we begin our Advent celebration of waiting in hope for the birth of your Son, let us remember those across the world who wait in hope for a cure. Amen.
(Prayer adapted from the Catholic Health Association)
