News Archives » Fr. Daniel LeBlanc
25 Years of Faith in Action: VIVAT International June 6th, 2025
(Fr. Séamus Finn, OMI)
VIVAT International celebrates 25 years of faithful service to justice, peace, and the integrity of Creation
As a faith-based non-governmental organization rooted in Catholic social teaching, VIVAT has grown into a global network of over 17,000 members from 12 religious congregations operating in 121 countries. This anniversary is not only a celebration of past achievements but a renewed call to courageous action for the future.
- A Journey Rooted in Life and Mission
Founded in November 2000 by the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) and the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS), VIVAT International takes its name from the Latin verb vivere—“to live.” This name reflects a deep commitment to promoting life in all its fullness, especially for the most vulnerable. The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) joined in 2009, bringing with them a deep-rooted presence in marginalized communities and a shared dedication to global justice.
- From Local Communities to Global Forums
VIVAT’s strength lies in its dual presence: deeply embedded in local realities while actively engaged on the international stage. Holding Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and being associated with the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC), VIVAT brings grassroots voices into global decision-making spaces. Whether advocating for human rights, environmental justice, or sustainable development, VIVAT serves as a bridge between people and the policies that shape their lives.
- READ FULL ARTICLE: bit.ly/3TgiYTW
- VISIT VIVAT INTERNATIONAL’S WEBSITE: https://www.vivatinternational.org/
Video: Fr. Charles Rensburg, OMI & Fr. Daniel LeBlanc, OMI On Advocacy Efforts with the UN & the Importance of Partnerships November 7th, 2024
As part of his recent visit to New York City, OMI Treasurer-General Fr. Charles Rensburg attended NGO meetings with Fr. Daniel LeBlanc (Oblate Representative to the UN).
They later sat down to discuss Fr. Daniel’s advocacy efforts with the United Nations and the importance of partnering with faith-based and civil society groups.
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Watch the entire video on Youtube: https://youtu.be/SuTq2nh21IU
(A big THANK YOU to Fr. Valentine Talang, OMI for capturing this conversation)
Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility’ Hosts “Navigating Troubled Waters” September 23rd, 2024
On September 19, Frs. Daniel LeBlanc, OMI and Valentine Talang, OMI joined stakeholders and thought leaders in New York City at Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility’s (ICCR) Annual Conference Event – “Navigating Troubled Waters.”
Corporations play an important role in supporting the resilient and vibrant democracy needed to sustain healthy civic engagement, accountable governance, and a stable economy where business can thrive. However, in today’s politically charged landscape, corporations often face significant challenges navigating their support for democratic values without appearing partisan or becoming entangled in controversy.
In the lead-up to the U.S. elections, the group convened to discuss how corporations can best exemplify good corporate citizenship without furthering the divisiveness of our national discourse.
Visit ICCR’s website to learn more about their work
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August 9 – Honoring Indigenous People for their Unique Contribution to Cultural Diversity August 9th, 2024
 (Image by Marcelo Trujillo, Pixabay) |
 (Image by Kiran Hania, Pixabay) |
Reflection on May’s Laudato Si Field Trip June 14th, 2024
Contributed by Sr. Maxine Pohlman, SSND, Director, La Vista Ecological Learning Center
Advocacy was our theme in May, and so the OMI Novices and I, representing La Vista Ecological Learning
Center, traveled to our local Sierra Club Office where we met with Virginia Woulfe Beile, Co-director of the Three Rivers Project.
Virginia shared a guide their members use called the Jemez Principles. It occurred to us that any faith leader could also take these admonitions to heart:
– Be inclusive
– Emphasis on bottom-up organizing
– Let people speak for themselves
– Work together in solidarity and mutuality
– Build just relationships among ourselves
– Commit to self-transformation
Next, we enjoyed a Zoom session back at the Novitiate with Father Daniel LeBlanc, OMI, another advocacy hero! Father Dan has been a non-governmental (NGO) representative at the United Nations in New York for OMI and VIVAT International for twenty years.
Fr. Daniel LeBlanc, OMI US Province, Representative to United Nations
When asked what was challenging about his work with the UN, Father Dan offered this sage advice: you need patience to do this work because it takes many years to accomplish change at the UN. In response to a question about how to prepare for a ministry like his, he encouraged the novices to broaden their education, learning all they could! He is an example of this, for he speaks 6 languages and studied law while pastor of a parish of 130,000 in Peru.
To say we were inspired by his life and advocacy work as an OMI is an understatement. We all felt gratitude for our conversation with this remarkable Oblate!
