News Archives » missionary oblates of mary immaculate
OMI Bangladesh: Indigenous Leaders & Local Government March 16th, 2026
A Call For Strong, Global Protections to Safeguard Gig & Platform Workers: Fr Séamus Finn, OMI Weighs In March 16th, 2026
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US Provincial Letter & Prayer on the 200th Anniversary of the Approval of OMI Constitutions & Rules February 16th, 2026
Fr. Raymond Cook, OMI, US Provincial
Grace and peace to you in Jesus Christ, our Savior and the source of our mission.
As we gather in spirit across our communities around the globe, I invite you to pause with me and mark—gratefully and boldly—the 200th anniversary of the approbation of our Constitutions and Rules.
This is not merely a historical milestone; it is a moment of grace, a call to remember who we are, to thank the Lord for His fidelity, and to renew the flame of our shared missionary vocation.
As many of you know, on February 17, 1826, Pope Leo XII officially approved the Constitutions and Rules written by St. Eugene de Mazenod and his small band of missionaries. Guided by the Holy Spirit, they had crafted not only a rulebook, but a way of life deeply rooted in the Gospel and in the needs of the poor.
The first Constitution reminds us that “the call of Jesus Christ, heard within the Church through people’s need for salvation, draws us together as Missionary Oblates” (C1). This remains our starting point.
READ FULL LETTER:
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DOWNLOAD PRAYER:
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Oblate Missionaries at the United Nations: Advocating for Justice, Peace and Human Dignity January 8th, 2025
By Br. Benoît DOSQUET, OMI
The Missionary Oblates advocate for the human rights and well-being of the most vulnerable through collaborations with organizations such as VIVAT International and the Coalition of Religious for Justice. In this article, Benedict reflects on the work of the Missionary Oblates at the UN and their commitment to the most vulnerable, justice and peace.
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The journey of the Oblate Missionaries at the UN and with VIVAT International
In 2004, the Superior General sent Father Daniel LeBlanc on a mission to the UN, where the Missionary Oblates were incorporated as an NGO. Initially, Father Daniel worked with the organization “Franciscan International”, whose mission was to advocate at the United Nations for respect for human dignity and for environmental justice, using a human rights-based approach.
Very quickly, the Missionary Oblates joined the NGO VIVAT International, founded in November 2000. The name of the organization, derived from the Latin word “VIVERE” (meaning “TO LIVE”), symbolizes a commitment to life for all. VIVAT International will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2025. Today, two Missionary Oblates work directly with VIVAT: Father Daniel LeBlanc, who speaks at the UN on behalf of VIVAT and the Missionary Oblates, and Father Daquin Iyo, who represents the organization in Nairobi, where the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is located.
VIVAT International: A global commitment to human rights and justice
VIVAT International now has over 17,000 members from 12 Catholic religious congregations and works in 121 countries to promote human rights through both international and local advocacy. In 2017, the Missionary Oblates, along with 22 other NGOs, formed the Coalition of Religious for Justice (JCoR), strengthening the capacity of Catholic religious congregations on the ground and their representatives at the United Nations.
Religious NGOs are recognized at the UN for their moral presence, adopting a preferential option in favor of poor and marginalized people. They address the root causes of poverty, injustice, discrimination, violence and unsustainable development in the world.
READ THE FULL STORY AT OMIWORLD.COM
Video: United in Mission: The Evolution and Impact of the Congregation’s Joint Sessions July 10th, 2024
(Republished from OMIUSA.ORG)
The Central Government members are visiting the Oblates and charismatic family members in the Canada–United States Region in preparation for the Joint Session in Washington DC from July 7th to 13th. Have you ever wondered about the history of these sessions and their impact on the congregation?
The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) have a rich history of evangelization and closeness to the poor. The Joint Sessions are critical to this mission, providing a platform for collaboration, reflection, and strategic planning.
St. Eugene de Mazenod, our founder, emphasized unity, collective discernment, and mutual support among Oblates to effectively serve the poor and the Church. This laid the foundation for Joint Sessions. Initially, these were informal gatherings to discuss issues, share experiences, and find solutions.
As the importance of these meetings grew, they became formalized. By the mid-20th century, Joint Sessions were regular events on the Congregation’s calendar, reflecting a commitment to ongoing formation, collaboration, and spiritual growth to enhance the Congregation’s mission worldwide.
The main goal of the Joint Sessions is to foster unity and collaboration among regional members and the central government. These sessions encourage open communication, building trust, and mutual support. They also provide a forum to discuss and address challenges the Congregation faces in specific regions.
Joint Sessions include plenary sessions, workshops, group discussions, and spiritual reflections. This comprehensive approach addresses both practical and spiritual aspects of missionary work, reinforcing the Congregation’s identity and mission to evangelize the poor and marginalized.
