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Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate / General Administration
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16-22 March 2026 (Week 12) | 33rd day of Lent
16-22 March 2026
Human Encounter and the Oblate Mission with young people in a Digital World. Plus 6 more stories: Vatican News; Oblate news from Asia and Oceania, Europe, Canada and United States.
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Lead Story
Human Encounter and the Oblate Mission with young people in a Digital World
In a world shaped by artificial intelligence and digital communication, the missionary value of Catholic education and Oblate outreach to young people has grown more significant, particularly as ‘Generation Beta’ (born between 2013 and 2025) navigates relationships mediated by screens rather than direct human interaction. During a recent visit to Oblate schools in Australia, the author observed how these institutions foster community and human connection through activities that encourage teamwork, emotional engagement, and natural friendship-building. Pope Francis has highlighted the risk of digital communication, noting it can connect ideas without uniting hearts (Fratelli Tutti 43). The Oblate mission through education offers young people experiences rooted in real human encounter, nurturing empathy, generosity, and collaboration. By contrast, digital and AI-driven systems can isolate young people, detaching relationships from the depth of real interaction. Yet it is precisely in these complex, "untidy" human relationships that young people grow in faith and learn the meaning of authentic community.
Read more →
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Vatican News
 Vatican releases mottos and logos for Pope's Apostolic Journey to Africa (Photo: Vatican News)The Holy See Press Office released on Monday the mottos and logos for Pope Leo XIV’s Apostolic Journey to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea from 13 to 23 April 2026. Algeria’s logo features two doves sharing a cup and the Chi Rho symbol, with the motto “Peace be with you” in Arabic, Amazigh, and French, reflecting Christian-Muslim dialogue. Cameroon’s design includes an open Bible with a golden dove, the national flag, and the motto “May they all be one,” emphasizing unity in Christ. Angola’s logo, in red tones, depicts a gear-like cross and mulemba tree, while Equatorial Guinea’s golden cross highlights the country’s flag, a family, and the arrival of early missionaries by sea 170 years ago. Read more →
 Pope Leo’s schedule for Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea (Photo: Vatican News)From April 13 to 23, 2026, Pope Leo will undertake a 10-day Apostolic Journey to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea, his third overseas trip since becoming pope, following visits to Turkey and Lebanon in late 2025 and Monaco in March 2026. The Holy See Press Office released the full itinerary, which includes six greetings, ten addresses and eight homilies across eleven cities. In Algeria, he will arrive in Algiers on April 13, meet President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, visit the Great Mosque and the Maqam Echahit Martyr’s Monument, and travel to Annaba the next day to pray at Hippo’s archaeological site and celebrate Mass at the Basilica of St. Augustine. Read more →
 Pope Leo speaks by phone with Palestinian President Abbas (Photo: Vatican News)On Monday morning, Pope Leo XIV spoke by phone with Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine, at the latter’s request, according to the Holy See Press Office. The call addressed “the alarming developments in the conflict in the Middle East and the living conditions of the Palestinian people.” The Holy Father reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to peace through political and diplomatic dialogue and full respect for international law. Read more →
Regional Activities
Asia and Oceania
 Australia: A Pilgrimage that Begins at the Shore (Photo: OMI World)From March 17 to 27, Fr. General will visit Oblate communities across Australia, following the path of the first missionaries who arrived in Fremantle, Western Australia, in 1894 at the invitation of Bishop Matthew Gibney. Frs. Roger Hennesy and Daniel O’Ryan were the first Oblates to serve the seaport parish, care for young people, and preach missions among the poor and seafarers of the Fremantle Fishing Fleet. During his visit, Fr. General will travel to Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney, engaging with Oblate ministries in parishes, schools, street outreach, hospitals, and formation houses. The pilgrimage will conclude with the blessing of St. Eugene’s Retreat and Conference Centre in Fremantle, a new initiative inspired by the Oblates’ founding mission. Read more →
Europe
 Cagliari Encounter: Father General Visits St. Elia Parish (Photo: OMI World)Gennaro ROSATO, OMI Father General visited Sant’Elia Parish in Cagliari over the last weekend of January, engaging with the community, Oblates and families in their homes. On January 30 he began a 48-hour immersion, meeting local Oblates to discuss their ministry and celebrating Mass at the parish church after a pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Bonaria. In the parish hall that evening, nearly every group shared their work, and Father General reminded everyone that the Oblate charism belongs to all, highlighting the gifts of laypeople. On Sunday he took the mission into the streets, visiting neighbors in their homes, including an elderly woman, a young family and parents grieving a child, before closing with a shared meal that felt like a family gathering. Read more →
Canada and United States
 NDC–Quebec in Assembly: A Time of Renewal Gathered in Richelieu (Photo: OMI World)On March 13, 2026, the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate of the Notre-Dame-du-Cap Province concluded their provincial assembly in Richelieu, bringing together members from across Canada for three days of spiritual conversation. Despite aging numbers and shrinking missions, the gathering revealed a vibrant missionary spirit, with Oblates from Nigeria, Cameroon, Madagascar, France, Poland, Haiti and the United States joining Canadians in renewed fraternity. The assembly reflected on declining numbers and aging membership without despair, affirming that the mission belongs to the Lord and calls for fresh collaboration and presence in Quebec. Participants also prepared for new provincial leadership, trusting that the Oblate charism continues to bear fruit in this changing time. Read more →
Points for Reflection- Human Encounter and the Oblate Mission with young people in a Digital World reminds us that digital tools can connect ideas but rarely touch hearts, so we must create spaces where young people meet face to face and learn the art of authentic relationship, as Jesus did with his disciples in John 15:12.“This is my commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)
- shows how the motto “May they all be one” (John 17:21) is not just a slogan but a prayer that the Church in Cameroon will become a single witness to the Gospel, as the dove of the Spirit hovers over the nation’s map.“that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me.” (John 17:21)
- NDC–Quebec in Assembly: A Time of Renewal Gathered in Richelieu echoes Psalms 92:14 by testifying that even in aging communities the Oblate mission still bears fruit, inviting all members, young and old, to discern together how the Spirit is calling them to new forms of service in Quebec.“They will still produce fruit in old age. They will be full of sap and green,” (Psalms 92:14)
Oblate Value of the Week
Community, from the Dictionary of Oblate Values.
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