Baja California: Among the Indigenous Communities

Published on Tuesday 25 August 2026

On August 7, 2026, the Oblate missionary expansion in Ensenada, B.C., Mexico, celebrated its second anniversary. Within these two years of Oblate presence, the community has come to experience firsthand the wisdom behind the 37th General Chapter: “Renewing the commitment to accompany Indigenous communities in their education.”

The Sacred Heart of Jesus Chaplaincy, known locally as “El Zorrillo,” ministers to four communities rich in cultural heritage, each with its missionary challenges. This community is multicultural, including the Mixtec, Triqui, Zapotec, Wixárika, and P’urhépecha peoples, among others.

We are grateful to our provincial, Fr. Ray Cook, O.M.I., of the United States Province, whose moral and financial support has made it possible to establish an Oblate presence in these lands. We are equally grateful to the many donors who support us with their prayers and generosity. Thanks to their constant support, we have already begun to see the fruits of this work in fostering stronger families and church life.

We are also grateful for the missionary zeal of our Superior General, Fr. Chicho, O.M.I., for sending our dear friend Fr. Kapena, General Councilor for Africa-Madagascar, to visit us on August 18 and 19, 2026. Fr. Kapena’s visit is intended to assess our work in the mission in Baja California, Mexico, and to discern the future direction of the mission work of the U.S. Province.

Eleazar MANUEL LÓPEZ, OMI

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