OMIWORLD Digest – September 2026
Editorial Welcome
As summer gives way to autumn, the Oblate world is ablaze with fresh missionary fire. From the windswept plains of Saskatchewan to the earthquake-shaken cities of Colombia, from the ancient streets of Aix-en-Provence to the jungles of Guatemala, our brothers are living the call of St. Eugene de Mazenod: to go to the poor, to walk with the marginalized, and to renew the Church through radical witness. The 37th General Chapter’s call to accompany Indigenous communities in education is being answered in Ensenada, Mexico, where two years of presence have already borne fruit. In Turkmenistan and Madagascar, new leadership is being entrusted to zealous Oblates, while in Brazil and Ecuador, a continent-wide mission is being woven together in charity and fidelity.
This season also invites us to reflect deeply on our vows, especially poverty. As we prepare for the Year of the Vow of Poverty in 2027, we are reminded that true evangelization begins not with programs or structures, but with hearts emptied of self, filled with Christ, and poured out for others. May this issue of OMIWORLD Digest kindle in you, our dear friends, the same missionary flame that animates our Oblate family across the globe.
Vatican and Holy See Updates
In recent months, the Holy Father has appointed several Oblates to positions of leadership and mission:
- Rev. Fr. Paweł Janusz KUBIAK, O.M.I. has been appointed Superior of the Mission sui iuris of Turkmenistan, succeeding his own service as Superior and Economus of the same mission.
- Rev. Fr. Mariusz KASPERSKI, OMI has been named Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Toamasina in Madagascar and Titular Bishop of Burca, continuing the strong Oblate presence in the region.
These appointments reflect the Holy See’s trust in the missionary charism of the Oblates and the vitality of our communities in challenging contexts.
Global Oblate Mission and Leadership
The heart of the Oblate mission beats strongly in Rome, where the Superior General, Fr. Luis Ignacio ROIS ALONSO, OMI, together with the Central Government, has declared 2027 a Year of the Vow of Poverty for the entire Congregation. This initiative invites every Oblate, and every Oblate family, to examine how we live simplicity, trust in Providence, and solidarity with the poor. In a world obsessed with accumulation, our vow of poverty becomes a prophetic sign of the Kingdom.
The General Committee for Formation has responded to the 37th General Chapter by publishing “Re-Imagining the Pathways on Oblate Formation”, a booklet focused on missionary and intercultural formation. This resource seeks to ground our novices and scholastics not only in the rules, but in the living spirit of St. Eugene, who formed missionaries after the heart of Christ.
On June 9, 2026, the Oblate community in Aix-en-Provence gathered to install a new Superior. In the very cradle of our Congregation, this moment recalled our origins and reaffirmed our mission: to proclaim the Gospel with joy and courage in places where Christ is least known or loved.
Regional Missionary Action and Community Life
Africa
In Madagascar, the appointment of Bishop-elect Mariusz KASPERSKI, OMI, as Auxiliary Bishop of Toamasina signals a deepening of Oblate leadership in the Church’s mission to the poor and marginalized. The people of Madagascar continue to experience the warmth of Oblate presence through education, pastoral care, and accompaniment of youth.
Asia-Oceania
In Turkmenistan, Fr. Paweł KUBIAK, OMI, now leads the Mission sui iuris, carrying forward a fragile but vital presence in a context where religious freedom is limited. His leadership reminds us that even small communities can radiate the light of Christ when rooted in prayer and solidarity.
Latin America
- Mexico: The Oblate mission in Ensenada, Baja California, marked its second anniversary on August 7, 2026. Inspired by the 37th General Chapter’s call to accompany Indigenous communities in education, the community has already become a sign of hope, offering catechesis, vocational discernment, and accompaniment to youth.
- Brazil and Ecuador: In response to the General Chapter’s vision, the Oblate Province of Brazil has joyfully accepted a new mission in Ecuador. This continental expansion strengthens our presence in Latin America and deepens our commitment to intercultural fraternity.
- Guatemala: The Oblates gathered in Chicamán, Quiché, to celebrate 38 years of missionary life. Their assembly was a moment of gratitude for those who have gone before them and a recommitment to serve the Indigenous peoples of the highlands with renewed zeal.
Europe
In Aix-en-Provence, France, the cradle of our Congregation, the installation of a new Superior on June 9, 2026, was a moment of grace. As Oblates gathered in the city where St. Eugene was born and first heard the call to mission, they renewed their own vocation to serve the Church with humility and boldness.
North America
Canada: Bishop Kenneth THORSON, O.M.I., was ordained Bishop of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, on August 7, 2026. As the ninth bishop and only the second Oblate to lead the diocese, he carries forward a legacy begun by Bishop Albert PASCAL, O.M.I., in 1891. His episcopacy is a testament to the enduring fruit of Oblate missionary presence in the Canadian prairies.
Asia
Indonesia: For years, the Oblates have accompanied the followers of the native Javanese religion in their quest for civil recognition. By gifting them land for worship and joining their civic celebrations, the Oblates stand firmly with those on the margins, a living expression of our preferential option for the poor and excluded.
Catholic World and Humanitarian Action
On August 10, 2026, a devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia, affecting 14 departments and 357 municipalities. Cities like Pereira, Cali, Quibdó, Manizales, and Armenia suffered severe damage. Search and rescue teams continue to work tirelessly, and the Oblates in the region are responding with solidarity, prayer, and practical support for those most affected.
Spiritual Anchor / Charism Reflection
“Blessed are you, Lord, the God of our ancestors,
to you be glory and praise for evermore.
More worthy than all praise is your name,
holy and glorious.”
, Canticle of the Three Young Men (Daniel 3:56)
This ancient hymn, sung in the midst of trial, echoes the heart of our Oblate mission. Like Azariah, Hananiah, and Mishael, we are called to praise God not only in prosperity, but in the “fiery furnace” of human suffering. Whether in the ruins of Colombia, the classrooms of Ensenada, or the prisons of Turkmenistan, our mission is to sing God’s praise through solidarity, compassion, and unshakable hope.
St. Eugene de Mazenod often reminded his followers: “We must be missionaries above all by our example.” As we prepare for the Year of the Vow of Poverty, let us ask: How does our poverty make room for the poor? How does our simplicity become a bridge to Christ?
Closing and Blessing
Dear friends of the Oblate mission, as we walk together in the footsteps of St. Eugene, may we remain ever attentive to the cry of the poor, faithful to our vows, and joyful in our proclamation of the Gospel. Let us support one another in prayer and action, knowing that our small steps, when taken in faith, become part of a great divine symphony.
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord let his face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
May the Lord look upon you with kindness and give you peace.
, Numbers 6:24-26
, The OMIWORLD Editorial Team