Oblate Associates from Three States Gather for Retreat
Story by Geri Furmanek and Will Shaw, photos by Will Shaw
| On the weekend of August 5-7th Oblate Associates from four areas gathered in Henderson, Nevada for a special retreat entitled: Journey of Life – Called by the Spirit. Associates Graciela Etchart of Seattle, Washington; Cecelia Barragan of San Fernando, California; and Hermie & Marina Alignay and Bill & Flor Lacson from Chula Vista, California traveled to join the Henderson, Nevada group for this retreat which included a First Commitment and Re-commitment of several Associates at a special celebration of the Eucharist at which Fr. Jose Arong, OMI presided. Associate Elizabeth Concepcion, local coordinator of the Henderson group, worked for months on coordinating the parish hall and Church and all the details of feeding 40 people during the retreat! | |
 Fr. Jose Arong shares his vocation story |
 Associates Elizabeth Concepcion, Bonnie Martinez, Marie Serrao, Loy Jo Prado, Lourdes Prokop at retreat |
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The three-day event drew more than 40 Oblate Associates to the parish hall at St. Peter the Apostle Church for prayer and presentations by the National Director of Mission Enrichment and Oblate Associates, Geri Furmanek, Fr. José Arong, a member of the National Committee for Oblate Associates, and a surprise visit from St. Eugene (professional actor, Will Shaw of Oblate Media). Inspired by St. Eugene’s example and those of the Missionary Oblates, Associates listened to the presenters, shared from their hearts of their experiences, and prayed for the grace to return home and make Christ present to the world. |
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| Ger Furmanek leads a discussion with the associates |
L-R Bill Lacson, Fr Jose Arong, OMI,
Marina Aligna, Flor Lacson |
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| New Oblate Associate Mary Lou Jacivicz receives the Oblate Cross from Fr J Jose Arong OMI |
Geri Furmanek addresses the retreatantsl |