The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate serve poor and abandoned people in the United States and 70 countries around the world.

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
Fr. Jose Arong shares
his vocation story
associates_elizabeth_concepcion_bonnie_martinez_marie serrao_loy_jo_prado_lourdes_prokop_at_retreat
Associates Elizabeth Concepcion,
Bonnie Martinez, Marie Serrao,
Loy Jo Prado,
Lourdes Prokop at retreat

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.

geri_furmanek_leads_a_discussion_with_the_associates l_r_bill_lacson_fr_jose_arong_omi_marina_aligna_flor_lacson
Ger Furmanek leads a discussion
with the associates
L-R Bill Lacson, Fr Jose Arong, OMI,

Marina Aligna, Flor Lacson

new_oblate_associate_mary_lou_jacivicz_receives_the_oblate_cross_from_fr_jose_arong_omi geri_furmanek_addresses_the_retreatents
New Oblate Associate Mary Lou Jacivicz
receives the Oblate Cross
from Fr J Jose Arong OMI
Geri Furmanek addresses the retreatantsl
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