U.S. OBLATES GATHER IN BELLEVILLE FOR 4TH CONVOCATION

 

Photos and Story by Will Shaw

More than 200 Oblates gathered at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, IL., last week for the Fourth U.S. Province Convocation. The Convocation theme was, “We are one; We are strong; On fire still” and the meeting sought to continue the process of Renewing the Province Mission.

After a general welcome from U.S. Provincial, Fr. William Antone, the four-day meeting opened on April 15. The gathering combined expert presentations with discussion groups, and daily prayer and worship. There were also leisure time options which included tours of local attractions and Oblate ministries.

The four main presenters and topics for the Convocation were: Rev. Frank Santucci, OMI: Renewal and the Founder; Rev. Joe Nassal, CPPS: The Inward Adventure: Tending the Flame; Bro. Loughlan Sofield, ST: Communities on Fire; and Fr. Stephen Bevans, SVD, Partnering with The Missionary God: A Vision of Mission Today.

Local Oblate Associates and Honorary Oblates were invited to the closing event which was a delightful evening of dinner and entertainment arranged by Convocation organizers, Frs. Tom Ovalle and Ray John Marek.

To get the complete details visit the May 2013 OMIUSA Newsletter