Participants of 2014 Triennium Animators in Aix:
By Geri Furmanek, U.S. Province Director of Mission Enrichment and Oblate Associates
Workshop for Oblate Triennium Animators
The goal of this animator workshop in Aix is to form the 21 invited participants from different parts of the world by revisiting the history of the Founder (including relevant locations of early Oblate life), re-read the Constitutions and Rules, familiarize ourselves with the existing resources and create some new materials for the Oblate family in order to celebrate the Oblate Triennium in word and actions.
The Superior General, Fr. Louis Lougen, OMI, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, December 8, 2013, called for the beginning of this Triennium in anticipation of the 36th General Chapter and 200th Anniversary of the Oblate Congregation. At the close of the Triennium on January 25, 2017, it is hoped that each of us (Oblates and laity) will be renewed in the charism and the mission. This first year, Life in Apostolic Community and the vow of Chastity will be emphasized. The 2nd year, beginning December 8, 2014, the emphasis will be on Formation in Community and the vow of Poverty. In Year 3, the “zeal to dare to announce the Good News with people and in places where no one else goes will be emphasized along with the vow of Obedience.
Ultimately, this whole process is to continue the Call to Conversion (the theme of the 2010 General Chapter) and the call of our baptism. Of course we do this individually, but much of our conversion can only be done in community and through the pain of difficult situations.
A hope is that we can acknowledge the 200 years of dedication, work, joys and failures of so many that have gone before us and to honestly discern where God calls us into the future. Participants will be communicating with their respective Provincial and Regional leader about this experience and offer animation ideas.
Click HERE for photos of all the participants from around the world