By Geri Furmanek, National Director of Mission Enrichmant and Oblate Associates with material supplied by Fr. Porfirio Garcia, OMI

Oblate Associates in the U.S just keep on growing as evidenced in this photo from Fr. Porfirio Garcia, OMI.

The new group of Spanish-speaking Oblate Associates met at Immaculate Conception on January 11, 2015 for orientation and to celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.  For the past several months, Fr. Porfirio has been in communication with the National Office for Oblate Associates as he prepared to invite men and women interested in sharing the charism of St. Eugene.  Following the established Associate program, Fr. Porfirio distributed the Asociados Oblatos brochure, as well as The Guide for Oblate Associates as the group began their journey to study and reflect on the spirituality, history and charism of St. Eugene and the Oblates. There’s no lack of enthusiasm for St. Eugene at Immaculate Conception, several more individuals are expected to be at the next Associate’s meeting on February 15.

Brownsville, Texas has been designated a “Mission Center” by the Missionary Oblates who have been serving there since 1849.

Presently there are Oblate Associates in 16 of the 50 states.