Originally Published on OMIWORLD.ORG
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“We must lead men to act like human beings, first of all, and then like Christians, and, finally, we must help them to become saints.”
By Sebastian Łuszczki OMI
The formation workshop for superiors of Oblate scholasticates from all over the world has been going on for several days in Rome. It has been an excellent opportunity to get to know each other and exchange experiences. Ten formators are attending the session in Rome, and more than 30 Oblates participate online every day. Thus, creating a “hybrid community,” forming ourselves to better fulfill our mission for the Congregation and the Church.
During the session of Fr. Tim Norton, SVD
During the first week of the meeting, we got to know each other, share our vocation stories, and talk about life in our scholasticates. We highlighted the uniqueness of formation during the Covid-19 pandemic; we clearly see the challenges and difficulties of this time.
During the session of Fr. Mokone Rathakoa, OMI
An entire day of the first week was reserved for a meeting with the Superior General, who spoke about fundamental elements to consider in the formation of the younger generation of Oblates and the need to accompany young people in the discernment of their vocation courageously. Father General also stressed the need for every Oblate to work hard for new vocations.
Each day of the session begins with a prayer prepared by a different scholasticate. Personally, it has been a great experience: many cultures, traditions, and languages, yet United by the same Oblate charism – we are separated by distance, time zones, and different cultural backgrounds, but we share the same spirit of St. Eugene de Mazenod!
Fr. Fabio Ciardi, OMI explaining to the participants in Rome about the history of the Oblate Madonna.
And all this is accomplished thanks to our animators, translators, and technical staff. On behalf of the Oblates online, thank you very much, brothers!