Oblates Celebrate Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
December 8th is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and as she is the Patroness of the Oblate congregation, her Feast is an occasion for prayer and celebration in Oblate communities across the globe. Below is a sampling of celebrations sent in for this article along with a few examples found in Facebook posts.
France
(Facebook post)
The Missionaries Oblats of Midi France celebrated together the Immaculate Conception.
Father Bonga Majola, OMI
West Bengal
(Facebook post)
Celebration of the Feast of Immaculate Conception and blessing of priests residence at Ekpere, Diocese of Asansol, West Bengal on 8th December 2021
San Antonio
(Facebook post)
New Orleans
By Fr. Louis Studer, OMI
The Provincial Council gathered in New Orleans the week of December 6-9, celebrated Mass and prayed together. Here we are on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, celebrating Eucharist with a makeshift altar in the conference room of our hotel.
(L-R): Oblate Mark Dean, presiding, Oblate Louis Studer, Assistant Sandee Richards, Oblates Art Flores, Jim Chambers, Emmanuel Mulenga, Jim Brobst.
Another angle of our celebration of Eucharist on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. (L-R): Oblates Jim Chambers, Art Flores, Assistant Sandee Richards, Oblates Louis Studer and Mark Dean, our prayer leader for the day.
In his homily, Fr. Mark gave a brief history of the importance of this feast in the history of the Church and particularly to the Missionary Oblates. The Oblates prayed together the consecration to Mary Immaculate during the Eucharistic celebration.
After a day of meetings for the Provincial Council and ministry for the Oblates in New Orleans, we managed to get together for a festive meal in the French Quarter to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
(Beginning lower left-hand corner, clockwise) Fr. Louis Studer, Ron Richards, Sandee Richards, Fr. Emmanuel Mulenga, Fr. Don McMahon, Fr. Ray Cook, Fr. Art Flores, Fr. Mark Dean, Fr. Dwight Hoeberechts, Fr. Antonio Ponce, Fr. Jim Brobst, Fr. Jim Chambers, Fr. Tony Rigoli
Belleville, IL
The celebration in Belleville included the local Oblate Associates and was sponsored by the Oblates at St. Henry’s Oblate Residence and held at the Benedictine Living Community (formerly the Esquiline) on the grounds of the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows.
Fr. David Kalert, OMI coordinated the Oblates who provided the meat entrée and drinks, while Geri Furmanek, Director of Oblate Associates, lined up side dishes and desserts with Associates, Mary Wescovich, Sandy Callico, and Mary Mertzlufft. Additional set up and clean up was handled by local Pre-novices and Novices.
Before dinner Fr. Kalert presided at a prayer service, Bro. Patrick McGee offered a reflection.
A full house of Associates and Oblates from St. Henry’s, King’s House, the Shrine,the Benedictine, the Pre-novitiate and the Novitiate listen as Fr. Kalert begins the prayer service
Bro. Patrick McGee delivers his reflection on the day
After prayer the socializing began. (L-R) Fr. William Woestman (seated) Fr. George Knab, Fr. Terry Figel, and Fr. Don Dietz. (In the background are Fathers Elvis Mwamba and Jim Allen.
(L-R) Fathers Clarence Zachman, Ron Harrer, Norm Volk, and (back to camera) Ray Kirtz
(L-R) Oblate novices, Sipho Mukobola, Chileshe Mulenga, and (standing) Royd Miyambo chat with Fr. Joe Ferraioli
The buffet finds (L-R) Fr. Tom Hayes and Bro. Andy Lawlor first in line. On the right side of the table Associates, Mary Wescovich and Mary Mertzlufft assist.
Oblate Formators Fr. Juan Gaspar (R) and Fr. Frank Kuczera are in a festive mood
Another distinguished group of Oblates: (L-R) Fathers David Kalert, Joe Hitpas, Dale Schlitt, and Allen Maes
(L-R) King’s House Director, Fr. Sal Gonzalez and Bro. Patrick McGee
(L-R) Co-ordinators Geri Furmanek and Fr. David Kalert wonder who’s going to clean up?
The Director of Oblate Associates, Geri Furmanek, wrote and produced the video The Immaculate Conception: Exploring the Mystery” which provides an explanation and history of the Patroness of the Missionary Oblates. It is available to view in English or Spanish with the links below.
To view the 16 minute Video: “The Immaculate Conception: Exploring the Mystery” – CLICK HERE
To View “The Immaculate Conception: Exploring the Mystery” Part 1 in Spanish – CLICK HERE
To View “The Immaculate Conception: Exploring the Mystery” Part 2 in Spanish – CLICK HERE