New Honorary Oblates Installed in San Antonio

San Antonio, TX

Posted on November 23, 2022

By Fr. Louis Studer, OMI, U.S. Provincial

The four new HOMIs with Fr. Louis Studer, OMI in front of the group: (L-R) Gerardo Gonzalez, Sister Jane Ann Slater, CDP, Fr. Studer and Gee-Gee and John Whitehurst.

With the approval of the former Superior General, Fr. Louis Lougen, OMI, four lay persons were installed as Honorary Oblates of Mary Immaculate during Mass at Blessed Sacrament Parish in San Antonio Saturday evening, November 19.

Provincial Fr. Louis Studer, OMI, presided at Mass and preached the homily.

The four recipients of this great honor are: Gerardo Gonzalez, Sister Jane Ann Slater, CDP, and John and Gee-Gee Whitehurst. All four have been long time friends of the Oblates and they were recognized for this honor because of their missionary work with the Oblates, their service to the wider San Antonio community, their sage advice and generosity to many Oblate programs.

The large group of distinguished guests posing with the new HOMIs includes Oblates, Honorary Oblates, Scholastics, Oblate Bishop Michael Pfeifer and more.

During Mass, each of the Honorary Oblates received the crucifix of a former Oblate as well as a certificate from Fr. Superior General which states that they now receive all the spiritual benefits and blessings bestowed upon the Oblate Congregation. Honorary Oblates truly are one with the vowed Oblate Religious Brothers and Priests.

These four recent HOMIs brings the number of living Honorary Oblates to 24 in the U.S. Province.

Several other HOMIs were present for the Mass as well as other members of the Mazenodian Family and friends and relatives of the honorees.