The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate serve poor and abandoned people in the United States and 70 countries around the world.

Buffalo Oblates Celebrate 207th Anniversary of Oblate Foundation

Buffalo. NY

By Felix Nyambe, OMI

(L-R) Fr. James Laiacono, Deacon Alejandro Manunta, Fr. Felix Nyambe, Deacon Roberto Miranda, behind him is Fr. Bill Mason, Fr. Louis Lougen, three altar servers, and behind them, Deacon Jorge Silva. Photo was taken at Holy Cross Parish in Buffalo, NY

On the 207th Anniversary of the founding of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, the former Superior General reminded the Oblates in Buffalo and all who gathered to be, “Missionaries who love the Church and poor”.

As Missionaries, how do we go out to tell the Good News in our challenging world? “We need to continue to seek holiness, to be Apostolic men, to be closer to the poor, to be joyful, and to practice simplicity;” noted Fr. Louis Lougen, OMI.  

(L-R) Fr. Steve Vasek, Fr. Louis Lougen, Fr. Tuan Pham, Fr. Felix Nyambe, Fr. James Laiacono

Our Mission is to continue to carry out the work, and vision of our founder and his first companions. It was not easy for Eugene and his first companions who were diocesan priests to live the vows. But they were committed and determined to achieve what they wanted to do for the Church and the Congregation.

The Oblate community and parishes in Buffalo, NY, are grateful for the presence of the former Superior General. He is always ready/available and asking to help whenever he can with pastoral needs in our parishes. He is always available for community activities and to give his insights. A true Oblate Missionary close to his Oblate brothers, Charism, and pastorally close to the people.

At the celebratory dinner we see: (Left side: Fr. Nyambe, Fr. Vasek, Fr. Lougen, (Right side starting in back) Fr. Mason, Fr. Laiacono, Fr. Pham

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