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

Mazenodian Family Celebrates Immaculate Conception in Belleville

Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows

Posted on December 13, 2023

Photos by Mike Viola

***A good crowd came for prayer, fellowship and food***

On Friday, December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Missionary Oblates, Oblate Associates, Oblate Novices, their formators and Honorary Oblates gathered to celebrate the Feast of their Patroness at the Benedictine Living Community on the grounds of the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, IL.

The evening began with Vespers prepared by Fr. Mark Dean followed by a catered dinner. Lori Kelly, Belleville USP Support Office Manager, coordinated this year’s event arranging for invitations, the caterer and dessert. The Benedictine provided a gathering space and it turned out to be a grand gathering of the “Mazenodian Family.”

***Following along with Fr. Mark Dean’s prayer service are (L-R) Fr. Tom Killeen, Fr. Sherman Wall, and (back to camera) Fr. Paul Wightman.***

After prayer and before dinner everyone has an opportunity to “schmooze.”(L-R) (in wheel chair,) Fr. Ron Harrer, Fr. Tom Hayes, Fr. David Kalert, Fr. Louis Lougen, Fr. Allen Maes, Bro. Patrick McGee, Fr. Sal Gonzalez, (back to camera) Fr. Clyde Rausch

Joining in from the Novitiate in Godfrey, IL are: (L-R) Novices, Chandu Ponugumai , Robby Mukangwa, Elisha Chisanga, formator, Bro. George Litiya