Fr. Jack Lau, OMI

On January 25, 2024, Oblates around the world celebrated “Foundation Day”. “Foundation Day” recalls how the “Society of Missionaries of Provence” was founded on January 25, 1816, in Aix-en-Provence when Eugene de Mazenod and four companions came together to preach, first with missions in the everyday language of the community, known as “Provencal,” also with youth and prison ministry.

The Oblate Community of Oakland, CA gathered at Sacred Heart for the Foundation Day #208 with a robust southern French winter meal.  A version of cassoulet [seared turkey wings (the founders favorite) and sausage in white beans] along with a hearty red wine. The sumptuous meal was prepared by Father Jack Lau who is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. At table was Philip Singarayar, Ray John Marek, Moses Khisa and Jack Lau.

It was ten years after “Foundation Day,” February 17, 1826, that Pope Leo XII granted approbation of pontifical right to the congregation of the “Missionary Oblates of the Most Holy and Immaculate Virgin Mary”