Originally Published on OMIWORLD.ORG

Click here to see the Article en Español

In his final address at the Joint Session in Washington, D.C., Fr. Chicho, Superior General of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, called upon the Canada-USA Region to seek a deep sense of renewal, a renewal centered on holiness and unity.  “We need saintly Oblates from this region,” he emphasized.

Striving for Holiness

Fr. Chicho invoked the founder’s emotional plea: “In the name of God, be Saints!”  He stressed the urgent need to listen to the Holy Spirit and open ourselves to His transforming grace. “Our call is to stand before Jesus Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to renew our lives.” He invited America to respond to this call, embracing holiness and fostering the rise of new saints. Fr. Chicho’s message was built on three fundamental principles essential to the Congregation’s mission today: synodality, solidarity, and subsidiarity.

Synodality: Listening and Discerning

The concept of synodality was central to Fr. Chicho’s message. He stressed the importance of listening deeply to the Holy Spirit and one another. “We need to listen to each other more and make a real process of synodality all over the congregation,” he said. This mutual listening fosters a dialogue that respects and elevates every voice within the community, guiding it to a more spiritual and complete unity.

Solidarity: Meeting Others’ Needs

Solidarity, as Fr. Chicho explained, goes beyond mere charity. It is about truly understanding and responding to the needs of others. “What is important is to give what the other needs,” he explained. This principle calls us to a more profound and authentic engagement with our brothers and sisters, ensuring that our acts of charity are meaningful and impactful. In practicing authentic solidarity, we build a stronger, more supportive community.

Subsidiarity: Respecting Decision-Making Levels

Fr. Chicho then turned to the principle of subsidiarity, underscoring its importance at every level of decision-making in the Congregation. “The Holy Trinity entrusts us with a mission…but God is expecting from us to do what is possible,” he remarked. This principle ensures that each unit, from the Central Government to the Provincial levels, operates within its unique sphere of responsibility, embodying the divine mission. Subsidiarity cultivates an environment where local leaders are empowered, fostering a deep sense of ownership and accountability. It mirrors the organic and cooperative nature of the Holy Trinity, where every person contributes harmoniously to the whole, ensuring that decisions are both inspired by the Holy Spirit and grounded in the lived realities of the community.

Concrete Questions and Actions

Fr. Chicho posed vital questions for reflection: “With all this commitment, what will change? What do we have to let go of to embrace a new future? How will you implement your proposals?” These questions require not just reflection but actionable steps. He urged more interprovincial collaboration, particularly in ministries dedicated to migrants, Indigenous people, and youth. He also emphasized the importance of coordinated programs for personnel exchange, which are crucial for effectively fulfilling these missionary priorities and driving meaningful change within the Congregation.

Focus on Formation and Leadership

Emphasizing the need for a renewed focus on formation and leadership, Fr. Chicho stressed the promotion of interculturality and training new leaders. “We would like to see the region advancing interculturality and collaboration with the congregation,” he said, highlighting how the leadership gap affects regional restructuring. He called on the Provincials to swiftly implement proposals and foster leaders at all levels, ensuring that the mission remains alive and effective.

A Call to Action

Fr. Chicho’s address concluded with a stirring call to action. “This is your time!” he exclaimed, urging everyone to seize this moment to create change. He emphasized that the future of the Oblate Mission in Canada and the USA depends on us. “If you want to make a difference, now is the time; it is your responsibility and mine, to work together,” he insisted. Reflecting on the Congregation’s storied history in the region, he invited all to dream big and strive for greatness. “Let us collaborate to achieve greatness. Let us dare to step out of our boxes and seek the best according to St. Eugene de Mazenod,” he concluded.