Originally Published on OMIWORLD.ORG

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By Fr. Jorge Albergati, OMI, Councillor for Latin America

One positive outcome of the pandemic has been the way Oblate superiors from different units across Latin America continue to meet virtually every month. These meetings allow us to check in, reflect on our missionary challenges, and strengthen our commitment to walking together in mission. Every year and a half, we gather in person. Recently, an Oblate told me that our regional meetings feel more like a gathering of friends than formal work sessions. For me, this was a compliment. Dreaming together, evangelizing together, and living our call as Missionary Oblates is what being a united region is all about.

Walking together as Oblates
Looking back at our journey, I see that Oblates in Latin America began walking together as a region in 1965. Over the years, we have worked toward collaboration, holding in-person gatherings in countries where Oblates are present to plan our shared missionary path. Together, we have strengthened formation programs, trained formators, treasurers, and Justice and Peace agents, among others. Walking together as Oblates for the entire Congregation, and not just for our local countries, has led many of us to collaborate in missions across Latin America. These missions belong to all of us.

Sharing Dreams in Lima
In October 2024, we gathered in Lima, Peru, to reflect on how the mandates of the General Chapter are being implemented, especially the Congregation’s restructuring. One priority of the Oblate mission is working with migrants and refugees, a focus that has become more important in recent years. Another exciting development is the creation of a new Oblate foundation in the Amazon region, specifically in Ecuador. This fulfills a long-standing dream of expanding our presence and mission in that country.

A Renewed Formation
As we move forward, we are preparing to renew Oblate formation in the region. One of the first steps will be re-establishing the Interprovincial Novitiate and discerning the restructuring of post-novitiate programs. We hope to build an intercultural formation process that allows for exchange among both formators and formandi.

To conclude, I can say with confidence that we remain fully committed to walking together as a region.