May 1, 2014 Feast of St. Joseph the Worker – OMI General House – Rome

Dear Brother Oblates,

Today, May 1, 2014 during the festive celebration of the Eucharist presided over by the Superior Genera, Fr. Louis Lougen, OMI, our brother PAUL PATRICK, OMI, made his Perpetual Oblation and received the Oblate Cross, a copy of our Holy Rule, and a scapular medal of the Blessed Mother. Present for the festivities, was his mother Angela, his sister, and aunt, as well as some 100 Oblates from all over the world, and many guests and friends of the Oblates. Two other scholastics, both from Sri Lanka, professed their final vows with Paul, Brother Amalraj Anthony Aruna, OMI and Brother Sujaharan Bede Keethopongalan, OMI. During his homily, Father General spoke about the three profound symbols that form an integral part of the celebration of perpetual oblation: the prostration of the candidates during the Litany of the Saints, a sign of profound humility and availability to do God’s will, the Oblate Cross that is worn next to an Oblates body to remind him of the boundless love of God, and the Holy Eucharist, which is the actualization of the Lords sacrifice for the life of the world, which all Oblates are called to enter into and emulate in their daily lives. A glorious buffet lunch was prepared by the General House, during which time there was more sharing and singing to complete the festivities. I also attach a few pictures from today’s celebration.

Congratulations Paul!

With prayers,

Fr. Marian Gil OMI