From Obra to Rome. News from our scholastic Mateusz.

As of the 24th of June 2025, I am happily residing in the Oblate IRS (International Roman Scholasticate). Many things have struck me over the past few days, the most significant being the internationality of the community here, which reminds me of Canada in many ways. This has stirred a reflection on the fact that real diversity and multiculturalism, (i.e. one that has a central point of reference/ something in common), can be so beautiful. We often don't fully appreciate our Canadian values of "multiculturalism" and "diversity" (at least I haven’t in the past), since they are our daily reality, and especially since they've been hijacked by political activists. Studying abroad for the last three years has taught me how special and unprecedented the Canadian dream is. The Roman Scholasticate serves as a reminder, that when we (though different) hold Jesus Christ as our common love, He gathers all cultures and nations into one: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Gal 3:28). In a time of so many international tensions and wars, the only medication is to see with eyes of faith, the common brotherhood of all people in Christ.

(Mateusz Chrzanowski)

Mateusz Chrzanowski comes from Mississauga, where he actively participated in the life of the Polish parish of St. Maximilian Kolbe as an altar server and in the youth group. Three years ago he entered the Novitiate at Holy Cross, where he took his first temporary vows after a year of formation. After 2 years of philosophical formation at the Seminary in Obra, he continues his formation at the Oblate International Seminary in Rome.