Oblate Youth Canada is a Catholic community of young people united under the guidance of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, who strive to live in a way that leads them closer to God and fulfill their Oblate Youth mission and charism. Their Oblate Youth mission is to create a community where youth can discover their human dignity, embrace their identity as Christians, and discern the journey God is calling them to in their vocation to Sainthood. The charism of Oblates is dedicating oneself to those around us and positively transforming our communities.

Over the year, Oblate Youth Canada has embarked on a journey with impactful initiatives, meaningful connections, and lasting achievements that shape the future. Some of these initiatives include weekly meetings to learn and discuss a life with God, retreats that provide moments of reflection and growth, group activities to create connections and friendships, fundraising initiatives to help support youth participating in mission trips, and more. All of which represent the ambition Oblate Youth has to achieve their goals in the mission and charism.

On Sunday June 23rd, 2024 Oblate Youth Canada gathered for a year-end celebration of the journey and achievements of the year. This event took place at St. Peter’s Mission Church in Mississauga where the youth gathered for a mass, followed by games and a barbecue. During mass Fr. Marcin Serwin spoke to the youth about surrendering to God, emphasizing trusting his plan for our lives, and following what God truly wants for us. After the mass the youth enjoyed refreshments and took part in games on the field. Around 140 youth attended the event from 4 parishes including St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish (Mississauga), St. Casimir’s Parish (Toronto), and St. Eugene de Mazenod Parish (Brampton) and St. Stanislaw Kostka (Hamilton).

This summer, youth will continue these initiatives and will be traveling to France to learn about the life of St. Eugene and the mission of the Oblates. There they will visit Lourdes, Aix en Provence, Nice, and Marseille, and will be exploring important locations and the life of St. Eugene that shaped our Congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Another group has been preparing a mission trip and will be traveling to Madagascar in July to support local communities and do meaningful work to positively impact the people of Madagascar. This will be through teaching, community development projects, providing resources, and fostering lasting relationships with the Malagasy people. The youth have worked very hard to fundraise for this cause as well as studying the language to prepare themselves for this mission.

Through their actions and aspirations, Oblate Youth Canada continues to embody their commitment to living out their faith and following God. With unwavering dedication and ambition, they inspire others to join in creating a better world and bring awareness to God’s purpose for our lives, especially within the younger generations.

(Patrycja Solarczyk; photos: Patrycja Machnio, Justyna Armatowicz)