On December 8th, 2013, about 4,000 Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate began their Oblate Triennium, a three-year preparation for the 200th Anniversary of the Establishment of their Congregation. Fr. Superior General Louis Lougen said that this jubilee is a holy time for each Oblate and all those associated with them.

Over 140 priests and lay associates gathered at Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre in Mississauga on December 9th, 2013, to commemorate this special occasion with Holy Eucharist presided over by Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Toronto, William McGrattan. The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate from the Toronto district and other religious and diocesan priests from the Toronto area also concelebrated.

Guests included the Consul General of the Republic of Poland, Honourary Oblates, parents and families of Oblates, and people of good will who support and promote the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. At the end of Mass, Fr. Marian Gil OMI presented two individuals, Mr. Mark Garczynski and Mr. Paul Fletcher, with the Crystal Oblate Madonna Award for their contributions to promoting the charism of St. Eugene de Mazenod and dedication to the mission of Assumption Province. The Holy Eucharist was followed by a formal sit-down lunch.

The program for Triennium celebrations in Assumption Province will focus on three areas: Renewal of Oblate Life, Oblate Youth Ministry, and Parish Ministry. The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Assumption Province, ask all people of good will to participate in Triennium celebrations in the coming three years and keep Oblates in their prayers, that this time of grace and preparation bears much fruit. More information can be found at www.omiap.org.

An article in the Catholic Register about the opening of the Oblate Triennium can be found here.