Oblates of Assumption Province once again took part in annual Study Days. This year, these took place once again at Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre in Mississauga, between June 15-19.

The man who made us think, reflect and perhaps even challenge ourselves was Fr. Henryk Skibiński, a homiletics professor from Jagiellonian University in Kraków.

Fr. Henryk Skibiński about himself - 37 years of priesthood. 1,924 Sundays have passed. Delivered at least 2,000 homilies. Celebrated over thirteen thousand Holy Masses. Have heard confessions of tens of thousands of converted sinners. It is hard to count the hours spent with children, youth, and engaged couples during catechesis, and with the faithful in the parish office, the hospital, the social welfare home, at the cemetery, or in parishioners’ homes during Christmas caroling or other visits.

Do these numbers have any significance? Indeed, they do. They show how socially important, how multifaceted, and how labor-intensive the priest’s ministry is. The value of the priesthood cannot be quantified. It is expressed not so much in what we do, but above all in who we are. Agere sequitur esse.

Our life and our ministry have meaning because, and only because, the earth one day became worthy to bear the God-man, Jesus Christ. If not for Jesus, our life would have no meaning. Thanks to him, it has meaning in this life and in eternity.

Our life is an attempt at imitatio Christi. Many of us have read the book beloved by John Paul II and many other saints: The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis. Imitating Christ is the culmination of having previously come to know and love Him.

Our priestly ministry began at the moment of ordination. It was then carried out in various places, but within one Church. We serve a single purpose—the salvation of people through the diversity of our ministry. And I think each of us has experienced that the path of life often leads uphill, in the struggle against external and internal adversities. On this path, we are never alone.

Thus, over the last few days, we enjoy each other’s company, share experiences from the past few months and partake deeply of the communal spirit that make us Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate.

During the last Mass, the Superior General’s decree regarding the extension of the term of office of the Provincial, Fr. Jacek Nosowicz, OMI, was also read; the new Provincial Council was installed; and several new obediences were announced for our confreres.

(Fr. Peter Nowak OMI/TJ)