The word Oblate is a term that many find difficult to understand when they first meet the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Missionaries? Of course, we know what that means... to work in the foreign missions. And this missionary identity of the oblates accompanies them wherever they serve. See for yourself who we are and what we do in the Assumption Province of Missionary Oblates in Canada.

“One portion of their life will be (…) entirely consecrated to outside works requiring the most active zeal such as missions, preaching, confessions, catechizing, directing young people, visiting the sick and prisoners, giving spiritual retreats and other similar exercises” (CCRR, 1818).

Another brother in our province is br. Roman Zapadka OMI, to whom I asked a few questions.

1. How did you meet the Oblates and what did you like about them that you decided to become one of them?

I got to know the Oblates through one of my confreres who is a priest, that is Kazimierz Tyberski, who, when he joined the Oblates, kept in touch with me through correspondence, writing to me about St. Eugene, about the Congregation, about the Oblates. And he told me that the Oblates are also religious brothers who perform various ministries for the benefit of their community or people and their ministry is often in the shadows, as it were, not exposed too much. I liked that a lot, because it's easier for me to do something, to minister without fame so to speak.

2. Has Canada always been in your plans or have you ministered somewhere before.

I didn't consider working in Canada, it came about quite unexpectedly. I wanted to go to Africa, where the Polish Province had missions in Cameroon and Madagascar. Several oblate brothers had already left before me so there was no need for another brother. Then I received an offer to go to Canada. I didn't think about it too long. Cameroon and Canada, both countries begin with the letter C, so I thought it would be a good choice.

TJ: But you never set foot on African soil?

Before going to Canada, no. It wasn't until I was in Canada that I got an offer to be such a pioneer and go to Kenya to help with the mission. After seven years in Canada, I went there and ministered for five years. I was responsible for the formation of youth and altar servers and also for various projects at the mission such as: water project, which consisted of bringing tap water from the mountains to the villages; we organized a sawmill for young people where they could learn carpentry and earn their living, and I also ministered among the homeless and in hospitals. I was very shocked by the situation in the local hospitals where often one bed is occupied by two or sometimes three patients.

3. What is your current ministry in Canada?

After Africa, I returned to St. Casimir's Parish where I volunteered at the Copernicus Lodge and also started doing courses for hospital chaplaincy and continuing education. The diocese was looking for someone to provide spiritual care to the sick in hospitals and as I had the training to do so I became a chaplain. At first I ministered in seven hospitals but after a while they decided that it was too much for one man so I am now responsible for five hospitals. My ministry consists of visiting patients, accompanying them spiritually and preparing them to receive the sacraments and distributing Holy Communion.

4. What gives you the most satisfaction and joy from this ministry as well as what is difficult about it. 

I think the most joy comes from the fact that I can bring Christ in Holy Communion to the sick, to which they look forward and for which they are very grateful. You can see that they have hope that Jesus will heal them, maybe not necessarily physically but spiritually. As a result, I see how many of them are sort of at peace with their situation and even death. What is most difficult is that many patients expect a miracle of healing, they want to be with their families for as long as possible and I am helpless.

Romek, thank you for sharing your experience with us and we wish you God's blessings and the care of our Immaculate Patroness!

(TJ/DJ; photos: TJ & private album of Brother Roman)