Newsletter of the U.S. Province of the OMI USA Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate Volume 14 No. 3 May 2011

“I am humbled by the respon- Fr. Small named to new post sibility entrusted to me, one that once r. Andrew Small, OMI, director burgh who has headed the four orga- belonged to the esteemed Archbishop of the U.S. bishops’ Office for the nizations that make up the pontifical Fulton Sheen,” Fr. Small said. “I look FChurch in Latin America, has been mission societies in the forward to working with the named national director for the Pontifi- since great mission family in the cal Mission Societies in the United States. 2001. United States, whose love The five-year appointment was “With Father for the church is both wide announced April 7 at the Vatican by Car- Small’s missionary and deep.” dinal Ivan Dias, prefect of the Congre- priestly formation and The Pontifical Mission gation for the Evangelization of Peoples, pastoral experience, Societies consist of the So- which oversees the work of more than and his extensive edu- ciety for the Propagation of 120 national mission societies world- cational attainments, the the Faith, the Holy Child- wide. national direction of the hood Association, the Soci- The national director heads the Pontifical Mission So- ety of St. Peter Apostle, and four New York-based societies in the cieties will be very well the Missionary Union of United States and oversees the World served,” Msgr. Kozar said. “His dy- Priests and Religious. Their purpose is Mission Sunday collection, taken up on namic leadership and warm personal- to promote a universal missionary spirit the third Sunday in October each year. ity will endear him to both those en- among all Catholics. (From the CNS news Fr. Small succeeds Msgr. John trusted with mission animation in U.S. release) E. Kozar, a priest of the Diocese of Pitts- dioceses and the poor of the world.”

alendars can be our friends; but not without occasional Buffalo, NY. With 6 young men attending, it was just the “taming” sometimes. Often they are wild. A glance at tip of the iceberg, a visible sign of very encouraging growth Cmy calendar for the last 3 months shows a wild prolif- Continued on page 2 eration of meetings, assemblies, get-togethers, and conferences. It reminds me of an important taming technique: make friends with meetings. Profitable and enjoyable meetings make for friendly calendars! At least, they do for me. Over the last couple of months I learned even the friendliest calendar cannot include all

rovincial worthwhile Oblate meetings. Two late winter-gatherings I could not attend stand out as examples of this. Both have to do with the very life of the province: who we are and what we do. At first, these two meet- ings would seem unrelated. Yet, if vitality is a binding force in itself, the vitality of such gather-

om the P the om ings somehow makes them related. F I missed the “Come and See” pro- Fr. Morell (far r) at a meeting with Fr. Ron Rolheiser, gram on the first weekend in March at the pre-novitiate in OMI and Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, MSpS. May 2011 -1 From the Provincial Continued from page 1 in the province vocation efforts. Lately, I’ve heard much of men and meetings that show how our affiliate programs are expanding from one end of the prov- ince to the other. Success begets suc- cess. The more we come to realize the “do-ability” of such gatherings, the more we are encouraged to initiate and sus- tain them. Vocation consciousness can impact the extent of province’s pastoral commitments. We know the province’s An Oblate meeting Fr. Billy did not miss: CROCUS, last March in shrinking numbers strain our pastoral Vancouver. Standing, l-r: Frs. Gil Mason, John Malazdrewich, Henri commitments. We have relinquished Baudoin, Marian Gil, Jacques Laliberté, Jean-Claude Gilbert, Billy Morell, about 26 parishes in the last five years, Warren Brown; kneeling, l-r: Frs. Janusz Blazejak, Luc Tardif, and the as well as a retreat house, a formation pastor of the Vancouver parish. house, and other ministries. Relinquish- occasionally in Buffalo, NY and other The conference was a mis- ing parishes is often introduced by put- places for a deeper experience of our sionary dialogue on the reality of the ting a parish into the ad personam cat- Oblate reality and vocation program in Catholic Exodus. The fact of great egory (when the incumbent Oblate is Come and See experiences. I wish I numbers of departures from the transferred, the parish reverts to the dio- could have been at the one in early in the US touches al- cese). Often this happens even when March to experience firsthand some of most all our ministries. In some ways the parish has many of the characteristics the vitality of our vocation efforts. it frames our mission in the US – we seek in Oblate parochial ministry. Seemingly unrelated to bringing the Gospel and its values Presently, there are a number of what was going on in Buffalo, the sec- to abandoned folks, to those who Oblate parishes in this category. One ond annual DeMazenod Conference, find themselves on the fringe of has been on the ad personam list for a Missing in Action, gathered in San An- society as well as those who choose number of years... or, it was, until the tonio a month later. Artie Pingolt, presi- to place themselves on the fringe vocation department pointed out the dent of the Oblate Missionary Partner- of the Catholic Church. level of dedication this parish had given ship, organized it with funding from a In the US, there are increas- to Oblate vocation efforts. This com- number of grants. Sadly, it was another ing numbers of people who have munity, which has so long and so meeting I missed - - it certainly would ceased to see in our Catholic expres- well been served by Oblates, under- have made my calendar friendlier. sion of the Gospel a source of life or stands the importance of their par- The list of participants included truth. 22.8 million of them have given ish in our vocation efforts. Its affili- 43 — Oblates and other dynamic folks up on what they once believed. Ex- ate program regularly involves 5 — from across the US and from an in- Catholics far outnumber the largest young men, and the parish has sent teresting diversity of backgrounds. The protestant denomination, Southern members to almost every Come and conference’s vitality did not come just Baptist, which claims 16.2 million ad- See program over the last couple of from those who were involved; it came herents. One fifth of those who have years. from the theme as well. The articles sent left the Catholic Church left after turn- At latest count, the province has out to prepare the participants for the ing 24. A large majority (71%) of 12 active affiliate programs, which bring conference outlined a topic that is en- former Catholics are now unaffiliated. together 73 young men from 19 minis- gaging and challenging... and very much They say their move from Catholicism try sites across the province. From “on target” for missionaries in the First occurred as a gradual turning away these efforts, groups of affiliates gather World, as we Oblates are. from the Church. Continued on page 12 OMI-USA - 2 Fr. Harding makes final profession n May 22, Fr. Nick Harding, OMI, is scheduled to take his Ofinal vows. The ceremony will be at La Morita, Baja CA. Fr. Bill Antone, OMI, will receive the vows. Fr. Harding came to know the Oblates in Lincoln, NE through Frs. Dale Hardes and Gerry Kaputska. He has an MPH degree from Harvard University and had been a legal services attorney serving low income persons for seven years. He entered the novitiate in Fr. Harding with some of his parishioners in Tijuana. 1987 and pursued theology studies in , receiving an STB from the ton in 1999, with the expectation of be- Nick says he never doubted Gregorian and an STL from the ing fidei donum to Guatemala. He re- his basic vocation to the consecrated Angelicum. entered the Oblates in January 2007, life. In the diocesan priesthood he He left the Oblates to consider and was assigned to the mission in missed apostolic community, the mis- a monastic vocation and eventually was Tijuana, Mexico where he is still at sionary dimension and the evangeli- ordained as a diocesan priest in Hous- present. cal counsels.

Oblate Day celebrated in S.A. dents: Brothers David Uribe, Jesse Esqueda and Lucio Castillo. The early 40 Oblates gathered in OMI, the Southwest Area Councillor, newly instituted Readers are first year San Antonio on February 17 presided at the Eucharist, held in the liv- theologians: Brothers Jason at the Benson Residence to ing room to accommodate the large as- N th Rossignol and Paul Patrick (As- celebrate the 185 anniversary of the sembly. sumption Province). papal approval of the Oblate Consti- Adding to the joy and solem- Fr. Art Flores, OMI, pre- tutions and Rules. Fr. Tom Ovalle, nity of the occasion, during the , pared a meal for the Oblates who had some of the scholastics come to share their common origins from the George Sexton about which the Founder, St. Eugene House of Studies cel- de Mazenod, wrote to the Oblates in ebrated significant steps in France on February 18, 1826: “This their formation process. is not a mere trifle; they are no Bro. Kasonde Michael longer simply rules, mere pious di- Musaba (Zambia) re- rections. The Rules are approved newed his temporal vows by the Church, after the closest for another year. Then Fr. scrutiny. They were considered sa- Ovalle instituted five of the cred and highly capable of leading young Oblates in the min- those who have embraced them to istries of Acolyte and their goal. They have become the Reader. property of the Church which l-r: Scholastics Juan Gaspar, Gabriel Sobrevilla, and The new Acolytes are adopted them.” second year theology stu- Lucio Castillo added their bit by preparing brunch.

May 2011 -3 Auction benefits service for the blind by Marjorie Williams ome 200 people attended the he asked her to meet him and when she Mind’s Eye 8th annual Soiree arrived at the destination, he shot her in pour la Vue at the Point of View, the head, blinding her instantly and for S th a beautiful location on the 30 floor of life. the Laclede Gas building in St. Louis. Chip Jones told the audience The evening opened with some about his normal childhood. He played words from two of our listeners. sports, was good in school, he was Photo of RIS founder Fr. Boniface Jesuita Tabor told the audi- popular… that was until a simple abscess Wittenbrink, OMI, circa 1975, ence how she was born and raised in was found on his neck. He was given the St. Louis, went to Webster University choice to medicate it or to undergo sur- Minds Eye and our readers were al- gery. He chose a ways there for them. medication that The auctioneer then took the would end up stage and started selling items. One by causing him to de- one, things were purchased by friends velop Stevens- and supporters. A bidding war for the Johnson Syn- Stan Musial-signed bat and ball, ended drome, a disease up selling for over $1000. Stan’s daugh- that attacks the ter who was in the room donated a mucus membranes second so that the other bidder could and causes them to buy it for another $1000. Dr. Martin Schwarze, Janet Musial Schwarze, Ryan dry up. His eye We’re still shaking out all of the Stookey and Liz Bolen Stookey. Janet is Stan Musial’s had to be removed numbers, but I know that we’ll clear daughter and Liz is the daughter of Jerry and Sue and his body was a the night with over $40,000. Bolen, long time friend of the Oblates in Belleville. giant scab for over This marks the 38th anniver- a year. sary of the year that Fr. Boni filled the and got degrees in teaching and coun- Both of them attested that switch and made Minds Eye a reality seling, married and moved to Las Ve- Minds Eye changed their lives by pro- for the 12 people listening. Today, gas with her husband. As time went viding them with the news they needed, we’re making it a reality for 12,000… on, her marriage unraveled. One night, when they needed it. More importantly, with more to come.

he work of the Council for Research in Values and Philosophy (RVP), founded by Fr. George McLean, OMI, has been advancing rapidly with the needs Tof the times. Web: www.crvp.org. Among those advances are the following: -A Center in Beirut: Professor Edward Alam, Secretary General, has built at Notre Dame University in Lebanon the RVP’s second major center (complementing the activity of the center in Washington, D.C.) It will be dedicated this coming May. He has done much to develop work in Ghana, Nigeria and East Africa, as well as cooperation with scholars in Tehran, India and Moscow. -A Center in Shanghai: Its inauguration will be in June with special attention to the role of Chinese culture in global times. Professor Vincent Shen discussed with Professors Yu Wujin, Wang Xinsheng, Sun Xiangchen and Zou Shipeng at Fudan University the orientation of the new Center. This will be followed by the Southeast regional RVP meeting, this year in Hanoi. A Set of 8 Research Teams is carrying out a yet more extended three year project in response to Charles Taylor’s A Secular Age on the evolution of the value horizons of our global times.

OMI-USA - 4 Vor Frue Kirke cel- ebrates 50 years or Frue Kirke (Our Lady’s Church) in Herlev, Denmark, Vcelebrated the 50th anniversary of its founding on Jan. 30, 2011, with a pontifical high Mass with Bishop Czeslaw Kozon. Fr. Urban Figge OMI, who founded the parish and now lives in the USA, was present for this big day for the parishioners of Vor Frue Church. From the beginning the Oblate Above l-r: Frs. Allen Courteau, Lars Messerschmidt (Denmark’s vicar Fathers have been responsible for the general), Teodor Jochem (provincial), Ryszard Szmydki, Urb Figge, Paul Marx, pastoral work in the parish. Carroll Parker, Alrin Soosaipillai, Leo Kertz and Michael Bradley.

rom Feb. 25 to March 2, 2011 at St. Paul’s Monastery in St. Paul, MN, Fr. Andy Sensenig, OMI, attended a program inspired Fby Meg Fund, OSB about practice of praying called “sustained lectio.” It is inspired by the works of John Cassian and how the men and women in the desert around Alexandria practiced praying from the 3rd Century AD. At the end of the retreat, Fr. Sensenig headed back to the Western Kenai Peninsula with Meg Zerbinos. Meg is a hospital chaplain at Central Peninsula General Hosptial and a parishioner of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Soldotna. It is their hope to collaboratively help others in Alaska with this practice of prayer. For a short written reflection on his experience, contact Fr. Sensenig at [email protected] or OMIUSA at [email protected].

ormer Superior General, Fr. Wilhelm Steckling, is spending Fa few months working and reading in Bolivia.

Left l-r: A young Bolivian examining Oblate life in the parish, Frs. Gregorio Iriate, Wm. Steckling, Bob Lacasse and a scholastic studying at the scholasticate in Cochabamba.

May 2011 -5 Personal Reflections Please remember in prayer Six years ago I began this col- umn with an analysis of the personnel situ- our recently departed ation of the province. It seems only fit- ting to do the same in the final one. Fr. William P. Smith, OMI, 92, died on Feb. 15 in We all know that a lot has changed Lowell, MA. in province membership over the past six Fr. Eugene A. Tremblay, OMI, 97, died on Feb. 20 years, during the term of Louie Lougen as provincial and for in Manitowok, WI. the past few months with Bill Morell as acting provincial. Edward Bozek, 76, brother of Bro. Dan Bozek, OMI, Ministries have been taken on, and relinquished. Members died on Feb. 20 in , IL. of the province have moved into new situations, new mem- Arthur J. Wagner, 75, brother of Fr. Frank Wagner, bers have joined us from our own vocation program, as re- OMI, died on Feb. 22 in Nashville, IL. turning missionaries, and from other provinces. About 90 Annie Sokolski, sister of Fr. John Sokolski, OMI, province members have died. And, of course, the rest of us died March 3, in San Antonio, TX. have all grown 6 years older. Joseph Svobodny, 77, former Oblate and brother of In the May 2005 article (in case you don’t have your Fr. Al Svobodny, died on March 13, in Blaine, MN. copy handy), I reported 391 Oblates who had completed Dolores Scowcroft, 82, sister of the late Fr. Gabriel formation and were members of the US province. Of that Biondolillo, OMI, died on March 23 in St. Louis, MO. number, 149 were either retired, inactive, or on an “ad per- James L. Beck, brother of Fr. Richard Beck, OMI, sonam” assignment (about 38% of the province membership died on April 5 in Victoria, TX. at the time). Rosa Roque, mother of Fr. Alex Roque, OMI, died As April begins and I prepare to submit this column on April 10. to Charlie Hurkes, the 391 have become 321 and the 149 is now 156 (about 48%). Our median age is about 74. What remains the same is “men who are ‘retired’ and are working harder than many people in the world who are ‘active’.” And, “the individual Oblates who make up these numbers are not interchangeable but distinct and unique people.” I hope that I have helped my brother Oblates to con- tinue to serve God, the people of God, and the church, over these past years. Please excuse my errors of commission or omission. May my successor, whoever he may be, be blessed with the same wonderful cooperative spirit I have received.

even of the eight Brothers in the Lowell / Tewksbury area were able to get together to celebrate the Feast Sof St. Joseph. They are from L to R : Bros. Gus Cote, Joe Gagne, Tom Cruise, Charlie Gilbert, Paul Ricard, Jim Lucas and Richard Cote. Bro. Lorenzo Williams didn’t feel well enough to join us that day. It was great to get together and enjoy a wonderful dinner together. Please join us in our prayers for more vocations.

OMI-USA - 6 he Oblate Partnership hosted its I ask you to view the journal from two second annual De Mazenod points of view: TConference, Middle-aged First, we hope that you will experience it Catholics: Missing In Action? at the as a resource that informs or stimulates your own Oblate Renewal Center in San Antonio, pastoral work with what by all accounts is a very TX, on March 4-6. large population, those men and women who The DeMazenod Conference is dedicated to dia- feel disaffected from or isolated within the Church. It was logue around contemporary issues related to the Oblate our intention to look at the “hard issues” but also to “ac- charisms of evangelization and human development. Fr. centuate the positive” as we move ahead Bill Morell, OMI, gave the strongest endorsement of the Secondly, as the De Mazenod Conference is spon- value of the De Mazenod Conference with just 4 words: sored by the Missionary Oblate Partnership and its do- to dialogue is missionary. nors, I hope you view the journal as offering more than just Eight Oblates from the province attended: Frs. Jim reading and reflection material. I hope you will view this Chambers; David Kalert; Allen Maes; Ron work, attractively and professional created, as an entree Rolheiser; Tom Singer; John Staak, Paul Waldie and for “dialogue” with individuals you know. All of my expe- Bro. Bill Johnson. rience these past several years tells me that there are indi- This year marks the beginning of our publishing a viduals who find value in a group like the Partnership- fi- spiritual journal to accompany each year’s conference. In nancial support of Oblates, most definitely, but also the addition to providing a reprise/synopsis of the conference opportunity to join group of men and women looking to happenings, the journal will include several articles written share in much more than that. by conference attendees and Catholic thought leaders. In Thanks for your commitment to the Partnership, addition to USP Oblates, copies of the journal will be mailed especially to sponsors of the 2011 De Mazenod Confer- to OMI communities worldwide and to schools of theol- ence: Ms. Helena Park, Mark Watson, Jr., Our Sun- ogy and centers for spirituality throughout North America. day Visitor and the Raskob Foundation! --Artie Pingolt

Participants in the second annual De Mazenod Conference, March 4-6, 2011

May 2011 -7 Fr. Daniel Taillez, OMI Visit to Thailand recounted Fr. Daniel Taillez, OMI, born in 1936 and ordained in 1963, spent many years in St. Paul, MN, ministering to the Hmong communities as Director of the Hmong- American National Catholic Association (HANCA). In 2002 Fr. Taillez left the United States to work with Radio Veritas Asia. The Catholic Communication Campaign funds a radio program for the Hmong via Radio Veritas Asia, produced by Fr. Taillez, which is also being used for the Hmong communities living in the United States. The following is a portion of a report that Fr. Taillez sent recently. From 1964 until September 1975, God). It may take some years before I was a missionary in Laos, the King- true peace can ever blossom there. dom of a Million of Elephants and the On Sunday, I celebrated the White Parasol. In January 1966, I Hmong Mass in the cathedral. Close started to learn Hmong in the Training to 80 Hmong people attended. Some live on in Peace. Center of Hmong Catechists, in Hmong, not yet baptized, whom I’ve A particular song was also sung: Simuong, Vientiane. met in the past, were there. During the Peace, Yes, Peace is Jesus’ gift. Nowadays, in that Apostolic Vi- homily I had the faithful repeat some Then, says Jesus, then, my name cariate, Bishop Jean Khamsé short words, 3 times in a row: The Lord will be known -Peace, Yes, Peace Vithavong and Fr. Beck, both Ob- Jesus dwells within us / Then, we can is Jesus’ gift. lates, are the only clergy there. Both are on the road quite often to minister TEN COMMANDMENTS OF HEALTH CARE// “PABLO-PLAN” to their faithful. I/ BE YOUR OWN P.C.P. “That I will be my own Primary Health Physician, that During my stay there, in the vil- I will be conscious of my aches and pains and learn to appreciate the com- lage of Na Vai, 200 kms north of plexities of my body and its needs. Vientiane, the commemoration of the II/ DON’T BE A FOOL, GET HELP “That recognizing my own limitations I will first baptisms of some Khmu people consult and confide with those health professionals who can help and assist 50 years ago took place. Two years me with my medical needs. ago, the bishop had baptized 710 III/ BE FAITHFUL/ “That I will be faithful to my regular check-ups with my Khmu people, in the village of Na Vai P.C.P, dentist, eye specialist, etc. and the nearby villages. He had cer- IV/ EAT THE RAINBOW “That I will maintain a healthy diet and good nutrition tainly used his diplomatic skills to be habits and that without being fanatical I will dump the junk and eat the authorized to go and visit some Khmu rainbow of delicious foods. villages. For years and years, no priest V/ JUST SWEAT IT / “That I will maintain a regular exercise program, even had visited them, for security reasons. value dirtying one’s hands with manual labor so as to restore good old ‘sweat’ Fr. Beck told me that the school as a healthy and wholesome sign of our humanity. compound, run by the Sisters until VI/ IT’S THE WHOLE PIE/ “That I will maintain an integral attitude toward 1975, and the nearby Church of Vat health, that it consists in keeping bodily, mental, spiritual dimensions of my Pha Manda ( Notre Dame ) had been total personality healthy. demolished by the officials. VII/ ENCOURAGE OTHERS/ “ That in striving to maintain a healthy and whole- So in Vientiane, and its some life style I will encourage others to do likewise avoiding any debasing neighbourhood , a single church re- or negative remarks to their unhealthy habits or addictive life style patterns. VIII/ BE THANKFUL “That I will be ever thankful for having the necessary mains, namely the Cathedral of the economic resources for maintaining my health and to advocate that others Sacred Heart (Sacré Coeur). may share in the same benefits. In the Cathedralm behind the IX/ OLD BONES, YOUNG HEART/ “That I will learn to accept and grow older/ Bishop’s chair, the same old motto of mature with grace and gratitude. Mgr Etienne Loosdregt, OMI , was still X/ ENJOY IT “That I will fully enjoy the gift of my life.!” hanging; Pax a Deo (Peace: a gift from OMI-USA - 8 The province’s Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation office hosted a combined meeting of the JPIC committees of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious and the Conference of the Major Superiors of Religious Men in the last week of March. The focus of the meetings, of course, was to reflect on how the two Conferences might might engage their congregations in justice causes.

Top left, l-r, at dinner on March 30: Frs. Séamus Finn, Andrew Small, Chris Promis, Srs. Janet Lehmann, Kathleen Bryant and Fr. Tom Greene. Bottom left, l-r: Srs. Dorothy Pagosa, Marie Lucey, Sharon Altendorf, Judy Justinger, Miriam Mitchell and Fr. Michael McNulty.

King’s House celebrates Mardi Gras ing’s House Retreat & Renewal Center hosted its annual Mardi Gras celebration Kon March 8, 2011. Begun as an open house for other local Oblate settings, including St. Henry’s Oblate Residence, The Missionary Association, The National Shrine of OLS, and Oblate Media, it’s also a time to welcome folks who are volunteers, friends and family members of King’s House employees. About 125 people came to enjoy our kitchen’s signature fine food, done “N’Awlins” style: seafood etoufee, red beans & rice, chicken & sausage gumbo, collard greens, and several other dishes. Of course, “King’s Cake” was the dessert for our many-beaded guests. Right: Bros. Tom Ruhmann (l) and Bill Johnson (far l) with the party-goers. May 2011 -9 Special Assembly held in Zambia by Fr. Freeborn Kibombwe, OMI Special Assembly, composed South-West only of delegation members in Area councilor Afull-time ministry, took place in for the US Lusaka at Kasisi retreat centre from Province. Also in Dec. 27-31, 2010. Fr. Ron Carignan, attendance was OMI, the former Delegation Superior, Fr. Joe Phiri, was the facilitator. The assembly was former held under the theme “I and the Father Delegation are one” (John 10:30). Superior, who is Joining the assembly were Frs. currently in the Among those at the special assembly were some of Warren Brown, OMI, the new USA, Bro. the past and present superiors of the delegation, l-r: General Councilor for USA/ Canada Maximilian Bishop Paul Duffy, Fr. Freeborn Kibombwe, Evans region and Tom Ovalle, OMI the Mwakacheya, Chinyemba, Ron Walker, Ron Carignan, and Joe Phiri. OMI, and Fr. Raymond Mwangala, OMI, who are working as formators at the Oblate Scholasticate in Cedara, South Africa. Bishop Paul Francis Duffy, OMI of Mongu Diocese who was also at the assembly was recognized for his role as a voice of justice and peace in the country. Since this event took place, Bishop Duffy has retired and Fr. Evans Chinyemba, OMI, has been named to take his place. Left: Zambia Delegation Oblates with Fr. Ron Carignan Kang’ombe ordained he diaconate ordination of Schol. Bro. Joseph Kapya TKang’ombe, OMI, which took place on January 15, 2011 in Kalabo, was characterized by tradi- tional liturgical dancing of the people of Western Province. The liturgical celebration, which lasted for more than two and half hours, was celebrated by Right Reverend Paul Francis Duffy, OMI, the Bishop of Mongu Diocese. Right, at altar: Nicholas Kabombo, Joseph Kan’gombe and Bishop Paul Duffy

OMI-USA - 10 Bishop-elect Evans Chinyemba, OMI, offers a few reflections ell, regarding the the parish; that did not last long. I started Province. It is one of the new dioceses appointment for Mongu. visioning what I will do as Delegation in the country. My dream is to continue WThis appointment comes Superior for the delegation, region and building on the foundation set by Bishop after many shifts in my Oblate life from also the Oblate world; that did not last Paul Duffy, OMI and all those who being in formation ministry, moved to long. I moved to Rome, with plans of have collaborated with him in bringing Shangombo as Parish Priest, then what I would like to contribute to the diocese to where it is. recalled to Lusaka as the Delegation Oblate life. All this is history. Now I My role is to continue building Superior here in Zambia. Within a have been called to serve as Bishop of the Church of God and helping the space of a year I was elected General Mongu, an appointment I never thought people of God develop their spiritual Councillor for Africa-Madagascar. Just would ever be part of my missionary life. One of the challenges is also that of after some months comes this life. It is my trust and hope that God being the voice of the people of this part appointment of being Bishop of Mongu. will continue sustaining the work God of the country. Western Province is one My words at the moment are has called me to. of the least developed provinces in that God works in strange way. All along As you know, this appointment Zambia and many of our people live in I have been planning what I will do in is for Mongu diocese, Western real poverty situation. U.S. Financial consultors visit Zambia rom January 31st to February 7, a financial sustainability plan. 2011, the delegation was visited Oblate treasurers from all the Fby two consultants two delegation communities attended the consultants from Larson Allen, one of workshops: Frs. Victor Mwansa, the U.S. Province’s accounting firms, Singini Nacidze, Nebby Mutale, Nancy Lee (r) and Jackie Unger (l) Lewis Sauti, Barnabas Simatende Ms. Unger gave advice in and Bro. George Mandona. financial reporting and controls of both Others present were Frs. the delegation Administration Office Freeborn Kibombwe, Pat Gitzen, and Oblate Radio Liseli. Ms. Lee Godfrey Mpundu and the delegation Albert Nalishuwa, along with the worked with treasurers to formulate office Administrative Manager, Mr. Accountant, Mr. Sikota Sikena.

Three take ‘perpets’ ubilation and joy continued in the Zambian delegation when Jthree scholastics professed their final oblation. Those professed were: Schol. Bros. George Mandona, Theodore Mbulo and Richard Chanda . The perpetual vow Mass took place at Mary Immaculate Parish in Lusaka on Jan. 22, 2011 (Zambia news taken from the delegation’s January-February 2011 newsletter, edited by Ms Musonda Chipili)

May 2011 -11 Aid offered to those released from prison or some time now, the Office of Mission Enrichment & Oblate FAssociates at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, IL, has prepared St. Eugene’s Care Packs: backpacks containing personal hygiene items, towel and washcloth, shampoo, etc., for impoverished ex-offenders as they are released from prison. In August of 1995 the former East St. Louis Assumption High School opened its doors as the Southwestern Correction Center (SWICC), a Level 6 Minimum-Security Adult Male facility with a daily population of 672. Approximately 40-50 men are released Apartment Community volunteers assembling the Care packages: L-R (sit- each month after serving their sentence. ting) Gen Wehrheim, Clemie Pierce, Emilie Kosuth, Clara Magrath, Olivia The Warden, James Davidson, is Ochoa, OP, Bill Crotty; (standing L-R) Lori Schwartz, (Apt. Community Di- a graduate of the old Assumption High rector of Marketing) and Geri Furmanek. School. Each month Geri Furmanek, On the day of their release, af- handed one of the Care Packs. (For Mission Enrichment director, takes 20 ter serving their sentence, as they more on this ministry, go to packs to those who are most in need. walk out of the prison, they are www.omiusa.org.)

From the Provincial ated by the Oblate Missionary Partner- contagious as the mission forum in San Continued from page 2 ship. That’s one more meeting I’ll have Antonio. Such data are found in the ar- to miss. Those days I’ll be in Zambia at -Fr. Billy Morell, OMI ticles that Artie gathered for the Con- Evans Chinyemba’s episcopal ordina- *Note: these can be found on the province website at www.omiusa.org under the title: ference.* These articles make for mighty tion. But, there’s no doubt the vitality “De Mazenod Conference, Missing in Ac- thought-provoking reading. Even given of that event will be as encouraging and tion.” many “caveats” about the statistics, the exodus of Catholics from the practice hat fired the passion and empowered the drive of St. Eu- of their faith should certainly raise the gene? It was love of Jesus Christ and a dominant desire to concern of the sons of St. Eugene. The Wlive and preach His Gospel among the poorest of the poor. opening words of his 1825 preface add Living in a non-technological era, 19th century vocation min- urgency to the Oblate concern for this istry for St. Eugene was quite simple. It might be summarized in five phenomenon. “The Church, that glo- words: good example and zeal for souls.Today’s wonderful techno- rious inheritance purchased by logical advancements help spread the word that Oblates continue to Christ the Savior at the cost of his seek additional members. Yet, the most reliable communication for own blood, has in our days been cru- broadcasting this invitation is the quality of how we Oblates live our elly ravaged.” vowed life. Our good example spelled out with zeal for souls will The province’s annual continue to attract young men to follow Jesus Christ as Missionary “Mission Forum” this May will Oblates of Mary Immaculate. explore pastoral leadership in the --Fr. Charles Banks, OMI church today. It will undoubtedly ex- World Day of Prayer for Vocations: May 15, 2011 pand on and deepen the dialogue initi- OMI-USA - 12 Oblates remain in merged parishes ast Feb. 19, the pastors of St. Also pleased that the Oblates Casimir and St. Patrick parishes will remain was Jennifer Haselberger, Lin St. Paul, MN, announced archdiocesan chancellor for canonical that the two parishes would be merged affairs. She has a personal interest in into one, served by a single Oblate the Oblates at St. Casimir because it is pastor, beginning this summer. her family’s parish and where she was Fr. Joseph Ferraioli, OMI, St. baptized. In addition, a relative was one Casimir’s current pastor, said, “The day of the founding pastors, and an uncle, Fr. John Maslowski, OMI, was serv- ing as pastor when he died of a heart attack while playing baseball with local kids. Although she no longer worships there each week, Haselberger said that Fr. Ferraioli with David Lowry because of her baptism and because it Pasiuk said. “I think the Oblates have is a Polish national parish, she would given us the sense of comfort, dedica- always feel welcome at the church. tion and spirituality, especially after the “I think it’s a wonderful thing for situation Father Stojar walked into.” the parish, and the archbishop is grate- ful for the continued presence of those The history on the parish priests,” she said. website, www.stcasimirchurch.org St. Casimir parishioners Pete Bar- details a sordid tale about the murder rett and Cindy Pasiuk also are glad the of the first pastor of the church, which Oblates are staying. had to be reconsecrated. (Story edited from a March 16, 2011 report Fr. Greg Gallagher, OMI, one of ten “When Fr. Andrew Stojar of St. Casimir’s vocations, with in St. Paul’s diocesan paper, The Catholic came in 1916, he set a precedent,” Spirit by Pat Norby.) Diana and Jorge Crispin. 2006 I announced it here that we were going to cluster with St. Patrick, nobody was upset. They saw it coming. It was a sigh of relief that St. Casimir wasn’t going to be closed. What they were upset about was that I said it might be the end of the Oblates here.” A similar reaction was noted by Fr. Jerry Hackenmueller, an archdiocesan priest and St. Patrick’s pastor. Although a new pastor will be named to replace Father Ferraioli, who said he will be leaving St. Casimir, Fr. Harry Winter, OMI, will continue to live at the St. Casimir rectory and as- The US Catholic Mission Association Board (USCMA) met at 391 from March sist with Masses and other responsibili- 3 -5. This is the third year they have met there. The USCMA puts on an annual ties, as he has done for the past few mission conference in different parts of the country and sponsors and organizes years. the much larger Mission Congress every five years. May 2011 -13 Final provincial discernment meeting held in California he Pacific area meeting, in Encino, CA, on Feb. 23 Tmarked the final step in the provincial discernment process. Again, the four candidates for provincial presented themselves and answered questions. Frs. Joe Dowling, Andy Sensenig and Roger Bergkamp led the meetings, while Fr. Nick Harding preparaed a talk on Oblate discernment. Fr. Antonio Ponce shared something of his recent experience at the World Social Forum in Dakar, Senegal. At the Forum he met Oblates L-r: Frs. Paul Nourie, Pat Thompson, Gerry Burnet, Roger Bergkamp, from other parts of the world and joined Don Bernard and Scott Hill at Fr. Burnet’s jubilee Mass. thousands from around the world who met around the theme: “Another World felt and have worn out their lives Butor, OMI and Ms. Patti Radle in is Possible”.” among the Senegalese people. We attending the WSF at the invitation of “We had the opportunity to wit- not only witnessed their great hos- the province’s Justice and Peace and pitality, but also their effort and dedi- Creation of Integrity office. One of the highlights of the meeting was celebrating with Fr. Gerry Brunet his 60th anniversary of vows. Fr. Gerry celebrated the clos- ing Mass and shared some words on his life as an Oblate, especially his days in the seminary. Over the years he has served in Oregon, Washington, Mon- tana, California, and now Anchorage, Alaska.

Pacific area Oblates beginning their meeting with a prayer service. ness and participate in a church that cation to this people; their commit- walks and encourages the people of this ment among the Senegalese people country in their search for justice,” he to promote not only their spiritual said. “Part of this Pilgrim Church in growth but also human by providing this town in Africa are the Mission- them education and health basic ser- ary Oblates who, for nearly half a vices.” Fr. Ponce joined Fr. Walter century, have made their presence Fr. Ponce addresses the group OMI-USA - 14 Oblates celebrate ordination, profession jubilees he 2011 jubilee anniversaries of 43 Oblates noting first profession and of 30 observing ordination to the priesthood are scheduled in three locations: T at the Oblate School of Theology, San Antonio, TX, on May 3; Immaculate Heart of Mary Residence, Tewksbury, MA, on June 13; and Our Lady of the Snows Shrine, Belleville, IL, on Sept. 12. Besides the U.S. Areas, jubilarians minister in eleven mission fields: Brazil, Canada, China, Haiti, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, Rome, Philippines, Scandinavia, and Zambia. Ordination

1941 Seventy Years Fr. Leroy Landry 1971 Forty Years Fr. Boniface Wittenbrink Fr. Santiago (Jim) Lyons (Mexico) Fr. Alfred Charpentier (Haiti) 1946 Sixty-Five Years Fr. William Martin Fr. Daniel Crahen Fr. Edmund Leising (Brazil) Fr. Francis Kelly Nemeck Fr. Pete Curran (Brazil) Fr. Joseph Vaillancourt (Haiti) Fr. Carroll Parker (Scandinavia) Fr. James Fee Fr. Robert Vreteau Fr. Richard Philion Fr. William Mason 1951 Sixty Years Fr. William Reinhard (Brazil) Fr. Ronald Meyer Fr. Robert Allie Fr. John Saint-Cyr (Haiti) Fr. Gilberto Piñon (Rome) Fr. Maynard Kegler Fr. Richard Sheehan Fr. David Ullrich (China) Fr. John Morin Fr. Ronald Walker (Zambia) Fr. Stephen Vasek Fr. James Pfeifer 1961 Fifty Years Fr. Rolland Bennett Fr. Real Corriveau (Haiti) First Profession 1936 Seventy-Five Years 1951 Sixty Years 1961 Fifty Years Fr. Boniface Wittenbrink Fr. Gerald Brunet Fr. Michael Bradley (Scandinavia) 1941 Seventy Years Fr. Andrew Chalkey Fr. John Collet Fr. Gerard Clenaghan (Ireland) Fr. William Davis Bro. Edward Driggins Fr. Francis Ebner (Canada) Fr. José Gago Fr. Jerome Novotny (Japan) Fr. Patrick Healy Fr. Adolph Kaler Fr. Richard Pommier (Philippines) Fr. Fraancis Montalbano Fr. John King Archbishop Roger Schwietz Fr. Joseph Vaillancourt (Haiti) Bro. Valmond Leclerc 1971 Forty Years Fr. Robert Vreteau Fr. Michael Levy Fr. Norman Bonneau (Canada) 1946 Sixty-Five Years Fr. Felipe Matias Bro. Richard P. Cote Fr. Robert Allie Fr. James Miller Fr. Joseph Ferraioli Fr. Francis Bagan Fr. Kevin O’Connor (Ireland) Fr. Lon Konold Fr. James Datko Fr. Vincent Ott Fr. Henry Lemoncelli (Rome) Fr. Richard Harr Fr. James Taylor Fr. John Madigan Fr. André Houle Bro. Lerenzo Williams Fr. Terrence O’Connell Fr. William McSweeney Fr. Thomas Ovalle Fr. John Morin Fr. James Pfeifer May 2011 -15 √ In his most recent vocation report, Fr. Dan Nassaney, OMI, noted his paticipation at a Mission Alliance meeting in Boston. That’s a group of vocation and mission personnel from religious communities who meet for upcoming vocation events. Fr. Michael Linden S.J., making a report on a meeting in Albuquerque, deplored that missiology is no longer being offered in seminaries and schools of theology here in the US, with the exception of CTU in Chicago and Oblate School of The- ology in San Antonio. √ Fr. Eugene Tremblay, OMI, presented a Lenten adult faith

End Runs End education series at St. Joseph the Worker Shine, Lowell, MA. This year’s theme was “The Person of Jesus/Life of Christ.” 125th Anniversary √ Fr. Bevil Bramwell, OMI, continues to post articles on The of death of Catholic Thing website. The latest reflects on the late Avery Cardinal Dulles’ St. Eugene de Mazenod criteria of an authentic Catholic theologian. http://www.thecatholicthing.org/columns/ May 21 2011/fifteen-criteria-of-authentic-catholic-thought.html#comments Loving Saviour, we thank you for √ Fr. Seamus Finn, OMI, Director of the Oblate JPIC Office and Board the life and intercession of Saint member of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Respon- Eugene de Mazenod. Accompanied sibility, will give the keynote address on corporate re- by his prayers we bring to you all sponsibility and socially responsible investing. He en- our personal intentions and those courages people to integrate their beliefs — such as of our loved ones, especially the caring for the environment and paying workers a fair sick and suffering. We ask also that wage — into their investment and business decisions. you will inspire many generous Fr. Finn, who has been pushing for social responsibility in business for more than persons to follow St. Eugene’s two decades, said he sees reason for hope as more companies put the environ- missionary example by dedicating ment and people first with tags like organic and sweatshop-free. (Cf: http:// their lives to being the Saviour’s co- omiusajpic.org/) operators like you were. We ask all √ For nearly 30 years Oblate Media and Communication has contributed this with loving confidence. Amen. to the Church’s teaching mission through catechetical and Santuccci: www.eugenedemazenod.net spiritual resources, as well as being a Province resource for publicly addressing and promoting priorities and achieving OMI - USA provincial goals. Over the years, it has built a solid foundation Newsletter of the U.S. Province of the in its ability to produce, market and distribute programs for Missionary Oblates of Mary Immacu- late.-391 Michigan Ave., NE Washing- faith formation in churches and schools. ton, DC 20017-1516 Since 1982, 324,129 video units have been shipped President and Publisher:Very Rev. Bill Morell, OMI to customers. Of these, 104, 592 were programs produced by Oblate Media. Editor: Fr. Charles Hurkes, OMI That includes 10,300 units of programs by Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI . Oblate Direct all submissions, inquiries and comments to Charles Hurkes, OMI at Media has been left as the only remaining full-time producer of Catholic video the above address or Fax (202) 529- material. 4572; Tel: (202) 529-4505 e-mail: √ A celebration in honor of 78-year old Fr. Ted Pfeifer was held last [email protected] Published six times a year for Oblate per- February, at San Antonio’s Cadillac Bar Restaurant. A paramedic, most of Fr. sonnel and their friends and supporters; Ted’s missionary years were spent in the mountainous distributed from the U.S. Provincial Of- fices in Washington, DC. terrain of Oaxaca, Mexico, where he brought not only MOVING? WANT TO CONTINUE RE- spiritual ministrations of the church, but also medical CEIVING OMIUSA? PLEASE SEND US relief. Much of the drama of his run-ins with the area YOUR NEW ADDRESS! Or, if you do not want to continue receiving it (whether you drug cartels was revealed in his book, When the move or not), please let us know so we are Wolves Came. A Memoir, which is being made into a not sending unwanted copies. Thank you. documentary. Retired now, he lives at Madonna House in San Antonio. OMI-USA - 16