Feast of St. Eugene de Mazenod, May 21st, 2020

​​May 21 is the Feast of St. Eugene de Mazenod. St. Eugene was born in Aix-en-Provence, France and he founded the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, a group of priests and brothers who dedicate themselves to announcing the Good News of Jesus Christ to those who are poor and marginalized or have not yet heard the gospel. Many Oblates have worked in Canada and in Western Canada in particular. The diocese of Prince Albert was founded by the Oblates and Oblates served in this diocese for many years. Some have done outstanding work and some have done harm. Aware of our sinful and grace-filled history we continue to live and work in the service of Christ and the Church. On the one hand we repent and seek forgiveness for our sins and failings and on the other we appreciate and celebrate what God has done with us and through us. In all things we remind the people that the Crucified and Risen Lord loves them with a love that is all embracing and unconditional. This love enables us to get up when we fall down and it enables us to forgive others when they stumble and fall! Today there are a small number of Oblates (Priests and Lay Associates) living and working in the diocese.

If you have concerns about the work of an Oblate Brother or Priest or Associate, you can make contact with the Oblates though OMI Lacombe Canada. Our website has all the information you need to register your concerns.
It is customary on the feast of St. Eugene de Mazenod on May 21, to begin 9 days of prayer – a novena, asking God to bless the Church and us with vocations – men willing to join us as brothers and priests and women to serve in religious communities. We also ask God to bless us with Lay Associates, men and women moved by the charism of St. Eugene and willing to share in our community and mission of proclaiming the Good News to all people.
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If you would like to take part in the Novena prayer you can do so by tuning into Facebook at www.facebook.com/stpatrickshamilton    beginning May 21 through May 29 at 11:00 am (EDT – 9:00 am here in Saskatchewan) or the OMI Lacombe Canada Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/missionaryoblates Given that we have mass at that time I will not be able to take part in the live event but will take part after the mass.

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