Ecuador: The Parish of Boy Jesus and The Parish of São Paulo VI
The Oblates have been ministering in Educador for over 30 years, serving eight parishes. They state their goal as “to involve activities of human and social promotion, and spiritual counseling” to help as many people as possible. The most robust of all the parishes is the Parish of Boy Jesus, in the city of Manta. This parish is located in a port city with great economic development. This parish has two soup kitchens for low-income families, which serve up to 200 people daily. Providing them with food and resources they may not have otherwise. In addition to this social work, they also have a scholarship program for around 150 young adults and children with the help of donors from sister parishes of the Oblates in the USA.
The Parish of Boy Jesus exemplifies the Oblates' mission of serving even the most vulnerable with humility, compassion, and love, through its direct outreach, further reflecting the Oblate value of gentle strength. The work is intense and requires human and financial resources to carry out all these activities. It is one of the most expressive ministries of the Oblates in Ecuador.
Additionally, in the city of Manta, the Parish of São Paulo VI is assisting the densely populated neighborhood. This parish, which branched off from the Parish of Boy Jesus to reach even more of the city’s working-class and humble population, has become a pillar of support in a neighborhood marked by poverty and resilience. Here, they have a health center with medical services to give access to those with limited resources. At the parish’s health center, children and elderly individuals, many of whom would otherwise go without care, receive medical consultations each day. Just steps away, the parish soup kitchen offers more than a meal; it provides community. After the earthquake in 2016, Father Deigo, OSFS, helped to serve over 2,000 meals daily. This cafeteria became a lifeline for families and individuals navigating hardship, and a place where the dignity of each person is honored.
This work is more than charity—it is an expression of the Oblates’ mission to “live Jesus” in everyday acts of love and service. Even in difficult times, the Parish of São Paulo VI and the Parish of Boy Jesus radiate the Oblate spirit: resilient, compassionate, and deeply rooted in the needs of the people.
Together, these parishes' work is not only transforming lives through food, education, and healthcare, but also nurturing a deeper sense of hope and community in places where it is needed most. As they continue to grow and adapt to the evolving needs of those they serve, the Oblates strive to be a reminder that small acts of love, done with great faith, can truly change the world. In the words of their patron, St. Francis de Sales, “Nothing in small in the service of God.”
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