"He who preaches with love, preaches effectively.”
St. Francis de Sales
Ecuador
Feeding the Community
The Oblates run four dining halls in Manta and the surrounding rural communities. Each day, volunteers serve hundreds of families with the support of the community.
The dining halls are guided by the Caritas Pastoral Ministry and volunteers lovingly dedicate their time to preparing meals. Food drives are held to collect non-perishable items. The Oblates join with partner organizations and giving neighbors who donate food to keep the dining halls open.
Dining Halls serving over 200 people daily:
San José
Amor Divino
San Francisco de Sales
Honorato Vázquez
Forming Future Oblates
The Formation House in Manta allows young men from Ecuador, Columbia, and Haiti to recognize their calling to join the Oblates. Nearly fifteen Oblates have emerged over the years, keeping the Salesian spirit alive.
Since 1993, the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales have carried out their apostolate in the Archdiocese of Portoviejo. The Niño Jesús Parish, founded in 1995, was entrusted to the Oblates. Vocational presence has been a key pillar, thanks to the Formation House where young people can discern a religious and priestly vocation as Oblates. By God’s grace, the fruits of formation are now evident. Our apostolate has grown to serve other vulnerable and poor realities in the Archdiocese.
Education
Over time, the Oblates get to know the children and adults who visit the dining halls regularly. Forming relationships with the community through everyday encounters allows the Oblates to identify children who need academic support, and then they facilitate the collection of scholarship funds from partner parishes in the US. These funds empower young adults to receive a university education, which can often change the trajectory of their lives.
“We feel that education has helped reduce poverty.”
-Fr. Yandri Loor, OSFS
Challenges
Ecuador faces growing violence linked to drug trafficking, natural disasters, economic instability, and assassinations. Providing support for communities in Ecuador is challenging in this violent reality. Neighborhoods are controlled by violent groups, instilling fear in people attending schools, churches, and dining halls. There is an urgent need for professional support and individual psychological support, combined with the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales.
Making a Difference: In Ecuador, after the 2016 earthquake, Fr. Diego Isaac Bravo Álvarez, OSFS, and the São Paulo VI parish team provided daily meals for 2,000 people and distributed essential supplies to stabilize the community. Their efforts continue today as hundreds are feed each day at four different dining halls.
Be Part of the Mission
Your generosity makes daily meals and education possible. Please consider donating today to help the people of Manta.