Ecuador

The Spirit of Resilience

In Ecuador, the Oblates serve both urban and rural communities through pastoral care, education, and social outreach in partnership with local families. Their mission has been active for nearly 30 years in this second arrival, and over the past decade, they have expanded their presence to eight parishes in response to local vocational growth and the needs of the Archdiocese of Manabí. In addition to parish ministry, the Oblates are involved in human and social development initiatives and provide spiritual counseling in Catholic schools. Their work reaches families across both cities and rural areas.

Education and faith go hand in hand, many schools, especially Catholic institutions, regularly seek the Oblates’ support, whether for sacramental preparation, retreat leadership, or ongoing spiritual guidance tailored to each community’s unique needs.

Beyond the classroom, every Oblate parish carries out essential social outreach. Food distribution is a priority, ensuring that vulnerable families and elderly residents have access to daily nourishment. A long-standing scholarship program also helps children and young people pursue their education, offering hope and opportunity for a brighter future.

Key Parish Missions

Parishes of Manta (Menino Jesus & São Paulo VI)

•  Robust parish life serving over 25 chapels

• Two soup kitchens that provide meals to 300+ people daily

• Scholarship program supporting 150+ children and youth

• Health center providing vital medical services

Parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Rocafuerte)

• Long-standing rural parish serving 25 chapels

• Support from young people in vocational discernment

• Recently impacted by severe flooding

• Portoviejo Parishes (Christ of Consolation & Santa Narcisa de Jesus)

• Serving central and vulnerable outskirts of the city

• Pastoral care and social assistance to the community despite limited resources

Rural Missions (Ayacucho, Honorato Vasquez, Pueblo Nuevo)

• Outreach to farming families and isolated communities

• Reliance on trained laypeople and strong local faith

Challenges:

Ecuador’s missions face growing violence linked to drug trafficking, natural disasters like flooding, and economic instability..

Making a Difference:

In Ecuador, after the 2016 earthquake, Fr. Diego and the São Paulo VI parish team provided daily meals for 2,000 people and distributed essential supplies to stabilize the community.