A Salesian Souvenir for You

Jul 29

Fr. Micheal Newman, OSFS, with the provincials.

What do you bring back as a souvenir from a conference of Oblate major superiors?

That was the question we asked ourselves. We were in Annecy, France, home of our patrons, and as provincials of the two provinces in North America, we wanted to bring something back for YOU!

We realized that the best way to do this was to help you understand what we did at the Major Superiors Meeting and, more importantly, what we experienced.

What We Did….

The General Council of the Oblates of St. Francis (a.k.a. - the top leadership team at corporate) hosts this meeting annually. Like other organizations, the leadership teams from each region come together to assess how they are doing and plan for the future. Together with four Oblates from the US, we were joined by a dozen brothers from Bangalore, Benin, Rome, São Paulo, Vienna, West Bay (South Africa), and Annecy. We stayed in an Oblate school, slept on college cots, ate cafeteria meals, and relaxed in common areas.

Each day began with a Mass, celebrated by our brother Oblates in the language of their province. During sessions, we examined initiatives related to our identity and congregation-wide interior spiritual renewal. Other topics included finances, mission work, vocations, and safeguarding. When our meetings concluded, we had a visit before the Blessed Sacrament, followed by the Angelus. In the evenings, we shared a meal, fellowship, and an occasional stroll into town.

North American leadship team of Oblate Fathers Michael Newman, Jack Kolodziej and Joe Newman concelebrate morning Mass at the Major Superiors Meeting in Annecy.jpg

What We Experienced…

Yes, there were copious meeting minutes recorded, but what may not be captured is what we experienced. We had some conflict and hard discussions, but through that all we experienced authentic experiences of fraternity and support given and received from other major superiors.

Each day we were together, whether in prayer, planning, or meals, we were reminded of the gentle strength of the Oblates. We were full of hope as we witnessed the work of our colleagues and learned the creative ways the spirituality of our founders continues to take hold across the world.

Joe Newman & Jack Kolodziej on Lake Annecy

At the start of our days, when beautiful songs were sung, homilies shared, and Eucharist consecrated, it didn’t matter that we only understood some of the language. We were speaking heart to heart, the way Francis taught us, and we were united in our shared prayer and common experience. On Sunday, we celebrated the Oblates’ 150th Anniversary at the Basilica of the Visitation. This was a special moment of renewing our vows and commitments to God, the congregation, and each other.

When our own country can feel so divided, we feel complete and total unity with our brothers from around the world. Yes, we respectfully disagreed on topics during our meetings, but our time together affirmed our vowed promise to “give ourselves to this Oblate family” and this beautiful universal Church. We were reminded of our patron’s favorite psalm, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity.” (Psalm 133). How appropriate to do so in his hometown!

We are now back home to the offices, churches, and challenges of our roles. But, we keep with us the spirit and lessons of Annecy.

And so, what do you bring back as a souvenir from a conference of Oblate major superiors?

YOU get us returning home inspired from walking in the footsteps of our founders.
YOU get a congregation working towards specific goals and holding each other accountable.
YOU get a fiscally responsible “corporate” structure.
YOU get men committing to “reimprinting the Gospel” (the words of our co-founder Mary de Sales Chappuis).
YOU get Oblates and their communities around the world praying for you!