The Joy of Being an International Oblate

Jun 18

Oblate Fathers who have ministered in multiple countries.

I made my first vows as an Oblate in 1996, and I was ordained a priest in 2004. I am part of the Indian Regon of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales; however, I spent ten years as a pastor in Germany and came to the U.S. one year ago. Currently, I am ministering as the pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Wilmington, DE.

St. Anthony’s just celebrated its 100th anniversary, and the Oblates have been serving at the parish since the beginning.

Since I came to the U.S. and beginning my ministry here, I have been overwhelmed by the support of my brother Oblates. Throughout the parish anniversary year, many Oblates have come to special Masses and events around the parish. They are thankful for my role in the parish and my willingness to continue the legacy that was started by some of the first Oblates in America.

I have also been touched by how much the people of Wilmington (and throughout the area) love the Oblates. Everywhere I go, when I let people know I am an Oblate, I am welcomed, embraced, and told how much our community has meant to them over the years. Some people talk about a particular priest or brother, while others tell me about knowing the Oblates in high school or at a parish. For example, when I wore a Salesianum sweatshirt at a workshop last fall, a woman told me her husband was a graduate and freely shared how much he loved the school – and the Oblates.

Fr. Vincent Kumar, OSFS, at the St. Anthony’s Italian Festival in Wilmington, DE.

This experience extends beyond the local community. I have found that when I visit different states and people realize that I am an Oblate, they respond with warmth and love. Men and women tell me they know the Oblates from Sallies, North, Judge, or DeSales University. They are dedicated to their school and their Oblates with an affinity and love that runs deep.

The Oblates in India are still a young congregation. We have been around for a little over thirty years, but people are starting to know us. Our school in Bengaluru is becoming well-known and is already very respected. Our presence in parishes and villages is making a great impact. It is my hope that the Oblates in India continue to grow like they have here in the U.S.

Having worked with the Oblates all over India, in our German-speaking Province, and now in the U.S., I am an Oblate who is comfortable being part of an international order. This week, as I gathered with the Oblates from North America for their annual assembly and convocation, I have felt blessed to be in the U.S. with my brothers. I am proud of the work they have done, and I appreciate the foundation they have provided me and the congregation around the world.

The founder of the Oblates, Blessed Father Louis Brisson, told his first members to be missionaries. Today, I continue this tradition. I see myself not as a missionary, but as a co-worker. A worker in the vineyard, working to spread the Gospel. With my brothers around the world, we work together to “live Jesus.”