"He who preaches with love, preaches effectively.”
St. Francis de Sales
South America:
Ecuador & Haiti (Paraguay coming soon)
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 serve over 200 people daily.
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
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.
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. There is an urgent need for professional support and individual psychological support, combined with the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales.
Haiti
Haiti is a nation defined by its remarkable resilience—a resilience that fuels daily life even in the face of great adversity. Sadly, political unrest and social instability have become part of everyday reality, making it nearly impossible for communities to thrive without significant change. Many religious congregations have withdrawn their ministries as a result, but the Oblates remain. The Oblates stand firm in their commitment to believe, to serve, and to accompany the Haitian people. Every step forward requires deep reflection, careful listening, and difficult decisions as limited resources are stretched to reach those who need it most.
Formation House: Home to 10 young men discerning religious life who partake in both university studies and formation under Oblate guidance.
Fr. Tom Hagain, OSFS, in Haiti.
Making a Difference: When a devastating earthquake struck Haiti in 2021, the Oblates helped rebuild homes for displaced families in Bacconois.
Challenges: Haiti missions face extreme economic hardship, social instability, and a lack of basic resources. Due to the earthquakes in 2016 and 2021, the work of the Oblates increased, as did poverty. The economy and ministries were expected to recover for the better. However, the recent assassination of the country's president has created an environment of great insecurity and instability. There are currently no minimum guarantees of security, especially in the capital, where even flights cannot reach.
The mission that needs the most assistance at this time is the Parish of St. Francis de Sales in Bacconnois. Since it is located in the countryside, access is difficult, as is the possibility of acquiring materials for day-to-day necessities. The remote location makes work and even minimal support of the Oblates on mission more expensive.
Hands Together
Hands Together is a non-profit organization, founded in 1986 by Fr. Tom Hagan, OSFS, since then, it has emerged as a key educational and development organization working in Haiti's largest and poorest slum, Cite Soleil. Hands Together is devoted to educating, inspiring, and encouraging people to understand the importance of responding to the needs of the poor and disadvantaged. Its mission is to build a more compassionate and human world, based on the spiritual belief that we are all members of one, equal, interconnected family under a loving God.
Learn more by visiting their website.
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.
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.
Be Part of the Mission
Your generosity makes daily meals and education possible. Please consider donating today to help the people of Manta.