"He who preaches with love, preaches effectively.”
St. Francis de Sales
South America:
Ecuador ~ Haiti ~ Brazil
Ecuador
We have been serving this local Church since 1993. That year marked our return to Ecuador, as at the end of the 19th century, our founder sent Oblate missionaries to the Ecuadorian Andes. These Oblates were expelled during the liberal revolution. After many decades, we returned to Ecuador thanks to the insistence of our Oblate Sisters of St. Francis de Sales. This time, we came to the coast of Ecuador, to the city of Manta, to serve and administer the Niño Jesús Parish. Today, 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.
Feeding the Community
In Manta, four dining halls provide meals for hundreds of families throughout the community. Each day, volunteers prepare and serve their brothers and sisters from surrounding rural communities. This ministry began after the 2016 earthquake, when Oblates help distribute meals and essential supplies to 2,000 people.
Today, 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.
Education Support
Over time, the Oblates develop friendships with adults and children 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.
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 at these dioceses:
Niño Jesús Parish (Manta)
San Pablo VI Parish (Manta)
Cristo del Consuelo Parish (Portoviejo)
San Luis Gonzaga Parish (Ayacucho – Santana Canton)
Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles Parish (Honorato Vázquez – Santana Canton)
Santa Narcisa de Jesús Parish (Portoviejo)
San Luis Gonzaga Parish (La Unión de Santana – Santana Canton)
Nuestra Señora del Carmen Parish (Rocafuerte)
Parish Ministry
Our presence in Ecuador has a vocational emphasis. Through our formation house, we offer a space for vocational discernment so young people seeking to follow Jesus have the opportunity to become Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. Over the years, the formation house in Manta has borne fruit, with nearly 15 Oblates, including Ecuadorian, Colombian, and Haitian nationals.
Recently, Mr. Bill Grebe, who is entering the Oblate Novitiate in the North American Province, volunteered with the Oblate missions in Eduador. He is pictured below with fellow Ecuadorian postulates and Oblates Fr. Alberto Benavides (back row, middle) and Fr. Charles Wadner (front row).
Formation
Back row, left to right: Postulant Jose Zambrano, Post. Daniel Alcívar, Fr. Alberto Benavides, OSFS, me, Post. Andrés Brione.Front row: Fr. Charles Wadner, OSFS.
Haiti
Haiti is a nation defined by its remarkable resilience—a resilience that fuels daily life even in the face of great adversity. Political unrest and social instability have become part of everyday reality, making it nearly impossible for communities to thrive. Many religious congregations have withdrawn their ministries as a result, but the Oblates remain. We stand firm in our commitment to serve and 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.
Meeting the Need
Despite political instability, economic hardship, and natural disasters, the Oblates remain steadfast in their mission to accompany the Haitian people with faith, education, and social support.
Key Missions
Formation House & Water Purification Project (Port-au-Prince)
Home to 10 young men discerning religious life who partake in both university studies and formation under Oblate guidance
Water purification plant providing affordable, clean water to local families
Holy Face Community (Port-au-Prince) - Vibrant chapel and pastoral center serving the Caradé neighborhood that provides religious education, catechism, sacramental preparation, and social programs for children
Parish of St. Francis de Sales (Bacconois, Nippes District) - Serving one of the poorest rural regions
Challenges:
Haiti's missions face extreme economic hardship, social instability, and a lack of basic resources. Yet, the resilience of the Haitian people and the dedication of the Oblates drive this ministry forward.
Be Part of the Mission
Your generosity makes daily meals and education possible. Please consider donating today to help the people of Manta.