The "Society of Missionaries of Provence" was founded on January 25, 1816, in Aix-en-Provence when Eugene de Mazenod and four companions came together to preach, first with missions in the
Provençal dialect, speaking the everyday language of the community. Born into
French nobility in 1782, Eugene de Mazenod fled the
French Revolution with his family in 1789. In 1798 in
Naples, they were joined by his uncle, the future Bishop . Returning to France in 1802, he entered the
Seminary of St. Sulpice and was
ordained in 1811. On 25 January 1816, Mazenod invited other priests to join him in his life of total oblation to God and to the most abandoned of Provence. Initially called "Missionaries of Provence," they dedicated themselves to evangelization through preaching parish missions in the poor villages, youth and prison ministry. In 1818 a second community was established at the Marian shrine of
Notre Dame du Laus. This became the occasion for the missionaries to become a religious congregation, united through vows and the evangelical counsels. On February 17, 1826, Pope Leo XII granted
approbation of
pontifical right to the congregation of the "Missionary Oblates of the Most Holy and Immaculate Virgin Mary" via
papal brief.
Pope Pius XI (1857–1939) was so impressed by the courage of the Oblates that he referred to them as "specialists in the most difficult missions of the Church."
Charism Missionaries first, OMI's decree, confirmed in 1982, is that they are "devoted principally to the evangelization of the poor", and their charism specifically aimed at people "whose condition cries out for salvation". We fulfil our task in healing the world by understanding its evolutionary character, by critically engaging its contemporary spirit, and by meeting its new needs in new ways...With Gospel values we dialogue with peoples of different cultures, faiths, and religions, in the search for an integral transformation of society; we work with others to safeguard human dignity, nurture family, foster harmony, promote a culture of peace, and respond to the calls of justice and integrity of creation.
Rule and constitution Eugene de Mazenod's initial text of the congregation's rule and constitution as approved by the Vatican has been modified both by himself, and subsequent meetings of the General Chapter.
Religious formation Initially, those interested in joining the congregation have several meetings with an OMI priest, usually with visits to an Oblate community. Men aged 18 and over meet regularly to share their experiences of God and what God may be calling them to become, and the congregation shares what it is like to be a member. Potential members are encouraged to regularly attend
Mass, read the
Bible—especially the Gospel—and
pray to discern their
vocation.
Vows As members of a
religious congregation, Oblates embrace the
evangelical counsels, taking three traditional
religious vows of
poverty, chastity, and obedience. Poverty means that all possessions are held in common and that no member may accumulate wealth. Chastity, abstaining from sexual activity, is intended to make the
religious totally available for religious service. Additionally, Oblates vow "perseverance until death" as a sign of their commitment to the OMI mission of evangelism.
Novitiate Next follows the
novitiate which is the time for preparing to take the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. The novices are given the opportunity for longer periods of prayer and spiritual reading as well as silence in order to reflect on the vocation God is offering and nature of their response. The spiritual development of the novice is of particular focus, especially through
spiritual direction. During the novitiate, the history and Constitutions of the Congregation are studied in depth. A simple profession is made at the end of the novitiate and the person officially becomes a member of the Congregation.
Post-novitiate/scholasticate After the novitiate, the new members of the congregation continue their studies. In the Philippines this normally involves a 4-year
theology degree, followed by a missionary year abroad, although a student may make a request to study at the
Pontifical Gregorian University in
Rome. In Canada, studies are undertaken at
Saint Paul University in
Ottawa,
Ontario. Scholastics from four provinces in
Southern Africa (Central,
Lesotho,
Natal, and Northern) study at the congregation's scholasticate in the small town of
Hilton in
KwaZulu-Natal or at the international scholasticate in Rome. Vows are renewed annually; after three years a member may request final vows. According to
canon law, temporary vows may be renewed for a longer period but not exceeding nine years.
The General Chapter OMI conducts a
General Chapter, or assembly, of its membership every six years. The assembly may take a month. Held in Rome, the assembly is the highest governing body of the OMI outside of the
Holy See, and includes capitular fathers and representatives from OMI provinces worldwide. Called by the Superior General, the assembly determines mission strategy, policies and rules, organizational change, consults on emerging topics, and conducts elections of their administration. Crucially, the assembly also discusses spiritual concerns of their religious formation, community, identity, sets contemplative goals, and affirms its charism. In October 2016, the General Chapter celebrated OMI's 200th year. The assembly focused on its mission and their motto:
"Evangelizare pauperibus misit me. Pauperes evangelizantur—He has sent me to bring the Good News to the poor. The poor have received the Good News." Incumbent Superior General, Louie Lougen was re-elected to his post, as was incumbent Vicar General Paolo Archiati.
37th General Chapter In October 2022, the 37th General Chapter was called. The assembly focused on the theme of "Pilgrims of Hope in Communion." Luis Ignacio Rois Alonso was elected to the post of Superior General. ==Notable oblates==