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Sharing the Charism The actual situation of laity in the family of St. Eugene. Congress of Oblate Lay Associates - Rome 26 - 28 th June 2007. Lay Associates all over the world. Constitutions and Rules:. Rule 37a.
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Sharing the CharismThe actual situation of laity in the family of St. Eugene Congress of Oblate Lay Associates - Rome 26 - 28th June 2007
Constitutions and Rules: Rule 37a In order to live more intensely the mission of evangelization according to the Oblate charism,some lay people gather in associations. In concert with the General Administration,Provincesand Delegations will foster the development of such associations, will assure that they faithfully reflect the Oblate charism, will contribute to the formation of the laity by giving them access to the sources of the charism, and will specify the relations between the Congregation and the associations. In this regard theGeneral Administrationtakes the initiatives that it judges opportune to promote communication between Provinces and Delegations and a common outlook in the Congregation. Thecharismof Saint Eugene de Mazenod is a gift of the Spirit to the Church, and it radiates throughout the world. Lay peoplerecognize that they are called to share in the charism according to their state of life, and to live it in ways that vary according to milieu and cultures. They share in the charism in a spirit ofcommunion and reciprocityamongst themselves and with the Oblates.
Constitutions and Rules: Rule 37b Rule 37c Severalreligious and secular instituteshave links to the Congregation because of their origin or because of their spirituality. Each Province or Delegation will seek to strengthen those spiritual bonds, and, if possible, to establish concrete forms of apostolic cooperation, with all due respect for the autonomy of these institutes. Faithful to Oblate tradition, the communities will have their heart set on promoting theMissionary Association of Mary Immaculatefor the formation of lay people and participation in Oblate spirituality and apostolate.
Who & What are Lay Associates? Rule 37a The charism of Saint Eugene de Mazenod is a gift of the Spirit to the Church, and it radiates throughout the world. Lay people recognize that they are called to share in the charism according to their state of life, and to live it in ways that vary according to milieu and cultures. They share in the charism in a spirit of communion and reciprocity amongst themselves and with the Oblates. according to their state of life charism
Forms of Association Honorary Oblates MAMI Lay associates & Collaborators Religious communities
Honorary Oblates An honorary Oblate is a person who is associated with the Congregation so as to share in all the spiritual benefits of membership. It is the highest mark of esteem that we can bestow on a non-Oblate.
Honorary Oblates 500 since beginning General Archives show 172 names submitted from 1911 to 1961 General Secretariate show 289 requests presented between 1962 and 1989
Honorary Oblates MAMI Lay associates & Collaborators Religious communities
MAMI Rule 37b Faithful to Oblate tradition, the communities will have their heart set on promoting the Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate for the formation of lay people and participation in Oblate spirituality and apostolate. participation in Oblate spirituality and apostolate
MAMI organization which would be a kind of third order association to offer prayers and to provide financial support sharing in the prayers, suffrages and good works of the Congregation federation of associations functioning each in its own way friends of Oblate apostolic works
Honorary Oblates MAMI Lay associates & Collaborators Religious communities
Lay associates and Collaborators General Chapter 1992 "We are not the owners of our charism; it belongs to the Church. And so we are happy to see that lay persons who are called by God want to share it." people passionate about Jesus Christ committed to the mission like Eugene de Mazenod
How many? Rule 37a In order to live more intensely the mission of evangelization according to the Oblate charism, some lay people gather in associations. gather in associations
Religious communities "This flowering of religious families is a sign of the greatness of the blessed Bishop of Marseilles whom my predecessor Paul VI described one day as "one passionately committed to Jesus Christ and dedicated to the Church without reserve." 40 groups founded & formally established between 1820 & 1998 Pope John-Paul II 1991
Where are we? Rule 37a The charism of Saint Eugene de Mazenod is a gift of the Spirit to the Church, and it radiates throughout the world. Lay people recognize that they are called to share in the charism according to their state of life, and to live it in ways that vary according to milieu and cultures. They share in the charism in a spirit of communion and reciprocity amongst themselves and with the Oblates. according to milieu and cultures
EUROPE Central European ProvinceAssoziierte Laien Anglo-Irish Province Lay Associates SpainComunidades de Vida FranceLaïcs Associés ItalyAssociati PolandLaïcs Associés Communauté du Bon Pasteur: Communauté de l'Apostolat des Laïcs Poland - ScandinaviaMissionsvänner ASIA-OCEANIA AustraliaRosies Youth Group PhilippinesOblate Volunteer Program AFRICA-MADAGASCAR Central Province (RSA)Lay Associates NatalLay Associates SénégalAmis de Saint Eugène LATIN AMERICA BoliviaLaicos Asociados de los Misioneros OMI ChileAmigos de los Oblatos MexicoAMOS (Asociados Misioneros Oblatos) PeruAsociación de Laicos "Eugenio de Mazenod" ParaguayLaicos Asociados OMI BrazilAMO (Associados Missionários Oblatos) UruguayFamilia Oblata CANADA AssumptionLay Associates LacombeOblate Association LacombeAssociation Missionnaire de Marie Immaculée Notre-Dame-du-CapLes Associés O.M.I. Notre-Dame-du-CapCoopératrices et Coopérateurs UNITED STATES Missionary Oblate Associates
Gatherings & Congresses Rule 37a In concert with the General Administration, Provinces and Delegations will foster the development of such associations, will assure that they faithfully reflect the Oblate charism, will contribute to the formation of the laity by giving them access to the sources of the charism, and will specify the relations between the Congregation and the associations. In this regard the General Administration takes the initiatives that it judges opportune to promote communication between Provinces and Delegations and a common outlook in the Congregation. access to the sources of the charism
International Seminar in Rome September 1995 • 9 laity who came from 7 Provinces along with 3 Oblates • mapped out a work-document for international congress • announcement of Congress at Aix-en-Provence • - Regions and Provinces become involved in this field
International Congress May 1996 - Aix-en-Provence "In response to a call from Christ, Lay Associates live their baptism, enlightened as they are by the charism of Eugene de Mazenod. Animated by a family spirit, they share among themselves and with Oblates the same spirituality and missionary outlook." “impassioned for Jesus Christ” “living link with the Oblates” “love of the Church” “impassioned for mission” “commitment” “life-style”
Chapter 2004 Oblate Life Strengthened by our Associates Rich potential Evaluation of Provinces Establishment of commission Convoke a gathering – “Aix Congress 2”
Prayer – Vade Mecum Rule 37c Several religious and secular institutes have links to the Congregation because of their origin or because of their spirituality. Each Province or Delegation will seek to strengthen those spiritual bonds, and, if possible, to establish concrete forms of apostolic cooperation, with all due respect for the autonomy of these institutes. spiritual bonds
Associate Commitment commitment for a time
Impassioned for Christ, the Church, and Mission I, hereby commit myself to live, for one year, as an Oblate Associate of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate.
Associate Commitment commitment for a time regular prayer and meditation – annual retreat
Through regular prayer, service to God’s poor, and community life, I seek to deepen my relationship with Christ and my understanding of Oblate spirituality. During this year, I will make time to renew myself by attending an annual retreat.
Associate Commitment commitment for a time regular prayer and meditation – annual retreat regular apostolic work with the poor
I promise to live the charism of St. Eugene de Mazenod in the day-to-day realities of my life. I will strive to act and make choices that bear witness to my belief in the dignity of each person and the compassion of God for all peoples.
Associate Commitment commitment for a time regular prayer and meditation – annual retreat regular apostolic work with the poor building community
In a spirit of respect and openness, I will gather regularly with other Associates and vowed Oblates to share my faith journey and to build unity amongst God’s people, the Church.
Associate Commitment commitment for a time regular prayer and meditation – annual retreat regular apostolic work with the poor building community growth in Oblate spirituality
Inspired by Mary’s example and through her intercession, I ask God for the grace to make Christ present in our world. I make this commitment under the patronage of St. Eugene de Mazenod and Mary Immaculate.
Charters and Rules Rule 37a In order to live more intensely the mission of evangelization according to the Oblate charism, some lay people gather in associations. In concert with the General Administration, Provinces and Delegations will foster the development of such associations, will assure that they faithfully reflect the Oblate charism, will contribute to the formation of the laity by giving them access to the sources of the charism, and will specify the relations between the Congregation and the associations. In this regard the General Administration takes the initiatives that it judges opportune to promote communication between Provinces and Delegations and a common outlook in the Congregation. development of such associations
Directory for Lay Associates Province of Notre Dame du Cap 11 Key sections: • Name • Who is eligible • Formation: - General Principles • - Initial Formation • - Ongoing Formation • 4. Basis of Formation, means and responsibilities • 5. Involvement: - Personal • - Social • 6. Membership • 7. Structures • 8. Mandate – From Provincial Council • 9. Roles and responsibilities – Lay associate • Role of Oblates • Appendix: - Animation • - Coordination • - Communication • - Finances
Structures Rule 37c Several religious and secular institutes have links to the Congregation because of their origin or because of their spirituality. Each Province or Delegation will seek to strengthen those spiritual bonds, and, if possible, to establish concrete forms of apostolic cooperation, with all due respect for the autonomy of these institutes. autonomy of these institutes
A clear Identity “We are not the owners of our charism; it belongs to the Church. And so we are happy to see lay persons who are called by God want to share it.” Inspired by St. Eugene Structures are necessary, yet must arise from and adapt to a milieu Common formation curriculum
A solid spiritual life Being rooted in Jesus Christ and His body, the church. That means commitment to holiness of life which is not a prerogative only of the religious. Regular recourse to scripture and the sacraments What about those who are not Catholics, or not Christians?
A community built on charity and love Oblate family: Independent of the Oblates The relationship with the Congregation should go beyond mere friendship with individual Oblates. Organization more or less corresponding to the Provincial level of administration, not the General level. Like minded individuals and groups along with Oblates Free association Is this inclusive of those employed by the Oblates?
A mission that is good news to the poor Commitment to the poor and abandoned to whom lay persons often have an easier access than the religious Working with Oblates in partnership but also in a diversity of mission fields
Future directions? Rule 37c Several religious and secular institutes have links to the Congregation because of their origin or because of their spirituality. Each Province or Delegation will seek to strengthen those spiritual bonds, and, if possible, to establish concrete forms of apostolic cooperation, with all due respect for the autonomy of these institutes. apostolic cooperation
What I would like to see happen: Create a network Whole families or at least couples become members Become intercultural Preferential option for the poor Mutual enrichment – OMI & Associates Collaboration in ministry
Together we give thanks Thank you