Becoming Missionaries of Hope

Original Article written by Fr. Jim Allen, OMI

A Milestone Gathering of the U.S. Province of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate

After years of pandemic-related delays for a formal gathering, Convocation 2025 offered the U.S. Province of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate a moment both solemn and celebratory. From June 16 to 20, more than 100 Oblates arrived at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona, to reflect, rejoice, and re-envision their role as “Missionaries of Hope.” It was the first province-wide convocation since the COVID-19 pandemic and coincided with the 25th anniversary of the province’s founding.

The air was thick with memory, discernment, and spiritual renewal. U.S. Provincial Fr. Raymond Cook, OMI opened the Convocation on the first evening, stating this week was not just as a time of gathering but as a celebratory waypoint.

Roots, Courage, and the Gospel Vine

The first keynote speaker, Fr. Frank Santucci, OMI of Oblate School of Theology, tapped into a deep metaphor: the vineyard. He asked, “Do we have the courage to leave nothing undared?”

Drawing on the image of vines that are pruned to stumps before springing anew in the harvest, Fr. Santucci likened the Oblate charism to that resilient trunk—seemingly worn, yet alive with possibility. It was an invitation to draw courage from 209 years of Congregational and 178 years of U.S. Oblate history.

Global Vision, Tangible Signs of Hope

Fr. Luis Ignacio “Chicho” Rois Alonso, OMI, Superior General from Rome, built on this imagery with a global perspective. In his keynote titled “Green Shoots Versus Signs of Hope,” Fr. Chicho referenced Pope Francis’ Holy Year declaration, urging the Oblates to become “tangible signs of hope.” He identified five areas in which promising “green shoots” had emerged:

• Personnel Stability: While overall numbers have declined, post-novitiate formation remains steady worldwide. Quality of life and sanctity are the next frontier.
• Charismatic Identity: A growing global consensus around the Oblate Constitutions and Rules (CC&RR) is revitalizing the movement.
• Community Life: Intercultural missionary communities and synodal discernment are creating more authentic Gospel-rooted groupings.
• Missionary Vitality: Missions focusing on care for creation, and protection of vulnerable persons are renewing purpose. Developing a culture of protection is seen as a transformative act.
• Financial Solidarity: Increased support across Units points to a deeper understanding of subsidiarity, shared mission, and the vow of poverty as a source of spiritual renewal.

Local Challenges, Spiritual Fire

Fr. Cook returned to local realities during his address, warning against falling into “maintenance mode.” The emphasis was on service—not just to existing ministries, but to emerging needs. He spoke passionately about reclaiming the “missionary heart” of the Oblates through renewed prayer, close contact with the poor, and the daily practice of Oraison before the Blessed Sacrament.

A particularly moving moment was his plea for solidarity with immigrants in the U.S.—many of whom lack proper documentation. “We must come to see them as persons with great dignity, children of our common Creator,” he said.

Engaging Strategy and Hard Question

Angela Burgess, author and CEO of Broad Oaks Consulting, guided Oblates through structured sessions of self-reflection and visioning. What began as individual introspection expanded into organizational diagnosis. In morning sessions, Oblates named joys and pain points in their ministries. By afternoon, the lens widened to include province-wide challenges.

Moderator Fr. Sal Gonzalez, OMI led small group discussions and consultative votes that further shaped the province’s discernment.

Day Five offered an open forum with the Province’s Administrative Team—Fr. Cook, Provincial Vicars Emmanuel Mulenga and José Antonio Ponce, and Treasurer Jim Chambers. Discussions spanned personnel needs, diocesan partnerships, and property management. It was a chance for transparency, shared problem-solving, and re-commitment.

Prayer and Liturgy throughout the Convocation

A prayerful space was created in the facility for morning and evening prayers, along with a daily Mass. The tradition holds that our recently ordained priests and deacons preside the Masses and be homilists for these gatherings. Also, Oblate scholastics are the presiders for morning and evening prayer.

We thank the Diocese the Phoenix, Arizona for the use of liturgical vessels and a choir that accompanied us in the Masses.

A Time Capsule for the Future

In a symbolic gesture to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the formation of the U.S. Province, names of attendees and key documents were collected to be sealed in a time capsule, to be opened on the province’s 100th anniversary in 2099. It was a message to the future—a quiet but powerful affirmation that the seeds planted now are intended to bear fruit for generations, especially in the United States. The time capsule will reside in the province archives.

A Closing Message of Undaring Faith

As the convocation drew to a close, the tone was resolute. Not resigned. Not nostalgic. Inspired.

“We recognize our missionary vocation of being called to offer hope to a broken world,” Fr. Cook reminded attendees. “Despite our imperfections, Jesus Christ offers us his closeness, his word, and his strength.”