The Oblate Journey Never Ends

I look with no little bit of paternal pride and much hope at the younger generation in whose formation I am privileged to be a part,” says Fr. Ron. “May they be blessed with the same support I received, and may they give themselves courageously to bring the Good News and the love of God to all who cross their path.

In several locations throughout the United States, Oblates young and old are enriching each other along their Oblate journey. That multi-generational approach to ministry is most evident in San Antonio where 15 seminarians and 27 elder Oblates live in residences just a few blocks away.

Brother Etienne Kabemba Lukusa, now in his pastoral internship in his home province in Quebec, said he has discovered in San Antonio that he is a companion with his brother Oblates on a special journey. “They confirm my vocation to serve, teach, and bring others closer to Christ.”

At age 79, Fr. Tom Rush, OMI, recently moved from San Antonio to Belleville, Illinois, to serve as the Director of Hispanic Ministry at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. Since the 1980s, he has spent much of his ministry fostering Oblate vocations throughout the United States and Mexico. Today, in addition to his work in Hispanic Ministry, Fr. Tom finds time to provide mentorship to Oblate novices who visit the Shrine regularly for spiritual guidance.

Brother Henry Zayamoe, OMI, graduated from OST in May 2025 and was ordained to the priesthood on November 8, 2025. His faith journey began in Burma where his family had to flee religious persecution. They lived in refugee camps for several years before emigrating to Buffalo, New York, where they joined an Oblate parish. Elder Oblates helped the family adapt to life in the U.S. and inspired a vocation in young Henry which culminated his commitment to the Oblates as a priest and missionary.

“Thank you, my brothers, for walking this path with me,” says Bro. Henry. “Thank you for being part of the story God is writing in my life. I promise to walk with you, serve with you, and love with you for the sake of Jesus Christ and His Church.”

Please know that as a benefactor of the Missionary Oblates, you too walk these paths of faith with both our young and elder Oblates.

The ordination was held just a few miles from his family home in San Antonio. His first blessing as a priest was given to his mother. He carried his Oblate Cross, which had belonged to Fr. Alex Roque, OMI, his formator back at the pre-novitiate when he was 18 years old.

After his ordination, Fr. Mateusz expressed his appreciation to the friends and benefactors of the Oblates who were part of his formation path. He takes that gratitude to his first mission, St. Casimer Parish in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he will be active in an outreach ministry to the homeless.

“Please pray for me as I begin my priesthood,” said Fr. Mateusz. “It’s a great blessing to receive this gift, a gift to be shared! Thanks be to God! Thank you to all who have been part of my Oblate journey, and who have supported me along the way.”