Six OMI Novices Profess First Vows and Step Into a Life of Mission and Service

A spirit of joy and gratitude filled the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows today as six novices of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (USP) professed their First Vows as Missionary Oblates. This moment marks one of the most significant commitments these men will make in their lives of faith.

The 2025–2026 Novitiate Class includes Alfred Mutale Maango and Mwanza T. Comfort of Zambia, Jose Minz of India, and Carlos Martinez, Mihn Lam, and Luis Enrique Gonzalez of the United States. Each of these men has spent the past year at the Oblate Novitiate in Godfrey, Illinois, preparing through prayer, study, and community life for this step that now shapes the direction of their future.

The profession of First Vows is a public and deeply personal declaration that marks the moment when each novice freely embraces the vows of poverty, chastity, obedience, and perseverance. It marks the beginning of a life that is centered on the Gospel and the Oblate mission/charism of bringing hope and presence to those who are most in need. It marks their formal entry into the Congregation as Missionary Oblates and their readiness to continue formation with a renewed identity as a religious brother, temporarily professed.

For these six men, today represents a turning point. It represents the movement to continued discernment in a larger Oblate community in San Antonio, TX doing ministry in the local community, but more importantly, as full-time theological students at Oblate School of Theology, all to further prepare them for their missionary journey and life.

Family members, friends, and the Oblate community gathered to witness this milestone and to support these men as they begin the next stage of their formation.

The Oblate community expresses sincere gratitude to all who have offered prayers and encouragement throughout the novitiate year and invites continued support as these men move forward in their life of mission.

Written by Roger Brooks, MAMI SA

Photos by Amanda Lee, MAMI Marketing