New Novices Welcomed into the Oblate Novitiate

The Immaculate Heart of Mary Novitiate in Godfrey, Illinois welcomed new novices during the Rite of Reception on Friday, June 12, 2026. Two novices begin a significant stage of their formation journey into the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. The prayer service gathered Oblates, family and friends together in spirit while the Vicar Provincial from the Assumption Province in Canada, Fr. Marcin Serwin, OMI, formally received the novices into the novitiate.

The novitiate welcomed Mr. Francis Adams of the United States Province, and Jose Carlos Dairo of the Assumption Province in Canada. Each begins their novitiate year ready to begin a year shaped by prayer, study, reflection and ministry for the next 50 weeks.

The novitiate is described in the Oblate Constitutions and Rules as the school of Jesus, a period set aside for deeper prayer, discernment, and growth in the Missionary Oblate way of life. Once received into the novitiate, each novice makes a written commitment to live according to the Constitutions and Rules of the Congregation. Novices learn to strengthen their relationship with Christ through Scripture, the Eucharist, community life, and the example of Saint Eugene de Mazenod, founder of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in 1816.

Novices received a small Oblate cross in recognition as novice members of the congregation of the Missionary Oblates. This cross serves as a meaningful sign of their commitment and belonging to the community while living out their call from Jesus Christ in their discernment process. It is a call to grow in understanding of the Oblate charism given to the congregation through St. Eugene de Mazenod. At the end of the novitiate year, upon perseverance on their part and approval from the novitiate staff and province, each will make their First Vows as Missionary Oblates in temporary religious vows.

Novice Master Father Salvador Gonzalez, OMI, reflected on the significance of the moment. “The beginning of the novitiate is an important step in the formation process because it marked the start of a dedicated time of prayer, discernment, and growth in the Oblate way of life. Through their request for admission and written commitment, the novices began a deeper journey of following Christ and learning what it means to live as Oblates. As Novice Master, it was a privilege to accompany Francis and Jose Carlos in this important period of formation. The novitiate staff are ready to journey with them in the next weeks and months.”

Following the Rite of Reception, those present gathered for a simple lunch that encouraged conversation and fellowship. The atmosphere reflected gratitude for the new novices and hope for the year of formation that awaits them..

Written by Roger Brooks, MAMI Marketing

Photos by Amanda Lee, MAMI Marketing