Bro. Pablo Henning, OMI, Professes Perpetual Oblation

By Roger Brooks, MAMI SA, edited by Fr. David Uribe, OMI
7th September, 2026
Photos by MAMI Marketing

The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate gathered on Saturday, September 5, at the Immaculate Conception Memorial Chapel on the campus of Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas, to celebrate a joyful religious milestone in the life of Bro. Pablo Henning Manrique, OMI: his Profession of Perpetual Vows. Family members, friends, and fellow Oblates joined together for this significant occasion, marking his lifelong commitment to the congregation and its missionary calling.

The celebration brought together many people who have accompanied Bro. Pablo throughout his years of formation and discernment. From Buffalo, NY to Belleville and Godfrey, IL, as well as San Antonio, TX, and New Orleans, LA, those who had witnessed his vocational journey gathered to rejoice in this sacred moment. Loved ones also traveled from Houston to share in a day filled with gratitude, prayer, and hope for the future.

For Bro. Pablo, perpetual oblation represents the culmination of years of prayer, study, ministry, and discernment. Through the vows he professed, he permanently dedicated his life to God as a Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate, embracing the congregation’s charism and mission with faith and conviction.

The Mass was presided by Fr. Raymond Cook, OMI, Provincial of the U.S. Province of the Missionary Oblates. During his homily, Fr. Ray reflected on his own connection to Bro. Pablo and shared why the day held special meaning for him as well. He recalled first meeting Pablo during his undergraduate years at Rice University, where Pablo attended Mass at St. Mary’s Chapel and Fr. Ray served as campus minister. What began as conversations about faith gradually grew into a friendship and, ultimately, a deeper discernment of religious life and missionary service. Following his graduation, Pablo entered the Oblates’ pre-novitiate program in Buffalo, beginning the formation journey that led to this historic day.

Standing before his mentor, now his Provincial, Bro. Pablo professed his perpetual vows with clarity, confidence, and deep faith. His profession was met with prayerful support from those gathered, all witnesses to the commitment he was making for life.

A particularly moving moment followed the profession of vows as Bro. Pablo received the Missionary Oblate Cross. This treasured tradition presents a newly professed Oblate with a nine-inch bronze and wooden cross that was previously carried by an Oblate who has gone before him. Bro. Pablo received the cross of Fr. David Muñoz, OMI, a Florida native who passed away in October 2024 at the age of 41 after battling brain cancer. The two had worked together on several marketing initiatives for the province, making the presentation especially meaningful. Adding to the significance of the occasion, Fr. David’s mother and sister were present for the Mass celebration. 

As the Mass concluded, Fr. Ray offered heartfelt words of gratitude to Bro. Pablo’s family for their support and generosity throughout his vocation journey. Addressing them directly, he reminded them that this commitment was not a loss, but an expansion of family. “You did not lose a son,” he said, “but gained a fraternity of brothers with the Oblates. You are now part of our family as well.” 

The Missionary Oblates celebrate this joyous occasion with Bro. Pablo and give thanks for his faithful response to God’s call. As he begins this new chapter of perpetual brotherhood and missionary service, the Oblate family looks forward with hope and gratitude to the many ways he will continue to live and share the Gospel.

Congratulations, Bro. Pablo! May God bless your lifelong commitment and ministry as a Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate.

Praised be Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate!