A Sacred Step into Religious Life: Oblate Novices Profess First Vows

Oblate Novices Profess First Vows as Missionary Oblate

On Friday, August 1, 2025, four Oblate Novices took a sacred step forward into their religious life. Surrounded by Oblates, family, friends and members of the local community, novices professed their first vows as Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate at St. William’s Parish in Tewksbury, MA. The Mass was presided by Fr. Raymond Cook, OMI, Provincial, accompanied by the Novitiate formators, Fr. Chava Gonzalez, OMI and Bro. George Litiya, OMI. Each novice, holding a lit candle, professed the evangelical counsels of obedience, chastity, poverty and perseverance for one year. They are:

• Bro. Michael Katona, OMI – Province of the United States
• Bro. Eliakim Julius Mbenda, OMI – Province of Namibia
• Bro. Alfred Lungu, OMI – Delegation of Zambia
• Bro. Edwin Silwimba, OMI – Delegation of Zambia

After professing their vows, each novice received a small Oblate cross—a simple yet encouraging symbol of their new identity as Missionary Oblates and a daily reminder of the mission they now carry in their consecration as religious men.

In the Oblate Novitiate, men discern their calling to be missionary priests or brothers for 50 weeks. They learn the history of the Missionary Oblates, the Oblate Constitution and Rules, live in community and engage in prayer, ministry and events with the local community. Novices began their novitiate in August 2024 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Novitiate in Godfrey, IL. In May 2025, they moved to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Oblate Residence in Tewksbury, MA to make room for a new novitiate class that begun June 2025 in Illinois.

The newly professed Oblates will continue their growth in faith, study, community and ministry as they move into the next phase of formation. Bros. Michael and Eliakim move to San Antonio, Texas to start their studies at Oblate School of Theology while Bros. Alfred and Edwin return to Zambia for theological studies in the region.

Please keep these Oblates in your prayers. May they be strengthened by grace, supported by community, and guided by the Holy Spirit as they live out their commitment with courage and love.

Written by Roger Brooks