EN 
ES 
Forty Years of Faith and Mission:
Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Missionary Oblates in Zambia
This year, we celebrate a significant milestone—the 40th anniversary of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate’s presence in Zambia. I invite you to reflect on the profound impact this mission has had on the lives of countless people, especially the Oblates.
Forty years ago, on January 6, 1984, a small yet resolute group of Oblates from Texas embarked on a mission guided by the Holy Spirit. Fr. Pat Gitzen, Fr. Paul Duffy, Fr. Jack Joyce, and Brother Joseph Kaplinger answered the call to bring a mission of mercy and love to the people of Zambia. Today, their legacy endures, and Fr. Pat Gitzen continues to serve with unwavering devotion as a Formator at De Mazenod House of Formation in Makeni in Lusaka.
What began with four humble servants has blossomed into a vibrant community of 72 Oblates, including two bishops, 54 priests, two brothers, and 16 scholastics. We are blessed with three novices and 28 pre-novices, each one discerning God’s call to serve His people. This growth is a testament to the enduring power of God’s love and the resilience of the human spirit in a developing country.
As we commemorate this Anniversary, we are drawn to the theme that will guide us through this sacred celebration: “Pilgrims of Hope in Communion: Following Christ the First Pilgrim and Missionary.” This resonates deeply with our mission and calls us to renew our commitment to bring hope and unity to the communities we serve, following in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ.
On August 24, 2024, the faithful gathered at Mary Immaculate Parish in Lusaka, Zambia to celebrate a significant milestone in the Missionary Oblates’ journey. This sacred occasion was filled with heartfelt reflection and deep gratitude, as they honored the mission God had entrusted to them. With reverence, they recalled the humble beginnings in Lukulu, marveling at how the mission had spread to Kalabo, Mongu, Limulunga, Lusaka, and beyond. Through God’s grace, their work had brought the light of Christ to the remote corners of society, transforming lives through healthcare, human rights, education, and worship. This gathering was a testament to the enduring power of faith, inspiring renewed commitment to continue serving those in need with compassion and devotion.
In a spirit of communion and unity, we welcomed joyfully the Young Oblates of Mary Immaculate (Y.O.M.I) from across the Africa-Madagascar subregion. Their gathering, with the theme “Serving Christ and Him Crucified,” compliments the Oblate call to love and serve the poor, following the example of Christ Himself.
In the celebration, Bishop Valentine Kalumba of Livingstrone, Zambia gave a profound insight: eternal life is not merely found in the observance of commandments, but in a loving and self-sacrificing attitude toward others. This reminder strengthens us to connection with God and to extend His boundless love to the marginalized and suffering, fulfilling our mission as Oblates with renewed fervor and devotion.
As we live out our common mission, we embrace the principles of justice and equality within our congregation. Each Oblate, by virtue of their Perpetual Oblation, is called to serve with humility and steadfast perseverance. We remain committed to providing opportunities and resources to fulfill the mission at hand.
Our journey has been one of faith, resilience, and unwavering commitment to God’s call. As we celebrate these 40 years, we look to the future with hope and determination, knowing that the Holy Spirit will guide us as we continue to serve His people in Zambia and beyond.
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