About the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate

About the Oblates

The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate are a Roman Catholic congregation of priests and brothers serving poor and abandoned people in the United States and 70 countries around the world. The Missionary Oblates go where people’s needs are greatest. Today more than 3,500 Missionary Oblates are ministering in some of the world’s most difficult missions, reaching out to serve those most in need. We bring comfort to the sick, food to the hungry, shelter for victims of natural disasters, and hope for all. We bring peace to war-torn nations and spiritual healing to people in need. Their ministries are a testament to the profound effect God’s love has on the communities they serve.

Saint Eugene De Mazenod was born into an aristocratic French family in 1782. The French Revolution forced his family into exile. At age 20 Eugene was able to return to Aix where he gave himself over to the pleasures of this world. But in 1807, he had a profound religious experience, and he committed himself to Christ and the Church.

As a young priest Eugene was appalled by the condition of the Church in southern France. The poor were being neglected. In response, Eugene gathered around him a small group of priests and began to preach directly to the poor. Eventually this small band became the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate.

By the time of his death on May 21, 1861 the congregation he founded had grown to 415 priests and brothers in seven countries. On December 3, 1995 Pope John Paul II formally declared Eugene de Mazenod a saint. Today Missionary Oblates wear the black and gold crucifix of St. Eugene as a way of connecting with their founder.

Our Founder - St Eugene De Mazenod

In the United States, Oblate priests and brothers bring healing and hope to people in need every day. They care for the spiritual needs of people at shrines and retreat houses. They care for the material needs of the poor at hospitals, soup kitchens and other social service programs. Your Support helps fulfil these missions.

The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows
The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows

Belleville, IL

The largest Marian shrine in the United States. Many thousands of pilgrims visit the Shrine every year to find healing and hope with our mother Mary.

Learn more…

Lourdes Grotto & Tepeyac de San Antonio
Lourdes Grotto & Tepeyac de San Antonio

San Antonio, TX

A replica of the Sanctuaire Notre-Dame de Lourdes in France.  A variety of liturgies and faithful celebrations are held at the site throughout the year.

Learn more…

Shrine to St. Joseph the Worker
Shrine to St. Joseph the Worker

Lowell, MA

A space for prayer, reflection, and action, where all visitors can be inspired by Jesus Christ and Saint Eugene, founder of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate.

Learn more…

Our Lady of Guadalupe & Shrine to Saint Jude
Our Lady of Guadalupe & Shrine to Saint Jude

New Orleans, LA

In the heart of the French Quarter of New Orleans, St. Jude Shrine serves the poor who are overlooked by the tourists to the area’s numerous attractions.

Learn more…

Oblate School of Theology
Oblate School of Theology

San Antonio, TX

OST is a community of scholars and students who respect and celebrate global cultural diversity through various languages, traditions, and backgrounds firmly rooted in Christ.

Learn more…

Tekakwith Indian Missions
Tekakwitha Indian Missions

White Earth Reservation, MN

On the White Earth Reservation in northern Minnesota, the Oblates minister from six parishes, blending the Roman Catholic faith with Native American traditions.

Learn more…

La Vista Ecological Center
La Vista Ecological Center

Godfrey, IL

A welcoming space for prayer, reflection, and action, where all visitors can be inspired by Jesus Christ and Saint Eugene, founder of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate.

Learn more…

Oblate Mission with Youth
Oblate Mission with Youth

Tijuana, Mexico

Today’s Generation of Youth is our Future. We are sounding the siren to Call them to Action, to serve the need in the poorest and most abandoned communities.

Learn more…

Anna's House
Anna’s House

Seongnam-si, South Korea

The largest social service agency in South Korea for the homeless. Providing food, shelter, medical care and job training for thousands of people every year.

Learn more…

Missions in Zambia
Missions in Zambia

Zambia, Africa

Oblates have been ministering in Zambia since 1984; running parishes, ministering to students, building schools and spreading the Word of God in rural areas.

Learn more…

John Paul II Institution, Haiti
John Paul II Institution

Ouanaminthe, Haiti

An institution for refugee children who lost their homes in an earthquake, transforming a local parish into a school that can accommodate 200 children.

Learn more…

Radio Pio XII
Radio Pio XII

Cochabamba, Bolivia

Radio Pio XII has been broadcasting in support of miners who work high in the Andes Mountains, speaking out against corruption in all its forms.

Learn more…

Saint Eugene De Mazenod was born into an aristocratic French family in 1782. The French Revolution forced his family into exile. At age 20 Eugene was able to return to Aix where he gave himself over to the pleasures of this world. But in 1807, he had a profound religious experience, and he committed himself to Christ and the Church.

As a young priest Eugene was appalled by the condition of the Church in southern France. The poor were being neglected. In response, Eugene gathered around him a small group of priests and began to preach directly to the poor. Eventually this small band became the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate.

By the time of his death on May 21, 1861 the congregation he founded had grown to 415 priests and brothers in seven countries. On December 3, 1995 Pope John Paul II formally declared Eugene de Mazenod a saint. Today Missionary Oblates wear the black and gold crucifix of St. Eugene as a way of connecting with their founder.

Our Founder - St Eugene De Mazenod