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Sponsored by the General Administration in Rome, the speakers and discussion groups examined various realities and challenges facing the Church and Oblates in the modern world. The following are visual images from the symposium. In the days to follow I will add concepts and impressions on the secular world and our partnership with it as presented during the symposium. If you had the good fortune to attend, please e-mail me your reactions so I may share them on a worldwide basis. I will spread the symposium notes over several weeks to prevent web overload. webmaster@oblates.ca |
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| Where were you when I needed you?
In the past three days I have been superbly nourished by a multitude of experiences, reactions and suggestions concerning our Oblate Mission in the modern world. Like any fine repast, I will have to digest the presentations with time and with the garnish of additional thought and reading. These reflections are definitely of a personal nature, and are, of course, illuminated, or darkened, by my personal life experiences. I was impressed by the extent of thought and life experiences which were
demonstrated by the speakers. I am saddened to note suggestions that
we must be cautious in the use of religious language, or religious
endorsement, which some speakers believed to be obstacles to our acceptance
and participation in beneficial social groups. Is there a suggestion of an
underground aspect for our Christian activity? The openness of Oblates to various ministries has always been obvious, and was demonstrated during the discussions. And we continue to see the need for mission work. But have we also accepted the concept of the religious pariah? Is the man or woman who has made "unacceptable moral choices" outside the parameters of our ministry? Specifically, are those living outside the model of a valid Catholic (or Christian) marriage beyond the reach of Oblate ministry? Who has discarded who? There is a growing field for inquiry concerning those who have become pariahs. The question was not mentioned in my hearing during the symposium. From a very few, I received experiences of totally different pastoral approaches in other regions and countries. I was greatly interested. I regret that there not an easier way to identify these people between sessions. It would have been wonderful to sit for a time with the Oblate from Japan, to share with the young man from Australia, and to follow up with the Oblate from Africa with his 50,000 parishioners. The Oblate names could be easily read. The region or country...pretty small HELP Thousands of Oblates were not able to attend the symposium. If you would like to share your reactions with them, please e-mail me. And watch the following days for more specific information on the conferences. |
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