Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) - According to Omiworld January 2007, in the world there are 4,384 Oblate Missionaries of Mary Immaculate, 6 more than last year: 1 cardinal, 10 archbishops, 32 bishops, 2 apostolic prefects, 3,173 priests, 413 brothers with perpetual vows, 30 brothers with temporary vows, 114 scholastics with perpetual vows and 609 with temporary vows. Last year’s fall in the number of priests (-24) and brothers with perpetual vows (-14) was compensated by an increase in brothers with temporary vows (+3) scholastics with perpetual vows (+16).
With regard to their position in the world, most OMI missionaries are present in Europe (1,282), followed by Canada-USA (1,029), Africa-Madagascar (880), Asia-Oceania (679), Latin America (473), and 41 members serving in general administration. Last year 78 priests and 14 brothers died. In December 2006 Oblates in formation were as follows: 723 scholastics, 30 brothers in formation, 156 with first vows (21 made in 2005), 71 with perpetual vows (5 in 2005), 50 priestly ordinations (6 in 2005).
The Oblate Missionaries of Mary Immaculate were founded by St Eugene de Mazenod (1782-1861). Born in Aix-en-Provence (France) of noble parents, at the age of 9 Eugene flees France because of the French Revolution. He lives in exile in Italy for 11 years passing from Niece, Turin, Venice, Naples and Palermo. On returning to France in 1802 he enters the seminary and in 1811 is ordained a priest. Five years later Eugene, saddened by the poverty of country people in Provence, he gathers around him a group of missionaries to go from village to village to announce the Gospel. Not many years later he sends missionaries to Canada, and countries in Africa and Asia. The motto chosen by Eugene de Mazenod, which has always inspired the OMI missionaries: “He has sent me to evangelise the poor”. Eugene de Mazenod was proclaimed a saint on 3 December 1995 by Pope John Paul II. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 27/1/2007 - Righe 25 - Parole 357)
