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35 th General Chapter
Synthesis of the Questionnaire for all Oblates
of European Region
1. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE AN OBLATE TODAY
There are two different groups of answers to this question
a) Some answers underline “being Oblate” in internal relation – “the essence of being
Oblate”. Answers of this kind marks as important issues such as:
- To follow Jesus Christ on the way of St. Eugene (to have a special relationship
with God)
- To stay in the communion with the community of the Church (some underline
particularly close to the poor, some other in union with the Pope)
- To share Oblate charism (spirituality, history, mission, trying to update our
identity for 21 st century, according to our Constitutions and Rules)
- Practically: To pray regularly and to convert ourselves continuously
b) Second group underlines the reference to the “outside” world. Those answers are:
- To be witness to the world by the testimony of common prayer and common
goods (community is the best witness, not singular Oblates)
- To proclaim Jesus Christ, his death and resurrection
- To have a special devotion to Mary Immaculate
- To be present with those on the margins of Church and society
- To be close to the poor in the moral, spiritual and material sense
- To be involved in the missionary drama of our world (to make it more human and
more Christian)
- To be a builder of Christian communities
- To be a prophet for today’s world
Some issues arising with this question show that it is important to reflect on it
especially because of two reasons:
- We are international society and in different parts of the world we share
different views
- The visible signs of our identity in the past are gone (e.g. dress)

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2. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE PROPOSED THEME FOR THE
CHAPTER OTHER
It seems that many Oblates understood this question in different way. Some simply
expressed their idea that they like the theme or (sometimes) don’t like it. Some
expressed what do they like, still some other presented their suggestions.
Those who are satisfied with the theme of the Chapter (majority) underlined especially
the theme of conversion. Some said that we really need it. Some other extended it to
the communal and personal dimension, some suggested that the General Chapter should
give a sign of it. Some other recalled “old” and sometimes forgotten practice of
sacramental conversion through confession, through ascesis, according to the Gospel.
There is a real need for revision of our life style, we should re-evaluate the
authenticity of our community life, to get fresh impetus for youth pastoral, for
apostolate of vocations. We have to take into account the new reality of interculturality
in our congregation (and sometimes communities), how should we involve OMI Associates
in our missionary work. How should we look at Europe as mission field (Through the
parish)
Some other Oblates saw this theme too retrospective. We need more directions “what”
or “how” to do certain things. For some this theme looks as an “outcome” rather than a
theme. The Chapter should explore if / how we are falling into our spiritual slumber. It
could be good to learn from the Immense Hope process, how this could be implemented
in the congregation.
Some other respondents thought that the theme is quite judicious because “our
credibility comes from our authenticity”. Besides, it is quite vast. What program comes
from expression “centred on Jesus Christ” Some Oblates sees that the theme should
link key-words: Christ – mission – conversion.
One Oblate Unit proposed some ideas how return to our fundamental values : We have
to return to the essence of our fundamental lifestyle but at the same time not
forgetting the needs of salvation of the world, that is to return radically to Jesus, as
we know Him from the Gospels; to return to our vows; not forgetting mission to nonbaptized.
Even if the topic of the Chapter seems to be already established, there came some
proposals: “Rooted in the love of Father, centered on Jesus Christ, we engage our
persons and communities in a deep conversion”; “Following Christ the Savior we engage
our persons and communities in a deep conversion”. One Oblate wanted to replace the
word “conversion” with the word “fidelity”. Some asked why we do not start with the
speech of the Superior General “Witnesses in the world” (Documentation No. 244 –
September 2008).
It is important to know “who we are”, “to whom” we are send and “for what” we are sent.

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3. WHAT EXPECTATIONS DO YOU HAVE OF THE CONGREGATION AND ITS
LEADERSHIP AT THIS TIME
Generally this question was understood as asking for suggestions to be given to the new
leadership in the Congregation. Among those suggestions some were coming often, some
other from time to time.
One of the main concerns repeated many times was pastoral of vocations and – linked
to it – youth ministry.
There is great need for good formation. There was one voice whether international
scholasticate should be in Rome.
There were some voices to better prepare and lead the process of internationalization
of the Provinces / communities. One voice protested against making ideology out of
internationality – local pastoral methods and traditions have to be respected. Especially
formation should respect cultural differences.
Few times there came suggestion that the new government should take more
encouraging and more inspiring actions. Leadership should be real and more effective.
It should stop exaggerated self-evaluation and rappel fundamental issues of our life
(vows, community life, common goods) leading to permanent conversion. General
Government should be also an example.
There were two voices to urge Vatican for changes regarding liturgical, pastoral and
theological relevance and updating, but there was more – quite often repeated in
different units – to be more loyal to papal teaching and less ambiguous in worship.
Many times there was coming an issue of changing structures / lowering number of
offices. On the other hand there were some voices to develop more international
formation structures and spirituality centers.
Poverty is the best verification of conversion (in its personal dimension as well as in the
community life).
It is important to follow the path of our Founder: religious life, missionary dimension,
openness to the poor.
Leaders should be discrete, and men of prayer and of the Church. Couldn’t we organize
formation courses for superiors Superiors should realize that many Oblates have
tendency to have comfortable and consumptionist lifestyle.
On the one hand there was a voice: “stop experiments and endless researches” of new
ways and ministries. Come back to our tradition. On the other hand “do not be afraid” to
find new ways of pastoral ministry.
Communication within Region should be better organized. General Government should
verify what is the outcome of the process of “Immense Hope”.

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Among some less often repeated issues were: mission to the secularity, promotion of
lay participation in our mission and charism (especially centered on families).
We should promote Oblate saints, more Oblates can be canonized.
There was one voice (not from Poland) that since Polish province is sending now the
highest number of missionaries out of Poland, there should be one representative from
the Province in the Central Government.
There was a voice to stop calling “fathers” and “brothers” because we all are brothers.
4. WHAT EXPECTATIONS DO YOU HAVE FROM THE CHAPTER
Many responses underlined that they wait for encouragement. That the Chapter will
provide “new wine skins for new wine”. It should confirm and support our charism for
today. But “do not try to solve all the problems” and “do not give us papers” but clear
signs, perhaps two-three concrete ideas in a form of a letter.
Give us good general leadership.
In practical terms, make the Chapter shorter.
Present us in clear terms the way to “profound personal and communal conversion”. Give
us down to earth ideas and help in communal conversion. How to renew our life on the
basis of religious and missionary life. Perhaps we should come back to such practices as
function of admonitor (at all the levels), brotherly correction, canonical visits …
Make finally decision concerning the future of the General House and International
Scholasticate.
Return to Mary our Mother as a center of Oblate life.
Give value and recognition to many elder Oblates, to their work in the past as well as to
very important role they are playing now.
Give also a sign of confidence in younger Oblates, support them and develop the
pastoral of vocations.
Spend time not only looking at the state of the Congregation but also on the need of the
world of today.
Leave a place for lay Associates’ presence at the Chapter