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Gathering draws 300 Oblates and friends

By MARIE LUTTRELL,
Special to The B.C. Catholic

"The charism of the Oblates does not belong solely to our men, it belongs to the whole Church: to bring the Gospel to those in need," said Father Otto Rollheiser, OMI, Provincial of St. Paul's Province of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, to a gathering of about 300 people.

"We come here not to say goodbye to St. Paul's Province, but to carry St. Paul's with us into the new OMI Lacombe Canada. We don't abandon what has come before, but build on it as we minister within Lacombe Province."

On Oct. 17, Oblates and friends from all over British Columbia and the Yukon gathered for their Farewell Salute in a two-part evening. The first part, a memorial service and dinner for Oblates held at St. Augustine's Parish Centre, was followed by a reception for all friends of the Oblates at St. Augustine's School.

Father John Brioux, OMI, pastor of St. Augustine's, called many helpers to organize the evening, from within the Oblate community and from the parish. With the work of many hands led by chef Nathalie Meyer and by principal Catherine Oberndorf, food was exquisite and plentiful.

The artistry of Darlene Therrien had transformed the school gym into an elegant reception hall, while Father Bernie McCosham, OMI, Barry Leinbach, and Franca Kolditz had put together a slide presentation of the history of St. Paul's Province that ran throughout the evening.

Entertainment was provided by the Oblate Fathers and brothers, with great stories and fun, interjected with "Thanks for the Memories," and by the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters from Tofino.

The evening culminated with the granting of an Oblate Cross to confer the status of Honorary Oblate on three people. This honour, the highest a lay person can receive from the Oblates, must receive approval from the Superior General in Rome.

Recipients were Gertrude and Ralph Hughes, who have volunteered in the archives of the Oblates for 13 years, and Mary Reilly, who has been Provincial Secretary and has worked in conjunction with the Oblates for many years in the field of social justice.

St. Paul's Province will officially become part of OMI Lacombe Canada on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Dec. 8.