DECEMBER CELEBRATIONS

 IN BUFFALO, NEW YORK

            On Wednesday December 11^th, Oblates in the Buffalo, New York District gathered for our monthly Community Meeting and afternoon of Recollection.  Prayerful reflection centered on the process and instrument used at the Fall Superiors’ Meeting – “Qualities of Religious Living”.  Discussion and clarification helped us understand the dynamics of this “Immense Hope” community animation project.  Several hours of Adoration followed by Evening Prayer and Benediction closed the day’s program.

             The evening was spent enjoying our annual Community Christmas dinner.  Eight Oblates from our two Buffalo foundations, joined by the 4 young men in the Pre-Novitiate Candidacy Program celebrated at a local restaurant – drinks, succulent entrees and rich desserts made for a festive evening.  Two men - Fr. Harry Winter OMI and pre-Novitiate candidate Ben Roberts - whose birthdays are next week, were feted during this celebratory meal.  Fr. Bill O’Donnell, the Northeast Area Superior, was able to join us for these festivities. A few toasts but no speeches highlighted the evening!  However, a few well-timed puns from Bill O’Donnell during the course of the evening generated several verbal “avalanches” (a Buffalo, NY expression!) of matching plays-on-words as we milked every nuance of imagery that could be siphoned from the word-pictures being kicked around the table.  Overall, an enjoyable evening to launch the Christmas holiday season.

             On Thursday, December 12^th, the Oblates welcomed the Provincial, Fr. David Kalert OMI, who conducted a Consultation for the positions of Buffalo District Superior and House Council.

Article and pictures courtesy of Fr. Eugene Tremblay, OMI