GENERAL FORMATION COMMITTEE

MEETS IN BRAZIL

The Provincial House in São Paulo, Brazil, was the site of an international meeting of Oblates recently.  From 21 February to 1 March, the General Formation Committee came together to discuss various issues about formation of young Oblates.

The General Formation Committee is made up of a delegate chosen from each of the six regions of the Oblate congregation.  Fr. Baudouin Mubesala, OMI, General Councilor in charge of formation, presided at the meeting.  Fr. Tom Coughlin, OMI, General Secretary, came from Rome to serve as moderator and facilitator of the meeting.  The other Oblate participants were Fr. Filadelfo Estrella (from the Philippine Islands, representing Asia/Oceania); Fr. Habell Nsolo (from Congo, representing Africa/Madagascar); Fr. Domenico Di Meo (from Uruguay, representing Latin America); Fr. Wojciech Popielewski (from Poland, representing Europe); and Fr. James Allen (from the United States representing the U.S.).  The Canadian delegate, Fr. Douglas Jeffrey, was unable to attend since he had just been named provincial of St. Mary’s Province.

The general focus of the encounter was the internationality of the Oblates, especially as related to the formation of new members.  One of the hoped for results of such meetings is the establishment of a regional vision of formation, with each geographic region of the congregation developing values and goals specific to the needs of that region. 

The committee also discussed a policy recently approved by the Superior General and his Council that makes regency a normal aspect of post-novitiate formation.  Regency is conceived as a time when a candidate steps away from studies for a period of practical pastoral experience in an Oblate mission.  Especially encouraged is the possibility of doing this regency in a different country.  In the United States Province, the regency is called "Pastoral Internship." 

The General Formation Committee also encourages those in Oblate leadership to consider the consolidation of some houses of formation on a regional basis, both in order to make best use of resources, but also to promote the internationality of the congregation.

Other topics discussed included: formation in the area of Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation; learning languages during formation; formation to financial responsibility; the formation of Brothers; and helping candidates who have some difficulties with their studies.