SUMMER HAPPENINGS IN BUFFALO

BUFFALO CHAPTER OF VICTORIOUS MISSIONARIES            

From August 18-23, Oblate Brothers Francis Sullivan and Thomas Ruhmann were guests of the Buffalo Oblates.  They were visiting from Belleville, Illinois, the headquarters of the Victorious Missionaries and they were here to visit with the several Chapters of that organization in the northeast.  The Buffalo Chapter of the VM's consists of some 40 members and the Erie, PA, Chapter (presently in the process of re-organization) counts some 20 members.  D’Youville College (where the pre-Novitiate candidates take their classes) adjacent to the Oblates' Holy Angels parish in Buffalo, also (via Campus Ministry) enlists students as volunteers in assisting with the local Victorious Missionaries annual Fundraising and Recreational Event – this year on October 17^th.    

Brother Francis pointed out  that the Victorious Missionaries are celebrating their 40^th anniversary this year.  He further stated that Fr. John Maronic, OMI, the Founder of the VM’s had frequently corresponded with Fr. Kevin Walsh, OMI, in Buffalo.  Fr. Kevin had been a missionary in Brazil where he contracted polio; he subsequently ministered from a wheelchair here at Holy Angels until his death in 1974.  He was much revered and is still actively remembered here just as Fr. John is revered and remembered in Belleville.

PERSONNEL CHANGES

Fr. Dwight Hoeberechts, OMI, and Fr. Jim Erving, OMI, switched roles and residences over the summer months.  Fr. Dwight headed-out from Holy Angels and the Buffalo Pre-Novitiate to do a stint in vocation ministry in New England.  Fr. Jim reported to Buffalo from that same recruitment ministry to serve as assistant in the formation program here as well as serving as parochial vicar at Holy Angels Parish. 

OBLATE SCHOLASTICS PARTICIPATE IN C.P.E. PROGRAMS

Two Oblate seminarians from George Sexton House of Studies in San Antonio,  Bro. Porfirio Garcia and Bro. Francisco Gomez,  joined the Oblate community during the summer months (late May to early August). They participated in Clinical Pastoral Education programs conducted at 2 Mercy Hospitals in the Catholic Health Care System.  Though schedules were tight, they were also able to participate in parish activities and enjoy some sightseeing on the Niagara Frontier.

 LABOR DAY OBLATE GATHERING

On Monday, September 6,^th  local Oblates gathered at St. Rose of Lima Parish in No. Buffalo for a cook-out marking the close of the summer season (the shortest season of the year in that part of the country!).  The pre-novices from the Fallon Community joined with Oblates from both of the Buffalo foundations for an afternoon of relaxation.  Fr. Harry Winter, OMI, hosted and Fr. Marty Walsh, OMI, manned the grill.  Fr. Bill Mason, OMI, wrapping-up his vacation,  also joined our gathering.

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