February 17

OBLATE DAY

Anniversary of papal approval of the Oblate Congregation and its Constitutions and Rules

On February 17, 1826, Pope Leo XII approved the Congregation and its Constitutions and Rules. This decision, which blessed the Oblate way of life and gave it a public role in the Church, was received with great joy and gratitude.

On February 18, 1826, St. Eugene wrote to the Oblates:

"Heart and soul we should cling to our Rules and practice with exactitude everything they prescribe... They are no longer mere regulations, nor simply pious directives; they are Rules which the Church, after very careful examination, has approved... They have become the property of the Church, for she has adopted them... We are few in number... but we have our place in the Church as definitely as the most famous Institutes and the most saintly Societies... Recognize your dignity and be very careful never to dishonor your mother... She will bring forth many children, provided that we are faithful and do not by our treachery bring upon her a shameful sterility. In the name of God, let us be saints."

The General Chapter of 1826 decided that "the anniversary of the confirmation of the Institute and the approval of the Constitutions and Rules by our Holy Father, Pope Leo XII, will be celebrated each year on February 17."

With the passing years, the celebration took on more elaborate form: in 1827, the ceremony included solemn Mass, the Te Deum, benediction of the Blessed Sacrament; in 1831, the renewal of vows was added; in 1832, the Office and Mass of the Immaculate Conception; in 1837, the singing of the Sub tuum after benediction of the Blessed Sacrament; in 1920, the act of consecration of the Congregation to Mary Immaculate.

The liturgical celebration now includes the following:

• a proper Mass of Thanksgiving, with Gloria and Creed.
  All Oblates offer this Mass for the Congregation.

• the renewal of vows.

• the act of consecration of the Congregation to Mary Immaculate, usually after Communion. This could also be done during another ceremony.

Consecration to Mary Immaculate

Mary Immaculate,
Mother of God and our Mother,
we come together to rededicate ourselves to you.
Through you we offer our persons,
our lives and our work to your Son,
our Lord and Brother.

We call to mind the spirit of our first missionaries,
who went forth to preach the Gospel to the poor,
to build the Church and to work for God's Kingdom.
We remember their trust and confidence in your protection
and, untied with them, we ask again
that you pray for us to our heavenly Father.

We are your Oblates
because God has favored us with his grace.
Through this grace,
men from all over the world have joined our ranks.
Together now, we recall the words of Eugene de Mazenod:
"Every Oblate shall cherish a tender devotion to Mary;
he shall look upon her as his Mother."

Mary Immaculate, model of our faith,
we ask that, like you,
we may be always open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit
and constantly available for God's work.

Mary Immaculate, Mother of Mercy,
we ask that you protect and strengthen
our missionaries
and help the people we serve.

Mary Immaculate, most loving Mother,
through your prayers and our efforts,
grant that all people may come to believe
that Jesus Christ is Savior and Lord.

Grant also that,
with you and all the Oblates who have gone before us,
we may forever praise the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Amen
(1974 General Chapter)