The Oblate
Missionaries of Mary Immaculate

2. Respect the freedom of others.

The more we evolve, the more we feel the need to be free. We can dictate a lot of things to children, we can impose a lot of rules on them; they are docile by nature. Adolescents desire freedom and may even display some violence against those who want to dominate them. Adults may speak less, but they too want freedom and respect for their initiatives.

We can help others by our love, by our understanding, by sharing information when it is requested. Advice guides, information respects freedom. What we can do to help is to create an atmosphere of freedom and trust, an atmosphere of warmth, of love around friends by allowing them to remain what they are whether they are positive or negative. A day will come when they will feel the need to change in order to find personal freedom.

To allow others their freedom is to guarantee oneself against isolation, it is to free oneself. We are free as long as those around us are free.

Our job is to develop our understanding and listening skills as naturally as possible; let's practice this with people who are empathetic, genuine and understanding; people with whom we can talk, share and express ourselves without needing to justify what we say.

From the Volunteers of God Collection
Group associated with the Secular Institute, the Oblate Missionaries of Mary Immaculate

Trust… but why?    part 1. Welcome and accept the other as he is, unconditionally
Trust… but why?    part 3. Trust.
Conclusion of the articles "Trust ... 1-2-3"

When I heard the name of this Secular Institute, THE OBLATE MISSIONARIES OF MARY IMMACULATE, I was drawn to the two "M," MARY and MISSIONARY. Mary has always had an important place in my life and the word missionary stirred my spirit of adventure. Mary led me to Jesus who had long prepared me for consecrated life in the midst of the world.

The spirituality of 5-5-5 was, for me, a discovery of who I am. Throughout my journey, and to this day, this spirituality makes me realize that, in trying to live it faithfully, I am following the teaching of Jesus. As a result I evangelize my milieu.

Today, with Jesus and Mary, I "mission" among the people of my own region.

My consecration to the Lord brings me joy.

Céline L.

In honor of Fr. Louis-Marie Parent, who died on May 17, 2009,
we are pleased to highlight his great love for Mary
as illustrated the following extracts.


In the manner of Mary
Of all living things from the beginning of time and for centuries to come, no living being has found the favor of God as Mary did.
Mary is the unanimous choice of the Trinity.

One can never meditate enough on the attitudes she lived under the guidance of the Holy Spirit:
Ecce: availability
Fiat: she teaches that everything is possible for God
Magnificat: joy
Stabat Mater: she teaches us the path to follow.
Jesus is incarnated all day long, all year long wherever we are, his influence is
spread through gifts, talents and dynamism.

Am I open to the Virgin of the Annunciation, the instrument of the Trinity, to her reaching me, winning me over, transforming me?
The Holy Spirit continues to work in me through the intermediary of the Virgin; am I aware of that?
Reference: "In intimacy with Jesus," Father Louis-Marie Parent, pages 31-32-33

Prayer
Give peace to our land,
O Mother of Mercy.
With trust, we place in your heart and your love
the Church and the entire people of this world.
Protect us from all injustice,
from all division, violence and war.
Help us to overcome doubt through faith,
selfishness through service,
hatred through love.
O Mary, be our comfort and give strength to all those who suffer:
to the poor, to the lonely, to the sick, to the unloved, to the abandoned.
Grant to all light, hope and peace.
Saint John Paul II

I am retired, teach as a volunteer professor of nursing and work at the Caritas Clinic of the Diocese of Rome at Termini station with the homeless as well as with strangers without resident status.

In this long period of pandemic, all hospitals and intensive care units in Rome are full of Covid patients – as is our Caritas Clinic at Termini station. We receive lot of SICK WITH SYMPTOMS of COVID-19 - ‘REJECTED HUMANITY’ (as Pope Francis refers to them).

While adopting all the security measures imposed by law and, using the TRIAGE method, we have been able to treat many afflicted foreigners and homeless people in this difficult period. Some even die in the street.

Each day, as I cross the threshold of the Clinic, I commend myself to God. Till now, thanks to HIS PROVIDENCE, He has protected me and given me the opportunity to extend my services to the LEAST of the LEAST.

I feel that I am fulfilling my vocation as a consecrated Oblate above all and through one of the attitudes of our spirituality: TO BE AT SERVICE: HER LOVE IS SUCH THAT SHE CHOOSES TO BECOME A BEING OF SERVICE, DIRECTING HER LIFE TOWARDS THE SERVICE OF OTHERS IN A SPIRIT OF GRATUITY. (Constitutions 1.30)

I keep in mind that Father Parent often said: "The Oblate never retires; she lives HER MISSION to the last day of her life."

Linda Lando

I was asked for a testimony on how I experience this particular period of the pandemic.

First of all, I feel a duty to thank the Lord the good health I have always enjoyed. I am privileged because, as a pharmacist, I am part of the health sector and have already received the second dose of the vaccine; I feel more at peace.

From the time of the first announcement of confinement, my first reaction was not of fear but rather of pride; we were among the venues allowed to remain as an essential service. In fact, besides the distribution of drugs, a primary necessity for the population during those days, I often had to counsel and comfort people who entered the pharmacy or called us because they had questions. We were a bridge between patients and doctors; we were more readily accessible. In addition, we worked with Civil Protection to reach Covid patients who needed to be in quarantine. I really had opportunities to practice our third "5".

There were, of course, moments of discouragement; it was difficult to apply all the new regulations: extraordinary cleaning, limited means of personal protection, lack of masks, great fatigue. I worked late night after night.

I greatly missed attending daily Mass as well as the meetings with my Oblate companions and with the friends of the Communion and Liberation movement. With the latter however, we immediately set up the Zoom conference app and continued our weekly meetings. Technology has been an anchor of salvation.

Then, when the churches were able to reopen for worship, I immediately offered my services to do cleaning. It was the first thing to do to ensure security. Though we previously taught catechism or manned the reception center, we were now engaged in cleaning, disinfecting, handing out hand sanitizers and masks, in short, a new form of works of charity.

Retreats and team meetings feed our spirits. We are made to live in fraternity and, to that end, we maintain an unwavering hope. The Lord is always present and he uses us to live his love at every moment.

Rita Gabriella Serafini Italy
March 2021

1. Welcome and accept the other as he is, unconditionally.

When I accept myself and when I will be free to live my human style, then I will be ready to welcome the other, whatever things they feel, they say, they do, they live. I will accept them, I will continue to love them, appreciate them.

As we know ourselves, we realise that we are different from the other. Because we are different, we want a single focus, adjustable to our needs. We must therefore treat others with the same measure, starting from this truth, that they are unique and different, that is to say, they do not have the same reflexes, the same tastes, the same ways of thinking and expressing themselves.

Welcome, accept others, is to consent to leave them as they are, without requiring them to change neither their positive qualities nor their shortcomings. You must love the angry and leave him free to make his anger.

To open ourselves to others, accept them unconditionally, assumes serious training, a habit to live the depths of our being, to internalize, to reflect, to consult our “inner self”, to evaluate the positive values of others too. We really welcome if we put heart, life and warmth; if we accept someone not for what he brings to us, but for what he is, without condition.

Trust...But why ? part 2. Respect the freedom of others
Trust...But why ? part 3. Trust
Conclusion of the articles "Trust ... 1-2-3"
 

Here is the link to the video/summary of our meetings on the theme of The Resurrection, when the eyes open:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_Vz65pXMhU

The Resurrection, when the eyes open
The resurrection is both an enigma and a reality. There are two types of resurrection: the biological reanimation of a person returning to earthly life and the resurrection of a person with a spiritual body that is already living in the hereafter for eternity.

This second type, only Jesus has lived it until now (with Mary in her Assumption), but of which we are all potential candidates through our faith in the Risen Christ.
May your reflection be fruitful.

Violaine C.
Video available in French only

Since my health no longer allows me to take part in the Eucharistic celebrations in my parish, I participate differently through the televised Mass or on my laptop. I prepare myself by creating an atmosphere conducive to prayer with an Icon of the Word and a lighted candle, small gestures that make all the difference.

Having before me my Icon and my lighted candle - two blessed sacramentals which are tangible, sacred signs that bear a spiritual reality - allows me to be more PRESENT, more aware of the Great Mystery of Faith of Transubstantiation which takes place during the Eucharistic Celebration. This environmental setting increases my desire to more deeply understand the meaning of sacramentals and their symbolism according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (articles 1667-1679).

I feel greater intimacy with Christ who presents himself to me, in union with the whole Church, in communion with the people who join in this celebration and with whom we form a small virtual community, with my companions of the Institute, the people I carry in my heart and all the prayer intentions entrusted to me. Through communion with this bread and this wine, we become the Body of Christ, an extension through spiritual communion, meditation, prayer… (Prayer Life, Constitutions 1.18-1.25) .

[... Pope Francis explained the notion of 'memorial': “Jesus did not leave us just words, because it is easy to forget what we read. …He left us bread in which he is truly present, alive and true, with all the flavor of his love so every time people receive him, they can say, ‘He is the Lord; he remembers me!’” He also underlined the healing power of Eucharistic adoration: “Adoration continues the effect of the Mass in us...” (Extract from the pope's message, In the Eucharist God heals, June 14, 2020).

Pierrette Lévesque
North America East Region
March 2021

Time passes and I feel an urgent need to ask a great friend, who is suffering through a challenging ordeal, the permission to film her witnessing on video. Dare I ask? I take the risk and she agrees.

Surviving breast cancer is already a feat, only to learn that, after 30 years of active life, she has another: bone cancer, this time; a reality that is very difficult to fathom.

It is with simplicity and fortitude that Paulette Chénard opens her heart to us. What is the secret of her serenity in the midst of this illness? In what source is it steeped? Her testimony reveals the power of a life of faith and the experience of the loving heart of God which carry her forward in daily life.

You are invited to view this video produced by Louise Fleury, Volunteer of God, who interviewed Paulette Chénard, Oblate.

To view, click on the image. The interview is in French only.

After a four-year wait, I received a call informing me that I would be operated on for arthrodesis on November 5 at the Hôtel-Dieu in Quebec. What a touching sign of His presence! I had been told earlier to expect wait of 4 to 6 months - and this, despite the pandemic. I was heading into the unknown; I had no idea how this experience was going to turn out...

For several years now, a hymn from the Divine Office¹ has challenged me and invited me to abandon the unfolding of the events to come into the hands of the Father. My convalescence at Maison Niverville residence allowed me to live the following experience of abandonment that I share with you.

Accepting to depend totally on others for all my needs whatever they may be: accepting my weaknesses and my limitations, abandoning myself in trust became my day-to-day response. This attitude allowed me to take a new look at my environment and the people who worked there, especially in regard to the support personnel. This openness to "the other" shed light on what I saw on a daily basis: dedicated persons fulfilling a beautiful mission in relation to the vulnerable. Whenever possible, I thanked them. All this, for me, became signs of his Presence.

How could I witness to being a responsible presence in this environment with all these people?

From the time of my I arrival I warmly greeted all personnel who entered my room because, in my heart, I knew each was exercising a real ministry. I personalized my greetings by giving each one a nickname: Ray of Sunshine, Radiant Smile, Quiet Presence, Compassion Lady/Guy, Peacemaker and Gentle Harmony, etc… Before my departure, one of them came to thank me: "You know, your way of welcoming me gave me self-confidence and stimulated me to do my job better."

This new perspective allowed me to see so much attentiveness; small gestures that brightened our days. I witnessed their patience as well as their skill in dealing with demanding, uncooperative residents and convalescents. In the residence, the diversity of ethnicities among the support personnel sends a very strong message: openness to differences, unconditional acceptance of the other… What a beautiful Gospel message! At every opportunity I pointed out this richness to the residents, the convalescents and the personnel.

I wanted to do my part in welcoming these newcomers and immigrants, especially the Latinos. I wanted them to feel heard, understood, loved and supported. Whenever I could, I answered their questions or listened to their concerns. On occasion, during break-time, one would arrive with French words written in the palm of their hand asking for the meaning or ask me how to frame a question in French. I felt I was a participant in their integration among us!

With African women among the personnel, I could easily draw a parallel: as a missionary in my younger days I cradled little African babies in my arms. At the age of 77, it was now two African women who bathed me and supported me as I walked – an example of life coming full circle which they enjoyed hearing about.

During my stay I observed the positive strengths of the functioning of the residence but there were flaws as well. These question me. As a responsible citizen, what can I do about these to assure that our seniors who reside there live in an atmosphere of calm, security and harmony? May the Spirit inspire me in discerning the signs of his Presence in my search for an appropriate response.

Céline G, Trois-Rivières
March 2021

[1]   «Un jour nouveau commence», hymne de Laudes, du deuxième lundi de l’année liturgique.

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