St. Eugene De Mazenod founded the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate on January 25, 1816. St. Eugene, a French priest was born in Aix-en-Provence on August 1, 1782. St. Eugene experienced in himself the merciful love of God, manifested in Jesus Christ, the Crucified Savior. Today there are nearly 4,000 Missionary Oblates in 67 countries, consecrated to his charism along with laity who seek to observe the Gospel of Jesus by following the example of St. Eugene de Mazenod. The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate were designated “Specialists of Difficult Missions” by Pope Pius XI.
The Missionary Oblates mission is to preach the Good News to the poor and most abandoned throughout the world. The Missionary Oblates build their life and ministry on two essential foundations: prayer & community. Taking the vows of Poverty, Chasity, Obedience and Perseverance, they promise to remain in the congregation until death. Along with prayer, preaching the merciful love of God manifested in Jesus Christ is of great importance to the Oblate charism.
The Missionary Oblates live and work among the poor and marginalized in places like Tijuana, Mexico, Turkmenistan, and Zambia. They also serve in soup kitchens, shelters, underserved parishes, and in a variety of other ministries such as Communications, Confession Ministry, Foreign Missions, Hospitals, Diocesan Parishes, Seminary Formation, Youth Ministry, Marriage Encounters, Counselors, Education, and Homeless shelters.