The motto of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate is "He has sent me to evangelize the poor. The poor are evangelized"

Since our foundation in 1816, we have lived up to our motto given to us by our Founder. Today we are present in 71 countries around the world.

In speaking about "missions", our Superior General, Marcel Zago OMI, said: "the word ‘missionary’ brings to mind images of faraway countries and extraordinary things. It also unveils something in the very depths of our being. Mission, in fact, speaks to us of openness to others, it spreads a message of loving discovery of what is different, it speaks of service to those in need. Every Christian is called to be a missionary. It is a requirement of his or her faith".

"The Oblates of Mary Immaculate are missionaries in 71 countries. Their ideal is the evangelization of the poor. This ideal can be realized in the rehabilitation of drug addicts, in care for those suffering from AIDS, in planning for economic housing, in care of refugees and migrants, as well as in the re-evangelization of those who have become estranged from the faith."

"The adventures of this army of five thousand men began with Eugene de Mazenod in 1816. He founded a community of priests devoted to missions for the evangelizing of rural populations. After twenty-five years of intensive work in France, he sent his first missionaries to Canada. Shortly thereafter, missionaries were sent to Sri Lanka and Southern Africa. This was the beginning of the Oblate epic that was to continue amid the ice of the North Pole and in the heat of the tropics, in countries that were Christian, Moslem, and Buddhist."

Assumption Province helps to support the missionary activities of all Oblates but has put extra effort in supporting the Oblates in Poland and the missions entrusted to their care.

CAMEROON, AFRICA:

In 1970, the Oblate Province in Poland was asked by our General Administration in Rome to accept a mission in Figuil, Cameroon. Today this delegation numbers over 30 Oblates. In 1991 the Polish Oblates expanded into the South-Eastern part of Cameroon when one of its members was appointed bishop of the diocese of Yokadouma. This region is famous for its jungles and pygmies. Assumption Province has been a integral part of this mission since its beginnings. Through financial and spiritual support this mission has grown to encompass over 50 villages and towns.

MADAGASCAR:

In 1990 the Oblates from Poland accepted another mission, this time in Madagascar. Today they number over 35 men, 10 of which are from the local area. The climate and economic conditions are harsh and in many instances these missionaries must walk many kilometers to reach the communities they serve.

Assumption Province has also been involved in helping this mission grow. Through financial aid this mission is now thriving, and the economic condition of the people has greatly improved.

KENYA:

In 1992 the General Administration approached the Canadian Region asking it to sponsor and open a mission in Kenya. After much investigation the eight Oblate Provinces in Canada signed a joint agreement to open a mission in the Diocese of Meru, Kenya. The first Oblates, four in number, arrived in Kenya in 1997. Assumption Province, as one of the co-signers, has committed itself to supply personnel and financial assistance as needed.