Celebrating Unity and Mission: The Oblate Family Encounter
“Around each religious family… there is a larger family, a ‘charismatic family’, which includes a number of Institutes which identify with the same charism, and especially lay faithful who feel called, precisely as lay persons, to share in the same charismatic reality.” (cf. Pope Francis, Apostolic Letter to All Consecrated People, III,1)
The Oblate charism is a gift too valuable to keep within the walls of religious life. Recognizing the call to share this treasure more broadly, the Oblates of the Colombo Province organized an “Oblate Family Encounter” at the National Calvary Shrine in Maggona on March 31, 2025.
125 Years of Faith: Commemorating the National Calvary Shrine
This encounter was held in celebration of the 125th anniversary of the National Calvary Shrine, which stands on the grounds of St. Vincent’s Home, a long-standing Oblate institution in Sri Lanka. For over a century, the shrine has drawn pilgrims—especially during Lent—and remains a sacred space for faith and reflection. The community of St. Vincent’s Home extended an open invitation to the wider charismatic family. Oblates, seminarians, family members, parish representatives, association members, and former seminarians came together for a day of prayer and communion.
A Day of Prayer and Reflection at the National Calvary Shrine
The program began with a communal Way of the Cross. Reflections at each station were offered by Oblates, and the cross was carried in turn by different groups—seminarians, parents, youth, educators, staff, and lay associates—expressing the shared spirit of mission. Fr. Roshan SILVA, Provincial of Colombo, presided at the Eucharist, followed by a homily by Fr. Shivantha WAAS, which resonated deeply with participants. After a shared meal, faith-sharing groups gathered to reflect on their personal journeys with the Oblates.
A moving moment came during the ceremony with the Oblate cross. Participants held cords of many colors, symbolizing unity and shared commitment, while prayers were led by Oblates. During the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the faithful were invited to pray for one another, hand in hand. The day closed with a consecration to Mary, patroness of the Congregation. The response from the charismatic family was overwhelmingly positive. More than an event, it was a reminder of the unity and strength of the Oblate family—called together by a shared charism, rooted in mission.
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