oblates of our mother of the visitation

 

 The oblate of our mother of the visitation is a Priestly religious congregation which which was established by Revd. Brother Dickson Okpeh in area 1 akpa local government kogi state to promotes religious vocations among young people by evangelization of the Gospel through establishment of schools, hospitals, sacramental store,s. The  religious society promotes vocations as missionaries by preaching the Gospel of our lord Jesus Christ, visiting hospitals and praying for the sick in. Currently the congregation has its operation in different african countries like Ghana and nigeria. 

 CHARISM: 

The oblates of our mother of the visaitation chose their initial as omv and have opted to become a Society of Apostolic Life in the Roman Catholic Church. Their constitution stresses that the brothers should be discerning and participative in the apostolic activities that bring them into solidarity with the poor in their struggle for justice, full life and total human liberation, and to participate in the missionary works that bring about the restoration of harmony and balance in the life systems of the superiors. The congregation aims at taking Christianity to the world as missionaries by establishing schools, hospitals, and administering sacraments and also evangelize the Gospel of Christ Jesus and his mother Mary.

The Divine visitation of our mother mary  brings heaven down and overrules the powers of the enemy at work in our situation, opening the floodgates of heaven to bring down blessings that money cannot buy, nor human influence guarantee Some Catholic commentators have maintained that the purpose of this visit was to bring divine grace to both Elizabeth and her unborn child. Even though he was still in his mother's womb, John became aware of the presence of Christ, and leapt for joy as he was cleansed from original sin and filled with divine grace.

 

Vows:

As members of a religious congregation, the Missionaries Oblates of our mother of the visitation embrace the evangelical counsels, taking the three traditional religious vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Poverty means that all possessions are held in common and that no member may accumulate wealth. Chastity, abstaining from sexual activity, is intended to make the religious totally available for religious service. 

Religious formation:

Whoever wishes to become one of us must have an ardent desire for his own perfection, and be enflamed with the love for Our Lord Jesus Christ and his Church and a burning zeal for the salvation of souls.

In the initial stages, those interested in joining the congregation will visit the community for experience and cross examinations. Young adults aged 18 and over meet regularly to share their experiences of God and what God may be calling them to become. During this time the members of the congregation share what it is like to be a priest or religious brother. Those who are enquiring about entering the congregation are strongly encouraged to attend Mass as often as possible, to read the Sacred Scriptures especially the Gospel accounts, and to regularly spend time in prayer in order to better discern their vocation.

Postulancy:

This is a 1-2 year experience of living in an OMV community, sharing in many aspects of the life of the congregation. During this time the postulants participate in the prayer life of a community, share more deeply with others, and become involved in one or more of the congregation’s apostolates. Essentially, it is an extended period of discernment for the postulants and an opportunity for the congregation to assess the strengths of the candidates and possible areas requiring growth. For those straight out of high school it is possible, in some provinces, to begin working on an undergraduate degree.

Novitiate:

Next follows the novitiate which is the time for preparing to take the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. The novices are given the opportunity for longer periods of prayer and spiritual reading as well as silence in order to reflect on the vocation God is offering and nature of their response. The spiritual development of the novice is of particular focus, especially through spiritual direction. During the novitiate the history and Constitutions of the Congregation are studied in depth. A simple profession is made at the end of the novitiate and the person officially becomes a member of the Congregation.

Missions: 

The Oblates work in parishes, Catholic schools, retreat centres, sacramental stores and among indigenous peoples, emphasizing issues of justice and peace. The Oblates are active in two countries.

FOR APPLICATION INTO THE OMV RELIGIOUS CONGREGATION YOU CAN CONTACT US AT: Oblatevocations14@gmail.com or omvsociety@gmail.com