Through the Missionary Co-operative Program in the Archdiocese of Miami, priests, religious, and lay missionaries from around the world are welcomed to visit our parishes and share their missionary experiences, successes and challenges in building the Kingdom of God and serving those most in need. This year Abp. Wenski has invited the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales to make their mission appeal in our parish.
The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales are a religious community of men who were founded in France in 1876 to live and spread the optimistic spirituality of St. Francis de Sales. The Oblates spread throughout the world and have sent priests, brothers and sisters to staff missions in Africa, South America, and India. We serve some of the poorest people in the world as parish priests, ministers, educators and social workers. Each year we visit parishes around the United States to share the needs of the worldwide Church, to request the support of prayer and to receive financial assistance for the needs of our missions.
The Oblates’ commitment to education goes well beyond the US. They administer a very successful school in Bengaluru, India, De Sales Academy. The Academy has been in operation for 13 years and educates over 1,800 students each year between the ages of 3 and 17. They hold an Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE), one of India’s highest curriculum certifications. With over200 dedicated teachers and administrators, the school maintains its standards and reputation for providing quality education despite financial constraints. Most students come from low to middles class families who otherwise might not have access to a quality education.
De Sales is working to expand its efforts and open a new location to reach more students in need of a quality education and a safe environment to grow their knowledge and spirit.
Please consider donating to this mission during our second collection on the weekend Masses of August 23 and 24.