TORONTO, ONT. - Oblate Youth Canada hosted their first retreat at St. Casimir’s Parish in Toronto on Saturday, Nov. 27 2021. The retreat, led by Oblate Youth Director Fr. Marcin Serwin OMI, featured icebreaker activities, conferences, the Eucharist, and time for prayer and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
In attendance were young people from four Oblate parishes in the Greater Toronto Area: St. Casimir’s Parish in Toronto, St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Mississauga, St. Eugene de Mazenod Parish in Brampton, and St. Patrick’s Parish in Hamilton. Many Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate were also present, including Fr. Zbyszek Halemba OMI, Fr. Pawel Nyrek OMI, Fr. Pawel Pilarczyk OMI, Fr. Daniel Janulewicz OMI, and Fr. Bogdan Osiecki OMI.
The retreat focused on how young people can learn how to be better humans, Christians and saints under the patronage and example of St. Eugene de Mazenod, the Founder of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Young people were led on a path of discovering the five pillars of Oblate charism, and learned how those apply to their calling as members of Oblate Youth Canada.
The organizers only expected a handful of people to come, since this is Oblate Youth Canada’s first ever retreat. But the attendance was double what they expected, which proves that there’s an immense hunger in the youth and a need to continue on this mission.
“It's important to know that the youth are poor in spirit,” said Justyna Armatowicz, coordinator of Oblate Youth Canada. “They need this companionship, this community. The retreat is proof of what we’ve seen at our parishes lately, and that’s the fact that there is a huge demand for youth ministry, especially right now.”
Oblate Youth is a Catholic community of young people, gathered around the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, who in their daily lives strive, in one way or another, first to develop and grow their human dignity and the dignity of others, next to become Christians and disciples of Christ, and finally become saints by their way of life. Officially founded in 2021, the organization gives young people a community of like-minded young people who are striving in some way – whether they fully know it or not – to uncover a deeper truth and purpose than that which society offers.
Foto 1 - Retreat attendants gathered in St. Casimir’s Church, Toronto, for conferences, Mass, and prayer focusing on the five pillars of the Oblate charism.
Foto 2 - from left: Fr. Zbyszek Halemba OMI, Fr. Pawel Nyrek OMI, Fr. Marcin Serwin OMI, Fr. Pawel Pilarczyk OMI and Fr. Daniel Janulewicz OMI pose for a photo during lunch at the Oblate Charism Retreat, November 27 2021.
