Spring 2026 Issue

From the Provincial, Fr. Raymond Cook, OMI

Dear Friends in Christ,

Welcome to the February 2026 issue of Oblate World Magazine. Your prayers and support continue to sustain our mission as Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, guiding us to serve where the Gospel is most needed and hope is most urgent.

In this issue, we reflect on the enduring legacy of the Oblate mission in French Polynesia through the eyes of Fr. Daniel Nassaney, OMI who returned after two decades—not as a visitor, but as a brother. His story reminds us that authentic mission is born of relationship, humility, and shared leadership.

We also offer a retrospective on the Missionary Oblates’ presence in Tahiti from 1977 to 2004, highlighting the formation of local vocations, the revival of lay leadership, and the quiet transformation of parish life across the islands and atolls.

From the Pacific to the Americas, we trace the extraordinary journey of Fr. Henry Zayamoe, OMI—from a refugee camp in Thailand to priestly ministry in Tijuana. His story is one of resilience, cultural fluency, and joyful mission, embodying the heart of Oblate spirituality: to see God in the poor, to serve with compassion, and to walk with others in joy and sorrow.

For a lighter glimpse into Oblate history, we share the curious tale of the alligators of Oblate Hill. From 1938 to 1953, these unlikely residents were cared for by generations of scholastics, offering a surprising chapter in the life of our San Antonio campus. Their story reminds us that mission unfolds in unexpected ways—and sometimes includes rattlesnake sandwiches.

Finally, we look ahead to a sacred milestone for Oblates worldwide: the 200th anniversary of the Missionary Oblates’ pontifical approval of our Constitutions & Rules. On February 17, we will commemorate the day Pope Leo XII formally recognized our Constitutions and Rules in 1826, affirming our mission, our way of life, and our place within the heart of the universal Church. This bicentennial invites the entire Oblate family into a time of grace, reflection, and renewal—a moment to celebrate the charism that continues to inspire lives of oblation and apostolic zeal.

As you read, may these stories invite deeper reflection, renewed prayer, and joyful partnership. The mission continues—and you remain an essential part of it.