December 7, 2025
This week we celebrate the Immaculate Conception of Mary — one of the most beautiful feasts of our faith. From the beginning of the Church, Mary has been honored for her holiness and for her complete “yes” to God. She was free from sin from the first moment of her life, prepared by God to bring the Savior into the world.
For the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, this feast has a very special meaning. Our founder, Saint Eugene de Mazenod, placed the congregation under the protection of Mary Immaculate. He saw in her everything he wanted his missionaries to be — faithful, courageous, and filled with love for Christ and the poor. Saint Eugene once wrote, “We are sons of Mary; she will obtain for us all the graces we need to be faithful to our vocation.” He truly believed that Mary would guide the Oblates as a mother guides her children.
When Saint Eugene looked to Mary, he saw a woman of HOPE— someone who trusted completely in God’s plan even when she didn’t understand it. That same hope is at the heart of Advent. We wait in trust. We believe that God is at work in the quiet moments, preparing something new.
As we celebrate this feast and continue our Advent journey, let us turn to Mary Immaculate. Ask her to help us say “yes” to God in our own lives — to bring Christ’s light to others through patience, kindness, and faith. May Mary, our Mother and Patroness, lead us ever closer to her Son.
I remember you at Mass.
