CERTIFICATE IN OBLATE STUDIES 

OVERVIEW 

Those who complete the certificate will be able to: 

• • • • Acquire in-depth knowledge of the constitutive elements of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and of the Mazenodian Family: the Founder, history, Constitutions and Rules, spirituality and mission.

      • Understand the historical foundation and comprehend the theological development of the Mazenodian charism, spirituality and mission, so as to deepen their sense of participation.

      • Critically reflect upon the contemporary Mazenodian mission in the Church.

 Students who successfully complete the program requirements of 12-credit hours will be awarded a certificate.

Those who take the program at the graduate level, fulfilling the appropriate additional requirements, earn credits applicable toward the M.A. Spirituality or Theology or M. Div. program, with the appropriate differences and requirements.

The courses are also open to any qualified students who wish to register for enrichment non-academic purposes. They will be expected to do the reading required to participate in the classes. 

THE COURSES:

• • • • Saint Eugene de Mazenod. Historical Background, Life, and Key Aspects of His Spirituality, Charism and Mission

      • Historical Expansion and Development of the Mission of the Oblate Congregation from 1816 to Present

      • Founders, Charisms and their Expression in Constitutions and Rules

      • Mazenodian Spirituality; The Spirituality of an Institute of Consecrated Life: Living a Charism 

      • Oblation as an Expression of Missionary Discipleship

      • A final research paper that makes a contribution to Oblate Studies, and which will be published in an OMI periodical or in the Oblate Historical Dictionary. 

METHOD OF PRESENTATION

The courses are offered asynchronously online, and will consist of lectures, reading, assignments and the opportunity for group interaction.

To facilitate the use of these offerings by various constituencies – academics, formators, those in first formation, those in continuing formation, Oblate communities. Oblate Associates, etc. – each class will be offered for two hours per week for one semester.

 The entire certificate may be completed in a minimum of four semesters, or it may be taken over a longer period.