Historical Expansion and Development of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate

COURSE DESCRIPTION

A study of the missionary expansion of the Congregation into five continents from 1816 until the present: the events, the reasons for the choices made, and the underlying spirit that motivated the missionary thrust.

DESIRED STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion the students will

Objective 1: be familiar with the history of the global expansion of the Congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate from 1816 until the present

Objective 2: understand how the charism of the Missionary Oblates has been expressed within the context of the Church’s evolving understanding of mission

Objective 3: apply the knowledge of the history and understanding of the charism to the context of their own country or Oblate unit.

Objective 4: identify, articulate and deepen their own understanding of missionary discipleship.

COURSE CONTENTS

1 Eugene de Mazenod and the missionary development of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in France (1816-1861).

2 Eugene de Mazenod and the Oblate missionary outreach outside of France (1816-1861).

3 An overall view of the Congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate from 1861 to the present: history, directions given by Superiors General and the General Chapters

4 Europe: 1816 - 1945

5 Europe: 1945 to the present

6 The Americas: Canada and the United States

7 The Americas: Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Haiti, Uruguay, Colombia, Guatemala, Cuba.

8 Asia and Oceania: Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India.

9 Asia and Oceania: Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Australia, Indonesia, S. Korea, Japan, China.

10 Africa: Algeria, Southern Africa, Nigeria and Kenya, Spanish Sahara

11 Africa: Congo, Cameroun, Madagascar, Senegal, Angola,

12 A detailed study of the country or Oblate unit to which the student belongs

RESOURCES

The students will be referred to relevant review articles and sections of books during the course. These will all be available online.