H.O.M.I.'s

https://www.omiusa.org/index.php/honorary-oblates/ 

The following is taken from the Directory of Oblate Associations -- Sharing the Charism of Saint Eugene De Mazenod; General Administration; Rome, Italy -- revised during this 200th jubilee of the foundation of the Missionaries of Provence.

 A Brief History 

Even if the term "Honorary Oblate" seems to be of recent vintage, the practice of granting a sharing in the prayers and merits of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate goes back to the time of the Founder. We find an explicit document to this effect dated September 25, 1842 in which Bishop de Mazenod granted to Mr. and Mrs. Olivier Berthelet of Montreal this kind of sharing. These friends of Father Leonard Baveux had donated to the Oblates their property in Longueuil. As an expression of gratitude, in an August 13th letter, Fr. Honorat requested that Bishop de Mazenod issue a letter granting a sharing in the privileges and merits of the Oblates. (cf. Oblate Writings, vol. I, p. 27). The same day, a similar letter was sent to two other lady benefactors: Mrs. Jules Quesnel who made a number of monetary donations to the Oblates, and Olivier's sister, Miss T. Berthelet. It was she who had prevailed upon her brother to give the Oblates the house. (cf. idem, p. 26, footnote 11)

 General Chapters gave their stamp of approval to this expression of our gratitude toward our outstanding benefactors or collaborators. The 1947 Chapter spoke of "Honorary Oblates" and restated that “it is the Superior General’s prerogative to confer the title of Honorary Oblate upon deserving members of Laity” (cf. Circular 181, p. 68).

 What is an Honorary Oblate? 

An honorary Oblate is a person who is associated with the Congregation so as to share in all the spiritual benefits of membership. It is the highest mark of esteem that we can bestow on a non-Oblate. (Administrative Directory 2013, Chap. III, A, nº 120, p. 33)

 The following norms, approved by the Superior General in council are to be followed in making someone an Honorary Oblate: (Administrative Directory 2013, Chap. III, A, nº 121, p. 33) 

1º The naming of Honorary Oblate is reserved to the Superior General. He will consider nominations on the recommendation of a Provincial, who must forward a curriculum vitae of the person proposed.Posthumous nominations will not be considered.

2º A person proposed should be distinguished by years of devoted service to the Congregation and its mission in the Church and should not be currently employed by the Congregation at the time of the nomination.

3º The life of the person proposed should give evidence of personal identification with the ideals and goals of the Congregation.

 In the life of our Congregation, it was by these criteria that provincials and major superiors made the request that the title of Honorary Oblate be conferred, especially on lay people, men and women, married couples, but also on religious men and women, diocesan priests or bishops. 

HONORARY OBLATES in THE US PROVINCE
WITHIN THE MAZENODIAN FAMILY 

Identity and purpose 

As has been the practice across the congregation for decades, certain individuals in the US, due to the history of their relationship to the Oblates, are invited by the Superior General to become members of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate as “Honorary Oblates.”  

 They are granted all the “spiritual benefits of the membership” in the congregation. Honorary Oblates in the Mazenodian Family of the United States Province are a small group and are spread geographically across the United States. The goal for Honorary Oblates, as is the overall goal of the Mazenodian Family, is to establish and maintain contact with all the members.   

 Vocation/Membership 

The Congregation itself identifies individuals who have shown a long, distinct and close connection to Oblate Mission, Community, and Charism. In defining this closeness as a “vocation,” the Congregation invites them to officially and publicly join as “Honorary” members. 

a.  Norms, as approved by the Superior General in Rome, are to be followed in naming a person an Honorary Oblate.  

b.  In a public ceremony Honorary Oblates are presented a Certificate of title. They are conferred with an Oblate Cross and are granted the right to be buried in an Oblate Cemetery. 

c. As Honorary members, they share in all the Spiritual Benefits of the prayers, sacrifices, merits and good works of the congregation. 

Initial and On-Going Formation  

The continuing formation of Honorary Oblates takes place through on-going relationship with individual Oblates and their ministries, as well as with Oblate institutions and missions. Formation is also maintained by regular communications from the Oblate Province and by involvement in Province gatherings.  

Communications and Gatherings

The following elements outline the levels and steps in contact among Honorary Oblates and the other Oblates of the US Province and its administration: 

                A.  Representation on the USP Mazenodian Family Committee of the USP
                    B.  Invitation to Province events such as advancement to vows and orders

                     C.  US Province Newsletter

                     D.  US Province E-Newsletter

                     E.  USP Council Chronicles

                     F.  Monthly Reflection Opportunities

                     G.  Gather as HOMIs in groups, where possible

                     H.  Oraison

                     I.  Personal messages from the USP Provincial on

                         (i) Special US Province events and

(ii) Oblate Feast Days 

Mission 

Honorary Oblates live out Mazenodian spirituality, community, and mission in ways distinct to each one’s particular involvement in the Oblate Province and its charism and ministries.