A Moment To Pause: Tuesday 17th February 2026

Good Morning. Thank you for joining all of the Oblate Family today as we celebrate our 200th Anniversary of our Oblate Constitutions and Rules, for our time of reflection and prayer today with Mary Tyrrell.  Hello and welcome to our Oblate Reflection and Prayer. Today is a special day and no I’m not referring to pancake Tuesday. It is an Oblate Feast Day. This year is very special indeed, because it is the 200th anniversary of the papal approbation or approval of the newly founded Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate by Pope Leo the 12th, with its motto, “He has sent me to evangelize the poor.” Which expresses both the Oblate charism and the Oblate way of life. In 1818, Eugene had written his vision of the missionary congregation as one of embracing the world. Today there are almost 4,000 Oblate priests and brothers, working in and evangelizing the world. Bishop Horace Bettachini described Eugene as having a heart as big as the world. I'm sure we all know or have known priests with big hearts. Let us think now of those Oblate priests who have helped us on our spiritual journey. We thank God for their vocation on this special day. We pray for all Oblate priests, brothers and people. Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Thank you for joining our prayer today. Let's pray for each other. Bye.