OUR MINISTRIES
Responding to the Needs of the Time
The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate are called to bring the Good News to the most abandoned. Because the needs of the world are constantly changing, our ministries are as diverse as the communities we serve. Whether through education, spiritual formation, social advocacy, or physical healing, our core mission remains constant: to be close to the people and to reflect the compassionate face of Christ. Guided by the bold spirit of our founder, St. Eugene de Mazenod, we dedicate our lives to uplifting the marginalized, restoring human dignity, and building the Kingdom of God across all frontiers.
1. Education
We believe that education is one of the most powerful catalysts for personal and social transformation. Oblates serve in schools, institutes, and academic centers not just as teachers, but as formators of the heart. We strive to provide accessible, values-driven education that empowers the youth and the marginalized to build a brighter, more equitable future for themselves and their communities.
2. Ministry of the Word
Preaching the Gospel is at the very core of the Oblate vocation. Through dynamic parish missions, retreats, and dedicated pastoral care, we work to bring the Word of God to life. We prioritize making the message of Christ accessible, relevant, and deeply comforting—especially to those who feel spiritually hungry, alienated, or distant from the Church.
3. Children and Youth
Recognizing that young people are both the present and the future of the Church, we are deeply committed to their accompaniment. Through vibrant initiatives like the La.Kri.Vī. Movement and the Mazenod Youth Journey, we provide safe, nurturing spaces for children and young adults to grow in their faith, discover their unique purpose, and develop into compassionate leaders.
4. JPIC & Interreligious Dialogue
True peace requires justice. Through social action arms like the Centre for Society and Religion (CSR), we actively advocate for the voiceless, defend human rights, and promote the care of our common home. Furthermore, in Sri Lanka’s beautifully diverse society, we actively engage in interreligious dialogue, building vital bridges of mutual respect and understanding with our brothers and sisters of different faiths.
5. Caring and Healing
Following the compassionate example of Jesus, we minister to the sick, the elderly, and the brokenhearted. Whether serving as hospital chaplains, managing the Mazenod Care Centre for patients and their caregivers, or caring for vulnerable children at St. Vincent’s Home, our Oblates and lay associates provide critical physical, emotional, and spiritual support during life's most vulnerable moments.
6. Formation
Securing the future of the Church requires dedicated, ongoing formation. We invest heavily in the spiritual, intellectual, and human development of our seminarians, novices, and lay associates. By cultivating deep faith and a resilient missionary spirit, we ensure that the next generation of the Oblate family is fully prepared to respond to the evolving challenges of the modern world.
7. Media and Communication
In today’s digital age, the "pulpit" extends far beyond the physical walls of a church. Through historic publications like Bakthi Prabodanaya and The Missionary Oblate Journal, alongside modern digital platforms, we utilize mass media to share the Gospel, inspire the faithful, and foster a connected, well-informed Catholic community.
8. Overseas Mission
The Oblate charism knows no borders. Driven by the Ad Gentes spirit, we cross geographic and cultural boundaries to serve where the need is greatest. From the rural villages of Pakistan and Bangladesh to the urban centers of Japan and Korea, as well as missions in the Americas and Europe, our missionaries bring hope, establish new faith communities, and stand in solidarity with the global poor.