MARY IMMACULATE, OBLATES OF

(O.M.I.), one of the largest missionary congregations of the Roman Catholic Church, inaugurated at Aix-en-Provence, Fr., on Jan. 25, 1816, as the Missionary Society of Provence by Charles-Joseph-Eugne de Mazenod. By preaching to the poor, especially in rural areas, Mazenod hoped to renew the life of the church after the French Revolution. On Feb. 17, 1826, Pope Leo XII gave approval to the congregation, henceforth known as the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. In 1831 a general chapter (legislative meeting) voted to begin work in the foreign missions. The first mission foundations were made in Canada in 1841 and a year later in the United States. In addition to the three vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, the Oblates take a vow of perseverance by which they promise to remain in the congregation until death. A superior general in Rome directs the activities of the members, who are located on every continent; their principal apostolate (religious activity) is still to the poor. Where the church has been long established, the task of the congregation is to strengthen the faith, especially by preaching parish missions and retreats, teaching, and directing shrines dedicated to Mary. In Africa, South America, the Orient, and the Arctic it is engaged in pioneering missionary efforts.