We recently participated in the Oblates of Mary Immaculate Lacombe Canada Province 2026 Convocation. It was held in St. Albert, AB to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the approval of their Order’s Rules and Constitution. Marie and I are Oblate Associates through our work at the Galilee Retreat Centre in Arnprior.
A convocation is essentially a gathering or assembly of people for a particular purpose.
In the Oblate context it means something more specific: a gathering of Oblates, Associates, lay collaborators, and others connected with the Oblate mission to:
- come together as a community
- pray and worship
- listen to one another
- reflect on the state and future of the Oblate mission
- discern where the Holy Spirit may be leading the community
- identify new directions or priorities
So it is more than a conference or meeting. “Convocation” carries the sense of being called together.
The word comes from Latin convocare — “to call together.”
We were being invited to discern what God might be calling the Oblate family toward now, and what part, if any, I am personally being called to play.
It was a transformational experience that we both really enjoyed. We made new friends, renewed old acquaintances and it was also hard work at our tables.
There were many enriching highlights apart from the superb hospitality. Attending Sacred Heart Church of the First People’s on the Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Another was visiting Mission Hill in St. Albert where Fr. Albert Lacombe ministered to the Cree and Blackfeet in the 19th century.
And the gala banquet with no less than 4 Bishops in attendance was indeed special.
But best of all was the singing and dancing!
Dave and Marie
Thanks so much for sharing this with all of us David and Marie.