A Brief History of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate
The Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) is a Roman Catholic religious congregation founded in 1816 in Aix-en-Provence, France, by Saint Eugene de Mazenod. Deeply moved by the spiritual and material poverty caused by the French Revolution, Saint Eugene gathered a group of missionaries to evangelize the poor and neglected, especially in rural areas.
Officially approved by Pope Leo XII in 1826, the congregation took the name Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, dedicating themselves to the Virgin Mary under her title of the Immaculate Conception. The Oblates live in community and take vows of poverty, chastity, obedience, and perseverance, with a strong focus on mission work.
Over time, the Oblates expanded beyond France, establishing missions in Canada (1841), Sri Lanka (1847), Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In Sri Lanka (then Ceylon), they played a vital role in building schools, churches, and seminaries, especially in the North and East, where they contributed significantly to the education and spiritual life of Tamil-speaking Catholics.
Today, the Oblates continue their mission in over 70 countries, working among the poor, in remote parishes, and in challenging social environments—always guided by their motto:
“He has sent me to evangelize the poor” (Luke 4:18).