I primi anni degli OMV Parte 02/04 ITALIANO

Livorno Ferraris and the Missionary Journey

Historical Context of Livorno Ferraris

• The area, originally known as Livorno Vercellese, is significant due to its association with Galileo Ferraris, a notable scientist. The region faced challenges such as malaria, affecting many local oblates.

Expansion into Foreign Missions

• A confrere felt called by Pope Gregory XVI to expand into foreign missions, leading to openings in Burma (now Myanmar) and India. This mission was initially uncertain for him as he did not know where he would go.

Challenges Faced by Early Missionaries

• Despite initial resistance from fellow confreres who doubted his language skills, the confrere was eventually sent to Burma along with two other oblates. They had to navigate through India before reaching their destination.

Experiences in India and Burma

• The missionaries encountered various challenges including financial issues that led to one member leaving the institute and ultimately dying in Calcutta. Despite these hardships, there were promising prospects for growth in both regions during this period.

Shifts in Mission Strategy

• As political changes affected Europe, particularly regarding suppression of religious orders like the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, new strategies were needed for survival and expansion within Italy and abroad. This included establishing a presence in Como amidst growing difficulties elsewhere.

Modern Choices in Religious Life

The Evolution of Religious Communities

• The Oblates have adapted their living arrangements, sharing apartments with other families in cities like Nice and Milan, reflecting a modern approach to community life.

• In France, there was a push against isolationism within the religious community, particularly as figures like Bechialla and Prinetti sought new locations for establishing houses.

• The temptation to remain in familiar places has historically challenged the institute; however, opening up to new areas became crucial due to changing laws that threatened religious institutions by confiscating properties.

Historical Challenges and Adaptations

• Properties such as San Ponso were requisitioned under new laws; however, some communities managed to adapt by presenting themselves as diocesan entities to continue their services.

• The establishment of a fixed presence in Turin marked a significant turning point for the Oblates, allowing them access to vital church resources and enabling pastoral work.

Shifts Towards Missionary Work

• By the early 20th century, some members began advocating for a return to the founder's spirit of zealous pastoral care amidst concerns over becoming too comfortable or bourgeois.

• A call for apostolic visitation led to renewed focus on parish work during the interwar period, emphasizing that isolation could lead to decline within the institute.

Growth Through Parochial Engagement

• This shift resulted in successful parish establishments in Pisa, Turin (Peace), and Rome (Sant'Elena), which became exemplary models of parish life recognized even by other religious leaders.

• The Oblates' commitment to parochial ministry allowed them not only to educate laity but also combat contemporary moral errors through confession and teaching.

Strategic Expansion and Vocational Growth

• Despite initial hesitations about taking on parishes due to historical directives from founders like Lanteri, engaging with larger parishes ultimately facilitated an influx of vocations.

• Successful parishes such as Sant'Elena contributed significantly towards addressing economic challenges and fostering new vocations both locally and internationally.