Learn about the Oblates
Oblate History
Since our founding on January 25, 1816, we've been sharing our charism with the world.
1816
The foundation of the Congregation on January 25.
Father Eugene de Mazenod with four other companions began to live a community life in Aix-en-Provence, France.
1818
The first General Chapter on October 24.
1826
The Papal Approbation on February 17: Pope Leo XII officially recognized and approved the Congregation and its Rule.
1841
Arrival of the Oblates in Canada (the first foreign mission).
Arrival of the Oblates in the United Kingdom.
1847
Oblate establishment in the United States in Texas
Arrival of the Oblates in Sri Lanka (“Ceylon” at that time).
1852
Arrival of the Oblates in South Africa.
1856
Arrival of the Oblates in Ireland.
1861
Death of our Founder in Marseilles, France, on May 21.
1914
Death of Blessed Joseph Gérard on May 29.
1936
Death of the Oblate martyrs of Spain.
1941
Death of Blessed Jósef Cebula on May 09.
1960-1969
Years of martyrdom of the Oblate martyrs of Laos.
1975
Beatification of the Founder by Pope Paul VI in Rome on October 19.
1988
Beatification of Blessed Joseph Gerard by Pope John Paul II in Maseru, Lesotho on September 15.
1995
Beatification of Blessed Joseph Gerard by Pope John Paul II in Maseru, Lesotho on September 15.
1999
Beatification of Bl. Jósef Cebula Pope John Paul II in Warsaw, Poland on June 13.
2011
Beatification of the Martyrs of Spain by Pope Benedict XIV in Madrid, Spain on December 17.
2016
Celebration of the 200th anniversary of the foundation of the Congregation on January 25.
Beatification of the Martyrs of Laos in Vientiane, Laos on December 11.