18/06/2026
The Place of the Lay Associates
This afternoon, the Assembly had the grace of listening to the voice of the laity, represented by Ms. Pauline Thomas, who joined us virtually from the UK. As a member of the International Coordination Team for Lay Associates and Associations, and as Co-President of the European Committee for Oblate Laity, she offered a sincere reflection drawn from her personal experience and from the region’s living of the Oblate charism as a lay person.
Accompanied by Fr. Giuseppe RUBINO, OMI (Co-President), and Fr. Christoph HEINEMANN, OMI (Accompanying European Provincial), her presence was a testimony that the Oblate charism lives not only in the Oblates, but also in the many lay men and women who carry this spirit into their families, workplaces, and communities. Together, we continue to grow as one missionary family, united in the same call and hope. Oblate Laity Stefano Dominici Laity Coordinator