The Oblates of the Virgin Mary offer many opportunities to connect to faith and find spiritual guidance through their digital offerings.

In an all-too-common occurrence, Carolyn Lyon found herself without the communities of faith she depended on in the wake of the pandemic. Isolation can arise from various circumstances—health challenges, caregiving responsibilities, geographical distance, financial constraints, or personal struggles—and for Carolyn, physical mobility issues further limited her ability to connect in person. The absence of these spiritual connections weighed heavily on her. Yet, her prayers for the return of these communities, along with tools to strengthen her relationship with the Lord, were answered through the Oblates of the Virgin Mary’s digital offerings. These resources became a lifeline, enabling her to rekindle her faith and engage in meaningful worship, no matter where she was or the obstacles she faced.

Carolyn’s experience reflects the essence of our mission—to bring hope, encouragement, and spiritual renewal through both personal connection and online offerings. Whether through prayer, Mass, or spiritual direction, the Oblates continue to restore and inspire countless lives, just as they did for Carolyn.

OMV Digital Offerings Were the Answer to My Prayers

Carolyn Lyon found spiritual direction through OMV’s digital offerings after isolation and losing her faith community.

“I had lost access to daily Mass and prayer, spiritual direction, and church fellowship all in the wake of Covid. The loss of three communities of faith was immense for me. As I persevered in prayer, God began to restore these gifts one-by-one through the Oblates of the Virgin Mary. I first discovered the podcasts of Father Timothy Gallagher OMV concerning the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola and his teaching on discernment. Through this initial inquiry, I became familiar with the timeless counsels of OMV Founder, Venerable Bruno Lanteri.

With the help of Father Timothy, I sought a spiritual director from one of the OMV retreat houses in Boston and Florida. Through prayer, I was led to St. Joseph Retreat House in Milton, Massachusetts, where I was graciously received by Father Craig MacMahon OMV for monthly spiritual direction. Father Craig acquainted me with the OMV website and its many helpful resources, one of which is the livestream of daily Mass from St. Clement Eucharistic Shrine. The reverent priests who say this Mass always provide instructive and stimulating homilies that profoundly nurture me. One such priest is Father Peter Grover OMV whose online work includes a series on the Rosary that became a daily gift to me.

Additionally. God has helped me through an online course offered by Father Shawn Monahan OMV entitled The Path to Healing Our Broken Hearts. I had many questions about interior healing after a personal experience during Eucharistic Adoration. I found within his teachings the answers to my heart’s questions. May God be praised as myself and others receive healing from this teaching!

I am abundantly grateful to God for these gifts and for the community of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary. I look forward to each day with all of the encouragement, guidance, and inspiration they provide.”


Carolyn Lyon, Supporter

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Carolyn Lyon’s story is a beautiful testament to the impact of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary. In a time of spiritual isolation, she rediscovered faith, healing, and community through our digital resources and spiritual direction. 

From Father Timothy Gallagher’s podcasts on discernment to Father Peter Grover’s homilies and Rosary series, OMV offered her both guidance and inspiration. With access to the daily Mass livestream and an online course on healing by Father Shawn Monahan, Carolyn found the answers her heart was searching for.

OMV Digital Ministries

The Oblates of the Virgin Mary offer a variety of digital resources to help you stay connected with your faith, no matter where you are. With online Masses, you can join the celebration of the Eucharist from home, participating in meaningful liturgies and prayer. Whether it’s Sunday Mass or special feast days, these virtual services bring the spiritual nourishment of the OMV community right to you.

Beyond Mass, the OMV hosts virtual workshops and an online bookstore, giving people a chance to explore their faith, deepen their spiritual practices, and connect with God. You can also submit prayer requests through the website, knowing that your intentions will be lifted up in prayer by the Oblate priests and brothers. 
Stay inspired throughout the week by following our YouTube channel, Facebook, and Instagram, where we regularly share homilies, reflections, and messages of hope. With these digital offerings, we make it easy to stay grounded in faith—whether you’re at home, traveling, or simply looking for a moment of spiritual renewal.

Support the Annual Fund

In addition to supporting and growing our ministries and vocations, our Annual Fund is what allows us to make our digital offerings accessible to anyone looking for spiritual guidance and faithful community. 

As we grow, so do our financial burdens. In order to continue expanding and nurturing our programs, we need your support. Please consider giving a gift to our Annual Fund and help us answer more prayers for spiritual connection.

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One comment on “God Answered My Prayers By Guiding Me to the Oblates of the Virgin Mary”

  1. 1
    Valentine Judy Andrade on October 30, 2024

    Neha, Nikita to be blessed with suitable loving holy understanding rich catholic life partners having no parents who will keep Vellu Judy with them, Neha to be placed in Bank job govt job in Bangalore, Nikita in the best Company of Engineering with high package in Bangalore, bless Neha Nikita to settle in same house in Bangalore, bless their finances lives intentions prayers studies future health.

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