For the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, our name is more than a title. It’s a way of life. From our foundation, devotion to Mary has been the heartbeat of our mission and the guiding star of our vocation formation.
As we approach Mother’s Day, a time to honor the nurturing strength and quiet sacrifices of mothers everywhere, we are drawn more deeply into the embrace of our heavenly Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Our Guiding Light and Mother
Venerable Bruno Lanteri, founder of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, had a profound love for Mary. He saw her not just as a figure of inspiration, but as an active and powerful intercessor in the life of every Oblate.
“The Lord also gave me to understand that I should make known to the beloved sons of Mary, the Oblates, that this great Queen had obtained for them the spirit of fortitude, and they will be invincible to their enemies; they will triumph in their sufferings, and many of them will have the blessed lot of shedding their blood, and giving their lives for their faith in Jesus Christ; that they should not fear the devices of perverse men, ministers of the Demon, but should stand firm in their vocation: being faithful to God, God will be faithful to them.” — Ven. Bruno Lanteri
This is not only a call to be courageous, but a promise. Mary, our Queen and Mother, is with us. She walks with us in trials, she strengthens us in our weaknesses, and she leads us ever closer to Jesus Christ.
Placing Our Trust in Mary
As Oblates, we are devoted to spreading the mercy and love of God, especially through the ministry of spiritual direction, preaching, and confession. But behind all of that is a Marian heart, a trust that Mary, the first disciple, will teach us how to say “yes” to God every day. Her fiat, her unwavering “let it be done to me,” is the model for our lives.
How to Live With a Marian Heart
Living with a Marian heart means letting her virtues shape our daily lives. It’s about imitating her love, humility, and courage—not in grand gestures, but in the quiet, faithful moments of everyday life.
Here are a few ways you can cultivate a Marian heart:
- Pray the Rosary or Hail Mary daily: meditate on the life of Christ through the eyes of His mother
- Practice humility: like Mary, put others first and accept God’s will with trust
- Say “yes” to God’s promptings: – even when it’s difficult or unclear
- Be attentive to the needs of others: Mary noticed the wine had run out at Cana; we, too, are called to be present and compassionate
- Keep Christ at the center: Mary always points to her Son. Let your words and actions reflect Him.
We encourage you to use Mother’s Day and the month of May to renew your connection with Mary and begin living with a Marian heart.
Celebrate Mary, Our Mother, With a Mother’s Day Novena
During this month of May, traditionally dedicated to Mary, we invite you to celebrate that same maternal love by enrolling in our Mother’s Day Novena of Masses.
Whether your mother is living or has passed on, this is a beautiful way to lift her in prayer and entrust her to Mary’s tender care. Beginning on May 12, 2025, the Novena includes nine days of Masses. You can submit your intentions or enroll a loved one.
Mary reminds us that we are never alone. As a mother gathers her children, she gathers us—imperfect, hopeful, and longing for grace—and leads us gently to Jesus.
May you find peace under her mantle, strength through her intercession, and joy in walking the path she walks with us all.
