The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) is a religious order of the Roman Catholic Church
founded on January 25, 1816 by Saint Eugene de Mazenod, a French priest from Marseille. It was first recognized by Pope Leo
XII on February 17, 1826. Originally established to revive the Church after devastation by the French Revolution, the religious
order now serves in various countries around the world. Though they originally focused on working with the poor, they became
known as a missionary and teaching order as well. In 1938, Pope Pius XI called them "specialists in difficult missions". One
of the more famous members of the OMI is Francis Cardinal George, Archbishop of Chicago.
|