Oblate Youth Service News

New Director of Oblate Youth Service

FR. LEO PHILOMIN, OMI APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF THE OBLATE YOUTH SERVICE

Fr. Leo Philomin OMII am delighted to announce the appointment of Fr. Leo Philomin OMI as the new Director of the Oblate Youth Service for a first term of three years beginning on 21st March 2015. Leo replaces Fr. John McFadden who has served as Director for the past two years.

Fr. Leo was born in Sri Lanka. At the age of nine his family immigrated to London and settled in the Oblate Parish of The Sacred Heart, Quex Road, Kilburn. He joined the Oblates in 1987and made his final vows in 1994. Leo was ordained to the priesthood in Kilburn in 1996. Since ordination Leo has had a close association with the Youth Service having accompanied the OYS on four World Youth Day events (Rome, Toronto, Cologne and Sydney). He has also engaged with the Youth Service during the Oblate Pilgrimage to Lourdes and also in encouraging their presence and engagement in Edinburgh during his ministry in Wester Hailes. Indeed some of Leo's cousins are members of the OYS. 

Fr. Leo is enthusiastic about his new role with the OYS, which he takes on while continuing his current ministry in the parish of Darndale/Belcamp in Dublin. Leo commented that "the engagement of young people in service, their concern and love for the sick and the vulnerable, has always been a source of inspiration and encouragement for me in living my Oblate life and mission."

Fr. Leo will work alongside recently appointed OYS Assistant Director, Padraig Corcoran.

I take this opportunity to thank Fr. John McFadden OMI for his contribution as Director of the OYS. On behalf of all members of the Oblate Family I thank John for his support and encouragement of the members and development of the OYS. 

Finally my thanks all members of the OYS for your on-going commitment and support especially through your engagement in local projects and with the Lourdes Pilgrimage. I look forward to meeting with many of you over the coming months.

Fr. Ray Warren, OMI
OMI Provincial

The Author: Fr. Ray Warren OMI

Provincial Leader of the Oblates