2023
February 28, 2023
Closing of the VM National Office at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows due to retirement of VM National Director, Br. Tom Ruhmann, OMI
NOTE: The individual VM Chapters
(Belleville, IL; Buffalo, NY; Flint, MI and Granite City, IL) will continue to operate independently.
2022
May 14, 2022
VIRTUAL VM National Conference
Due to continuing COVID restrictions, the conference was one day only with a virtual Day of Reflection: “Let Your Light Shine” with Dr. Tom Santen
August 26, 2022
When Mental Illness Hits Home Conference
“Living in the Now: Moving from Anxiety and Depression to Recovery and Peace”
September 7, 2022
QPR Suicide Prevention Training/Candlelight Vigil for Those Lost to Suicide
October 21-23, 2022
Fall Retreat
“Lazarus, Come Forth: Path to a Better Future”
Presenters: Frs. Chava Gonzalez, OMI and Mark Dean, OMI
2021
May 15, 2021
VIRTUAL VM National Conference
Due to continuing COVID restrictions, the conference was one day only with a virtual Day of Reflection: “Aging Gracefully” with Dr. Gary Behrman
August 27, 2021
When Mental Illness Hits Home Viritual Webinar
“Surviving and Thriving in Turbulent Times”
September 8, 2021
QPR Suicide Prevention Training/Candlelight Vigil for Those Lost to Suicide
October 15-17, 2021
Fall Retreat
“THIS IS ME! The Power that comes with Knowing WHO You are – and WHOSE You Are!”
Presenter: Danielle Harrison
2020
May 1-3, 2020
VM National Conference/56th Founding Anniversary Celebration was cancelled due ot the COVID-19 pandemic.
Joe Henss is the recipient of the 2019 Fr. John Maronic Award. He will receive his award during the 2021 Fall Retreat weekend.
August 28, 2020
When Mental Illness Hits Home Virtual Webinar
“From Isolation to Inclusion”
September 9, 2020
QPR Suicide Prevention Training/Candlelight Vigil for Those Lost to Suicide
October 17, 2020
VIRTUAL Fall Retreat
“Cultivating a Spiritual Life in Turbulent Times”
Presenter: Geri Boyer
2019
May 3-5, 2019
VM National Conference/55th Founding Anniversary Celebration
Br. Andy Lawlor and Susan Krantz/Warren Clare were the recipients of the 2018 Fr. John Maronic Award
Celebrant for the Anniversary liturgy: Fr. Lou Studer, OMI
October 18-20, 2019
Fall Retreat
“Still Keeping the Faith”
Presenter” Fr. John Allen, OMI
2018
May 4-6, 2018
VM National Conference/54th Founding Anniversary Celebration
There were no nominations for the 2017 Fr. John Maronic Award.
Celebrant for the Anniversary liturgy: Fr. Andy Knop, OMI
October 19-21, 2018
Fall Retreat
“Joy for the Journey”
Presenter: Dan Frachey
2017
May 5-7, 2017
VM National Conference/53rd Founding Anniversary Celebration
Sr. Josanne Buszek, CSSF is the recipient of the 2016 Fr. John Maronic Award
Celebrant for the Anniversary liturgy: Fr. Bill Antone, OMI
October 20-22, 2017
Fall Retreat
“Extraordinary Lives: Finding God and Our Purpose in Ordinary Life”
Presenter: Steve Givens
2016
May 13-15, 2016
VM National Conference/52nd Founding Anniversary Celebration
Debbie Thomas is the recipient of the 2015 Fr. John Maronic Award.
Celebrant for the liturgy: Fr. David Uribe, OMI
October 21-23, 2016
Fall Retreat
“Beatitudes of Mercy: God’s Recipe for Health”
Presenter: Fr. Ron Meyer, OMI
2015
May 1-3, 2015
VM National Conference/51st Founding Anniversary Celebration
Maggy Woodward is the recipient of the 2014 Fr. John Maronic Award.
Celebrants for the liturgy: Fr. Walter Butor, OMI and Fr. George Kuryvial, OMI
October 16 – 18, 2015
Fall Retreat
“Creating a Dynamic Spirituality”
Presenter: Fr. Walter Butor, OMI
2014
May 2-4, 2014
VM 50th Founding Anniversary Celebration/National Conference
Kelly Casey is the recipient of the 2013 Fr. John Maronic Award.
Celebrants for the liturgy: Bishop Stanley Schlarman and Fr. George Kuryvial, OMI
October 17-19, 2014
Fall Retreat
“On the Way to Shine Like the SON!”
Presenter: Fr. John Ettensohn, OMI
2013
February 15-17, 2013
Winter Retreat
“Our Journey with Jesus”
Presenter: Sr. Colleen Mallon, OP
May 4, 2013
VM 49th Founding Anniversary Celebration
Diana Braun is the recipient of the Fr. John Maronic Award for 2012
Celebrant for the liturgy: Fr. John Madigan, OMI
October 18-20, 2013
Fall Retreat
“Your Arms Are Too Short to Box with God”
Presenter: Fr. Ray Cook, OMI
2012
February 17-19, 2012
Winter Retreat
“Seed Folks: A Self-Care Retreat”
Presenter: Rev. Dr. Martha Brunell
May 5, 2012
48th Founding Anniversary Celebration
Carol Buchla is the recipient of the Fr. John Maronic Award for 2011
Celebrant for the liturgy: Fr. Tom Ovalle, OMI
October 19-21, 2012
VM National Conference
“A Channel of Your Peace: Faith-based Leadership Skills”
Presenter: Ellen Moran, Ph.D.
2011
February 18-20, 2011
Winter Retreat
“Our Lives as Sacraments”
Presenter: Fr. Larry Gillick, S.J.
May 7, 2011
47th Founding Anniversary Celebration
Deacon Bill Willis is the recipient of the Fr. John Maronic Award for 2010
Celebrant for the liturgy: Msgr. Bill McGhee
October 14-16, 2011
October National Conference
“Just as I Am: Making Peace with a Spirituality of Imperfection”
Presenter: Br. Pat McGee, O.M.I.
2010
February 19-21, 2010
Winter Retreat
“Once Upon a Time…
And Other God Stories Lurking in Our Lives”
Presenter: Sr. Barbara Dreher, C.S.J.
April 2010
Pondering with Mary booklet: Meditations by Fr. John Maronic, O.M.I,.
edited by Fr. William P. Clark, O.M.I.
May 1, 2010
46th Founding Anniversary Celebration
Pat Fronzaglia is the recipient of the Fr. John Maronic Award for 2009.
Celebrant for the liturgy: Fr. Roger Karban
October 15-17, 2010
VM October National Conference
“The Patient Pursuit of the Possible”
Presenter: Fr. Bob Morin, O.M.I.
2009
February 20 – 22, 2009
VM Winter Retreat
“Contemplating the Heart of Jesus: Living Radically?”
Fr. David Kraus, O.M.I.
May 2, 2009
45th May Founding Anniversary Celebration
Rosie Starke is the recipient of the Fr. John Maronic Award for 2008.
Celebrant for the liturgy: Fr. Joe Pitts, O.M.I.
October 16 – 18, 2009
VM October National Conference
“Life in All Its Fullness: The Gift of John’s Gospel”
Presenter: Paul Coutinho, S.J.
2008
February 15 – 17, 2008
VM Winter Retreat
“A Desert Dance of Grace”
Presenter: Sr. Janis Yaekel, ASC
May 3, 2008
44th May Founding Anniversary Celebration. Sr. Rose Mary Cauley, GNSH, is the recipient of the Fr. John Maronic Award for 2007. Fr. Greg Gallagher, O.M.I., Shrine Director, was celebrant for the liturgy.
October 17 – 19, 2008
VM October National Conference
“The Journey of Life: Reflections for the Spiritual Explorer”
Presenter: Geri Furmanek, National Director of Mission Enrichment & Oblate Associates for the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate
October 21, 2008
The VM DVD Missionaries for Today was released.
2007
February 16-18, 2007
VM Winter Retreat “Sing a New Song – Sing an Old Song”
Presenter: Deacon Bill Willis
May 5, 2007
43rd May Founding Anniversary Celebration. Nancy Schuette was
the recipient of the Fr. John Maronic Outstanding Achievement Award.
Bishop Stanley Schlarman was the celebrant.
October 19-21, 2007
VM October National Conference
“Gifts Blessings and other Good Things”
Presenter: Kathleen Chesto, a woman of faith, a wife, mother,
story teller and author of numerous books.
October 2007
Fr. Roger Karban’s 8th Scripture booklet: “The Gospel Truth”
2006
February 17-19, 2006
VM Winter Retreat: “Discovering God’s Presence in our Lives”
Presenter: Fr. Louis Studer, O.M.I.
May 6, 2006
VM 42nd Founding Anniversary Celebration.
Celebrant: Fr. Louis Lougen, O.M.I., Oblate Provincial
October 2006
Fr. Karban 7th Scripture Booklet “See I am Doing Something New.”
October 20 – 22, 2006
VM National Conference: “Called and Gifted.”
Presenter: Janice Benton from the National Catholic Office of
Persons with Disabilities in Washington D.C.
2005
February 18-20, 2005
VM Winter Retreat;
“Theme: “The Integrity of Creation”
Presenter: Fr. Maurice Lange, O.M.I.
May 7, 2005
VM 41st Anniversary Celebration
July 1, 2005
Bro. Francis Sullivan, O.M.I., begins Reduced Active Ministry
Bro. Tom Ruhmann, O.M.I., becomes the VM National Director
October 2005
Fr. Karban’s Scripture Booklet “Charged with Grandeur”
October 21-23, 2005
VM National Conference. “Finding Jesus in Everyday Life.”
Presenters: Donna Eisenbath and Tina Huck from the Shrine’s Youth Ministry Dept.
2004
February 10, 2004
Bishop Wilton Gregory, Bishop of Belleville, IL appointed Bro. Francis Sullivan, O.M.I. as the official Promoter for the Cause of Rev. John Maronic. O.M.I.
May 4, 2004
Victorious Missionaries celebrated 40th Anniversary
June 25, 2004
Bro. Tom Ruhmann, O.M.I., began a year of internship
October 2004
Fr. Karban’s 6th Scripture booklet “When I am Weak.”
December 2, 2004
Bishop Wilton Gregory, Bishop of Belleville, IL appointed Bro. Francis Sullivan, O.M.I. as Postulator for the Cause for the Canonization of Rev. John Maronic. O.M.I.
2003
January 11, 2003
The VM Chapter from New Orleans, LA has changed from Chapter status to a Circle of Prayer.
March 20, 2003
Received approval from Bishop Wilton Gregory, DD, Bishop of Belleville, Illinois to the wording to be used on a prayer card to Fr. John Maronic, O.M.I.
April 16, 2003
New VM video released today called “Missionaries for Today.”
October 2003
Fr. Karban’s 5th Scripture booklet “The Man Who Changed Our Faith.”
2002
September 2002
Fr. Roger Karaban’s fourth Scripture Booklet was published for the VMs, “Conscience of the People.”
October 19, 2002
Oblate Media filmed a new video for the VMs during the October National Conference.
October 25, 2002
Bro. Francis Sullivan, O.M.I., attended a meeting in Bloomington with Deacons from the dioceses of Peoria and Rockford, Illinois. This is the beginning of an Illinois Outreach Program for persons with disabilities.
2001
April 6, 2001
The VMs received a Grant from the Lutheran Charities Foundation to work in collaboration with Dr. Vincent Terrie, Ph.D., in an outreach program at St. Mary’s Hospital in East St. Louis, IL.
May 3, 2001
Ada Power from Ireland visited the Shrine and attended the VMs 37th Anniversary Celebration.
May 19, 2001
The first meeting of the East St. Louis Outreach Project was held at St. Mary’s Hospital in East St. Louis, IL.
October 18, 2001
Fr. Roger Karban’s third Scripture Booklet was published for the VMs, “People of Faith.”
2000
July 6, 2000
VM Perpetual Calendar was published.
October 12, 2000
Fr. Roger Karban’s second Scripture Booklet for the VMs has been published. It is titled: “Jesus and Community.”
1999
May 1, 1999
The Victorious Missionaries celebrated their 35th Anniversary.
May 28, 1999
“Able to Uplift” Book published.
September 3, 1999
Fr. Roger Karban’s first Scripture Booklet for the VMs was published: “Food for the Journey.”
1998
August 1, 1998
The VM video ” Celebrating the Journey” was released.
1996
January 15, 1996
The VM National Board was dissolved by the Provincial Council Administration and the new VM Advisory Council was established.
February 19, 1996
The VM Advisory Council met for the first time.
April 2, 1996
Br. Francis Sullivan, OMI, changed from Interim Director to the VM Director.
1964 – 1995
May 2, 1964
First day of Recollection held at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows.
May 1, 1965
First Anniversary of the founding of the VMs. Fr. William Leising, OMI, was celebrant and main speaker.
February 14, 1974
First meeting of the newly organized National Board of Directors of VMs.
February 17-19, 1978
First VM weekend retreat held at the Shrine.
September/October, 1979
Fr. Charlie Sellars, OMI, appointed Director of the VMs.
October 25, 1979
Retreat given at the Oblate Retreat House in Dickinson, Texas, which led to the foundation of the Galveston, Houston, Texas City, and Angleton/Danbury, Texas Chapters.
April 20 – 25, 1980
First VM National Conference held at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows.
April 30, 1982
First VM National Board meeting with representatives from other Chapters.
July 1, 1983
Karl (Korky) Buhr, Jr. started as Program Coordinator.
May 2, 1985
The National Board voted on changing the name from Victim Missionaries to Victorious Missionaries.
September 11, 1985
Fr. John Maronic, O.M.I., died today
January 1986
Karl (Korky) Buhr, Jr. named Director of the VMs.
October 1988
Fr. Robert Braun, OMI, became the VMs National Spiritual Moderator.
May 5, 1989
Ireland requested to be given Chapter status.
May 6, 1989
Victorious Missionaries celebrated 25th anniversary.
May 3, 1991
The Fr. John Maronic Outstanding Achievement Award was established.
May 1, 1992
The Annual Day of Prayer was established.
October 8, 1995
Restructuring of the Victorious Missionaries was recommended by the Oblate Provincial Administration. Br. Francis Sullivan, OMI, became the new Interim Director.