“Oblate” means “one who is offered.” The Oblates of the Institute are full members who, without receiving the priesthood, dedicate their lives to the service of the Institute and its priests. They are sometimes called the “guardian angels of the priests.”
A Vocation of Total Self-Giving
Full members of the Institute, with all the rights and duties this entails, the Oblates do not receive priestly ordination but place all their talents at the service of the community and of the priests. According to their gifts and training, they serve as master of ceremonies, sacristan, organist, choirmaster, art director, teacher, cook… Each one serves where he is called, in a spirit of charity and generosity.
In the Tradition of the Clergy
Throughout the history of the Church, men have been received into her service by the Tonsure, then by the minor and major orders (porter, lector, acolyte…). Through these steps and the sacramental grace attached to them, their humble service becomes a true participation in the priesthood of Christ. The Oblates of the Institute renew this venerable tradition.
An Intense Spiritual Life
The Oblate’s life is rooted in an intense spiritual life: frequent reception of the sacraments, daily assistance at Holy Mass, participation in the Divine Office, mental prayer, Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament, and the daily Rosary. Like all members of the Institute, he lives the Salesian spirituality of Saint Francis de Sales, his principal patron, made of gentleness, charity, and joyful self-offering.
Formation and Availability
The Oblate receives a complete formation suited to his service: Latin, French, Gregorian chant, organ, teaching, the care and beautification of churches, building maintenance. Ever available, he goes wherever and whenever his superiors call him, always practicing generosity of heart.
A young man who senses this call to serve God and the Church within the Institute, without being called to the priesthood, may contact the Institute to learn more.