|
"I am grateful for my vocation as an Oblate Brother. It's exciting to live the practical and optimistic spirit of de Sales and to have the opportunity to share it with others in my daily life - as a teacher, brother and friend."
-Bro. Dan Wisniewski, OSFS
|
 |
Just as there are different gifts and ministries in the Church, there are different paths of service within the Oblates. Some are called to fulfill their vocation as Brothers.
Brothers generally continue their professional education and training as well as their theological education as part of their preparation for final vows. A program of study is designed for each brother to allow him to unite his unique gifts and talents with the needs of the ministry and the needs of the Oblate community.
|
One can find Oblate Brothers ministering in schools, parishes, missions or within their own community. Their ministries are as diverse as they are. They are teachers, counselors, coaches, handymen - and even artists!
Here are some of the ways to describe an Oblate Brother:
A prayerful man - His interior life is the very core of the Oblate Brother's identity. The fruits of his prayer life become the gifts that he brings to his ministry.
One who Lives Jesus in our world - Mother Mary de Sales Chappuis remarked that as the Oblates live, they should imitate Jesus so closely that "through them, once again Christ can be seen walking the earth."
Part of a community - Not only is the Oblate Brother a part of the community of faith in the Body of Christ, he is also a part of a religious community of men who support one another in their quest to authentically live the life of faith.
Rooted in the Gospels - One can only Live Jesus when his knowledge of and relationship with Him grows each day. This growth is best achieved through daily meditation on the Christ we meet in the Gospels. The Gospel becomes the catalyst that propels the Brother from his life of prayer into the world in which he ministers.
A lover - In order to love all people as Jesus did, he chooses to live a celibate life. Rather than limiting his love to one person, his vow of chastity affords him the opportunity to share his energy in loving all the people to and with whom he ministers.
Free from worldly distractions - The Oblate Brother's vow of poverty enables him to let go of possessions, role expectations, power and even his reputation. Free from the clutter of the world, he is in a unique position to be totally focused on loving God and serving God's people.
A listener - The vow of obedience gives the Brother an unparalleled opportunity to listen. He listens to the cry of the poor as he ministers to the people of God, to the workings of the Spirit within and around him as he discerns God's will, to the teachings of the Church and to God's voice as it is spoken through his religious superiors.
A son of St. Francis de Sales - His love for Francis, Doctor of the Church, motivates him to spread Francis' charism to all he meets. He imitates the Salesian virtues of gentleness, humility and charity through the lived expression of his vocation.
A minister - His ministry is simply to be a brother to those he meets. He walks alongside those to whom he ministers as Jesus did. His ministry calls him to serve not as one set apart, but rather as one among a community of believers.
A teacher and a friend - By his life and his actions, he makes creative contributions to our Church and the world. He claims, lives and models the Christian life.
|
|
