Namibia & South Africa

The Oblates have served Namibia and South Africa since the late 19th century. Their involvement is deeply rooted in both historical necessity and their Salesian mission to bring Christ’s message with gentleness, humility, and optimism. Today, their role remains vital in sustaining the local Church, particularly in areas where there is a shortage of diocesan priests.

Key Ministries

Parish

For over a century, OSFS priests have strengthened parish life by:

• Administering sacraments

• Providing spiritual direction & faith formation

• Promoting Salesian Spirituality

• Supporting diocesan structures

• Engaging in education & social outreach where needed

In regions facing a shortage of diocesan priests, Oblate presence ensures that parish communities thrive through consistent pastoral care and faith development.

Youth

Oblates guide young people to become leaders in faith and society through:

• Retreats & spiritual talks

• Leadership development

• Social outreach programs

• Vocation promotion

Amid growing secularization and youth disengagement, the Oblate mission is to inspire faith, purpose, and future Church leadership.

Men's Ministry

The primary reason for Oblate engagement in men’s ministry across Namibia and South Africa, is the noticeable decline in male participation in church and society. Historically, men have been marginalized in ways that are rarely addressed, leading to a crisis in identity, responsibility, and active involvement in family and community life. The ministry aims to:

• Restore Men’s Dignity: Helping men recognize and reclaim their role in family, Church, and society.

• Promote Divine Responsibility: Encouraging men to fulfill their God-given responsibilities as fathers, leaders, and members of the faith community.

• Address Social Issues: Tackling societal challenges such as absentee fatherhood, disengagement from the Church, and struggles with purpose and identity.

By empowering men to reclaim their roles, we strengthen families, parishes, and communities.

Choir Chaplaincy

The Oblates provide pastoral oversight and guidance to all diocesan church choirs in Namibia. Their role includes:

• Spiritual Guidance – Helping choir members integrate faith into their ministry.

• Liturgical Training – Teaching the fundamentals of Catholic liturgy and its developments.

• Salesian Spirituality – Encouraging a spirituality rooted in Salesian humanism, which emphasizes humility, gentleness, and active faith.

• General Church Teachings – Ensuring choirs understand their role in the broader mission of the Church.

A unified, spiritually enriched choir enhances worship and builds stronger, more vibrant parish life.

Ministry of Health & Social Services

The Oblates in Namibia have recently expanded their ministry into the medical field, with some brothers serving as nurses, a medical doctor, and a trainer of health workers. This initiative addresses both spiritual and physical well-being. Oblates serve as nurses, doctors, social workers, and trainers within public healthcare systems to:

• Provide compassionate medical care

• Integrate faith and service

• Address healthcare gaps in underserved areas

Physical and spiritual healing go hand-in-hand, reflecting our call to serve the whole person.

High School Education

After 30 years, the Oblates in the region have returned to teaching in public high schools, offering:

• Science & language instruction

• Life skills education

• Spiritual formation grounded in Salesian values

By shaping both minds and hearts, Oblates empower young people for leadership and service.

Gentlemen’s Clubs

The Oblates are actively involved in mentoring high school boys through gentlemen's clubs. These clubs serve as a space for guiding young men through their transition from boys to adulthood.

Focused on:

• Leadership & life skills

• Spiritual formation

• Community service leadership development, spirituality, social responsibility, and personal growth, the clubs offer a holistic approach to shaping young leaders.

Activities at the clubs include discussions, retreats, community service, mentorship, and outdoor fun, ensuring that the boys develop essential life skills in a supportive environment. The Oblates collaborate with teachers at the schools to manage and run the clubs, creating a joint effort to nurture the next generation of leaders.

Fundraising & Sustainable Projects

Oblate initiatives like the OSFS Enterprise and Immaculate Self-Catering Accommodation support financial self-sufficiency, ministry sustainability, and community development.