Forty-Five Years of “Yes”: Life as an Oblate Brother

Apr 29

Bro. Joe with his brother, Andrew, special Olympics at DeSales.

Tomorrow, May 1, is the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, which is also Religious Brothers Day. It is a day that I definitely celebrate. I am Brother Joe, or as students refer to me, BroJoe (one word). This year, I celebrate 45 years as a religious Brother. When I entered religious life, I knew that I wanted to be a Brother. Rooted in the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales, the life of a brother is marked by simplicity, humility, and a deep desire to serve.

At the heart of my vocation is a profound sense of belonging to God. As an Oblate Brother, I live as a person wholly given to God’s will, allowing my life to become a continual “yes” to the gentle movements of God’s grace. St. Francis de Sales teaches that we become holy not by doing great things, but by doing small things with great care. I believe that as a Brother, one can be an example of this lifestyle.

Bro. Joe driving a wedding bus for a couple who rode my bus when they were students!

Service is one of the main characteristics of an Oblate Brother. My work as a Brother in manual labor is to serve behind the scenes, contributing to everyday life. Nothing is small in the service of God.

The Oblate Brother is also called to be a witness of joy. My life reflects a deep trust in God’s goodness, giving me a cheerful spirit that encourages others. Through simplicity, generosity, and steady faith, I become a living sign of God’s gentle presence in the world.

Bro. Joe riding a camel in South Africa on a Desales service trip.

Lastly, to be a Brother is to be a sign of communion, someone who builds bridges and fosters unity. Over my years, I have tried to live as an example of this. A Brother is a reminder that everyone is a gift from God. This is reflected in the spirit of kindness and patience with the people I come in contact with every day.

My favorite quote from St. Francis de Sales is “Do the ordinary things in life extraordinarily well.” I feel this says it all about what a brother is. In many ways, the Brother truly embodies the Salesian conviction that holiness is found in ordinary actions done with extraordinary love.

**The difference between a priest and a brother: A priest is ordained to administer the sacraments (Mass, Confession, Anointing), while brothers are vowed members of a religious community. Like priests, they take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. They are dedicated to service, prayer, and community life.