Open to the voice of the spirit, St. Joseph Marello, the founder of the OSJ, desired also to institute for women who would consecrate themselves to God and would be of help to the apostolate. His first try did not have a follower because he was soon elected as Bishop of Acqui.

Their beginnings were small, their means few, and the challenge many. Following the example of St. Joseph group of young women in two widely distant parts of the world expressed their desire to consecrate themselves to God. In Brazil, with the goal of being consecrated to god and serving the church by helping the poor, Fr Euripes de Oliveire, OSJ and an enterprising woman named Deise formed a community in Lordrina. In the Philippines, a lay teacher in one of the OSJ schools in the name of Sr. Emerenciana Ira, started the community of young women who in desiring to become sisters looked forward to assisting the Oblates priest and brothers in their work. They had been touched by the spiritual ideas of St. Joseph Marello to live a holy, humble and hidden life as a family just like Jesus, Mary and Joseph. They strive to learn St. Joseph Marello’s spirit and ideals which would become the basis of their own religious life.

Now, the Oblate Sister of St. Joseph (OSSJ) can be found in different countries such as in Brazil (1992), Philippines (1994), Peru (1996), Nigeria (1998) and Rome (1997) where the central commission is located.

As Oblate Sisters of St. Joseph, they are called to be Apostles outside and carthusians inside. They are also offered to God to consecrate their lives and to be of service to other through our apostolate, namely, the propagation of devotion to St. Joseph and St, Joseph Marello, working with children and teenagers, teaching catechism, comforting the elderly, caring for orphans and helping the poor, pastoral works with families, spiritual retreats, shared ministries and parish activities, providing assistance for immigrants and foreign missionaries uplifting the dignity of women, and other forms of ministry “Divine Providence points out from time to time”.