Page 132 - Reflections on St. Joseph

In this process of docibilitas, Joseph is actively and responsibly involved. He is the
genuine protagonist of change, because he pays attention to every event that could
become formative; because he accomplishes his discernment (“while he was pondering
these things” Mt 1,20) and, in total obedience to the Voice of God, he decides to “do”
(fecit) the Will of God.

To be an “oblate” for St. Joseph is not just his renouncing to follow his own plans, but
more about his profound interior freedom to allow himself to be “taught” by
whatever fragment of truth and beauty around him, in things and persons, trusting
totally in the plan of happiness offered to him by God: “in your will is my joy...great
peace for who loves Your Law.”(Ps 118).

3. To simply be Oblates

On the 4th of November, 1877, Marello wrote a letter to Fr. Cesare Rolla (a spiritual
son) in which he presented “the first draft of a foundational Rule” for the Company
of St. Joseph, manifesting yet more clearly his desire to find his inspiration in his
model, St. Joseph. This is Letter 108, which, with good reason, can be considered the
true letter of foundation for our Congregation.

108

Reflections on st. joseph