Page 188 - Reflections on St. Joseph

interests of Jesus by offering their service to the Church in the apostolic service which, 'day
by day, Providence hands out', with special care to those most in need and choose preferably
the most deprived situations and places.

In their apostolic service they collaborate preferably with the Oblates of Saint Joseph,
particularly concerning: the moral and religious education of youth, especially through
catechism; the different forms of apostolate suggested by the time and place, especially the
pastoral service in parishes, in schools and in missions, with particular attention in the
promotion of women and in service of the poor, of the elderly and of the ill; the transmission
of the devotion to Saint Joseph, to be proposed as the Model and Patron of the Church and
of the Christian Families." (art.3)

This article summarizes the spirituality and charism of the Congregation, taking up the
main notes of the charism and spirituality of the male Oblates, revealing, so to speak, the
feminine facade of a single medallion.

The Oblates of Saint Joseph seek to care for the interests of Jesus in imitation of Mary Most
Holy and Saint Joseph . To understand this mission entrusted to the Oblates it is necessary
to make an important premise. Mary and Joseph were, as individuals and as a couple,
inclined towards Jesus. Their relationship with Jesus was unique and we could say,
unrepeatable. Both had a specific role towards the Lord: they were the parents. Mary Most
Holy as Mother and Saint Joseph as Father were called to love and serve Jesus in this role.
The love of a father and a mother is great and at no cost. We as daughters have all had
experience of this love, at least from one of the parents, if not both. The love of our parents,
however great it may have been, is not free from limits and mistakes. The love of Mary and
Joseph is still different from that of a common father and mother. Although Mary Most Holy
is also, like us, a creature herself though Immaculate, therefore her love was most pure;
Saint Joseph, for the special mission entrusted to him, had received the necessary graces to
be able to respond to his vocation, so even his ability to love was different from any other
earthly father. Starting from these premises we can begin to see how the Oblate sisters of
Saint Joseph take care of the interests of Jesus, in imitation of Mary and Joseph.

If we remain united to Saint Joseph we could learn to live a profound relationship with Jesus
and Mary and to give in community and in the apostolate what we have lived in a hidden
life, with the Beloved Spouse. Joseph will accompany us and teach us to be faithful to our
Vows, to trust Divine Providence and to look after the interests of Jesus, because with Joseph
"we are sure of always going along the right path".

If we remain united with Mary we could experience what Elizabeth lived, be filled with the
Holy Spirit to exclaim in a loud voice: "Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit
of your womb!" Mary will teach us to act as "mothers", to give ourselves without seeking to
fulfill ourselves. She will accompany us in daily life and will repeat to us to do what Jesus
tells us to do.

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Reflections on st. joseph