Page 85 - Reflections on St. Joseph

Conclusion

In the present social context of the world we must seriously commit ourselves to learn from the
beautiful example St. Joseph and live faithfully the values he lived. It’s a challenge that we
should accept in our life as Oblates of St. Joseph. People, especially the youth want to see us
humble, obedient, recollecting in silence and hidden in the mystery of Christ taking care of the
‘interests of Jesus’. They want convincing examples rather than verbal teachers in order to
guide and inspire them. I think in the 10 year of the canonization of our Founder, St. Joseph
th
Marello, the Church and the world demand this from us.

Let me wind up remembering the great desire of the Church and our beloved founder expressed
in our Constitutions: “By the profession of Religious vows one becomes an actual member of the
Congregation and assumes the personal responsibility of striving for religious perfection… In
this way the Oblates choose “to follow closely the Divine Master by the practice of the evangelical
counsels” (let. 95). They live “hidden and silently active in imitation of St. Joseph, that great model
of a poor and humble life” (let. 95) and dedicate themselves to the apostolic ministry proper to
them”(Const. Art.7).

“That to be hidden in Christ Jesus is of all glories the greatest”
- Bossuet

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Reflections on st. joseph