God has blessed the Institute with quite a number of young men who have a strong vocation to the clerical community life as brothers in the family of the Institute. Our oblates work closely with the Canons, dedicating their many and varied talents to serve in our apostolates as full members of the Institute and as spiritual brothers to the lay faithful.
The annual retreat for the Oblates of the Institute in the United States was held April 29th through May 3rd at St. Francis de Sales Oratory in St. Louis. The striking beauty of the church and its campus together with the beautiful springtime weather provided an ideal setting for both spiritual recollection and a profitable retreat. The incredible hospitality shown to the Oblates by the Oratory's Pro-rector, staff and the seminary candidates ensured the retreat to be relaxing for the body as well as the soul.
The beginning of the retreat was an occasion for the Oblates from all across the country to exchange greetings. The inspiring conferences of the retreat were preached by Canon von Menshengen, with themes spanning from the Most Holy Trinity to Our Lady, the work of Grace to the importance of spiritual direction. With 'grand silence' being imposed during the retreat, broken only for the recitation Divine Office, the Oblate's hearts and minds were more easily given to prayer and recollection, as well as being opened to the divine truths taught to them in the conferences.
The Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, May 1st, was providentially celebrated during the course of the retreat. On that day the Oblates had the privilege to renew their commitment to the work they accomplish in the Church and for the good of souls, commending all their efforts under the unfailing patronage and example of St. Joseph, honored under the title exemplar opificium (model of all who labor). As the close of the retreat came and final farewells were given, the Oblates were filled with a renewed love of God and His Church. Their souls being rekindled with a spirit of charity, service and sacrifice, the Oblates look forward for another year of joyfully and generously giving their lives for the greater glory of God.
With gratitude for their service to the Church and to the Institute, please join us in praying for these dedicated men.