The Missionary Oblates are enriched by a diversity of gifts. According to each one’s personal call from Christ, members have chosen to live out their Oblation as Brothers or Priests. Each has complimentary responsibilities and shares in the same mission of co-operating with Christ to keep hope alive in the midst of life’s difficulties.
The Oblate Brother reveals what he is more by example than by explanation, more by action than by definition. He is convinced that all human beings are equal before God, and his vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and perseverance testify to this. Free of the obligations and duties that the Church places upon ordained ministers, Brothers can engage creatively in various forms of ministry within and outside of church structures.
The Oblate Priest, like the Brother, takes the vows of poverty, chastity, obedience, and perseverance, and so, he is first a foremost a religious. The Oblate Priest is to preach the gospel by word and deed, administer the sacraments, and give his whole life to make God’s love known to the poor. The Priest is to be all things to all people and bring Christ to all.