Mission Statement
OUR CALL
Asia is the largest and most populous continent comprising one third of the earth's surface, where sixty percent of the world's population live. Among these less than four percent count themselves as Christians. The command of Jesus to "Go out to the world and preach the Good News" thus rings in our ears and calls for a response. We Oblates of St. Francis de Sales have heard that call of Jesus and are ready to respond in India.
OUR CONTRIBUTION
In answering that call of Jesus, we Oblates have something unique and original to contribute, the rich heritage of the spirituality of our model and patron, St. Francis de Sales. His is a spirituality characterized by the virtues of gentleness, humility, optimism, and hope. It is a spirituality that is practical, adaptable to all walks of life, compatible with almost every religious tradition, and marked by its inspired common sense. Above all, Francis inspires us to a fervent love of God and neighbor, and leads each one in his individual search for holiness.
Our unique way to embody his spirituality and to "Live Jesus" is the Spiritual Directory, which traces to our origins as a congregation, and was considered essential to our identity as Oblates by our Founder Blessed Louis Brisson and Mother Mary de Sales Chappuis.
OUR COMMITMENT
First, we commit ourselves to living and sharing with others the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales, especially through the practice of the Spiritual Directory. Further, we commit ourselves to living the baptismal call by embracing the vows of Chastity, Poverty and Obedience. We live a simple life together in community characterized by prayer and by the struggle to establish God's kingdom in this world.
Finally, our Indian context is particularly marked by its religious pluralism, economic contradictions and environmental concerns. It follows that one aspect of our ministry is to promote Justice, harmony, peace, equality and to address environmental concerns. As well, we engage in a respectful dialogue with people of different Christian churches, religious traditions and secular ideologies. We seek to find common ground with them and where possible, share in solidarity with them a commitment to justice, peace, the integrity of creation, and the search for God.