By centring our lives on the person of Jesus Christ, “who was chaste and poor and who redeemed mankind by his blood” we embrace freely the evangelical vows, which are for us an expression of our way of life and commitment to mission.
Poverty
History and experience teach us that there are two forms of poverty: destructive poverty which afflicts the majority of the world’s population, and the poverty which frees our energies for love and service. By sharing all we acquire, and living in a manner that is in keeping with our mission, we enter into a closer communion with Jesus and with the poor. We contest excesses of power and wealth and proclaim the coming of a new world freed from selfishness and open to sharing.
Chastity
Consecrated celibacy calls us to develop the riches of the heart. It is a vow that is challenging and difficult to live. It is truly a calling and not one which can be lived by all. It is an affirmation of life and love that challenges the tendency to possess and use others for selfish purposes. Celibacy expresses the total gift of oneself to God and to others. Our celibacy allows us to be present where the need is greatest, to give powerful witness to Christ’s love for us and our enduring love for God.
Obedience
Obedience means to have an open ear, to pay attention. Through the vow of obedience, Oblates commit themselves to listen to the voice of the Father, and to faithfully follow the Son. Our life is governed by the demands of the mission and the promptings of the Spirit, already present in those to whom we are sent. Our work makes us dependent on others; it requires real detachment from our own will and a deep sense of the Church. Obedience challenges us to be accountable and responsible; it calls us to take the initiative and be ready to give of our talents and our lives at the service of the Gospel. It is a path to personal freedom.
Perseverance
Jesus "always loved those who were his own in the world" and to the very end "he showed how perfect his love was" (Jn 13:1) His Spirit inspires all Christians to constancy in their love. The same Spirit develops in us a close attachment to the Congregation. Although determination to persevere is included in the first three vows, we add a vow of perseverance, publicly attesting to our attachment to our religious family and our commitment to its mission.
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