The Feast of the "Holy Spouses”, so dear to us Oblate Sisters of St. Joseph, because it recalls the `marriage of Mary and Joseph, this year brought us a very special gift: namely, on January 17, 2008, the decree was promulgated regarding our establishment in the Diocese of Rome as a “Public Association of the faithful”. This important document is part of a journey that we, the Oblate Sisters of St. Joseph, have to go on to prepare ourselves to become an “Institute of Consecrated Life” in the Church. Each step is an achievement, each document confirms that we are on the right path: the Holy Church guides us, assists us, and leads us on the way of the Lord.
It's very nice to read and become aware of my membership in this new plant, a new bud, a flower that blooms and wants to adorn the garden of God. How wonderful it would be if men and women in the world would look at us and say: See what a beautiful flower, God is truly love, because I can see in that flower all the tenderness and goodness of God. Each institute is born in the Church to give glory to God, and through this, to help every man and woman to encounter God. This is the purpose of life, the sense of my existence.
We thank Jesus, Mary and Joseph for this gift of our approval as a "PUBLIC ASSOCIATION OF THE FAITHFUL." Truly the best way to express thanks and to earn this grace is certainly to have a strong union of spirit and heart among us. And love is the love between us, the most visible and concrete sign of our charism and our spirituality. And young women, looking at our community, will say: "See how they love one another." .. It is precisely there where our vocational commitment begins, becoming at every step more attractive and effective.
With the decree, our Constitutions have been approved as well. These are a guide in the living out of our lives as Oblate Sisters.