Dear loving confreres,
I am here to share some of my thoughts and feelings about a question: Why I am an Oblate? This question made me reflect about my vocation. First and foremost, God wants me to be an Oblate. That is why I am here. To be an Oblate is not easy without the Spiritual Directory. The Spiritual Directory is the only identity I have as an Oblate. Without it I am nothing. As an Oblate I would like to compare myself with a rose bud on a bush. This bush was planted by Fr. Brisson and the Good Mother in 1875. It has grown up and has given the world many beautiful flowers. The fertilizer, water etc. were the teachings and writings of St. Francis de Sales, Fr. Brisson and Good Mother. Usually rose flower attracts many people. I am called by God to be a bud and bloom in this community with the help of the teachings of our patron and founders and under the guidance of the superiors [gardeners]. I walk in 'the way', which the Good Mother had shown us by living the directory, union with God by interior prayer, prayer in action, and living in the community. I too should also attract many souls by my life as St. Francis de Sales and Fr. Brisson had attracted others by their way of life. I know it is so difficult to bloom among the thorns, which are my imperfections. But with the help and grace of God and with the support of the community members I am here to bloom where I am planted.