Four new oblates in Cebu

“St. John community, they all wear grey.” Right or Wrong?…Wrong! There are members of our family who don’t wear grey, except if it’s fashion at certain times. There are members of St John Family who consecrate themselves to God but live in the world, have a job and sometimes are married and have children. They are the Oblates of Saint John. On the 27^th of December 2018, we were very happy to welcome four new oblates in our family in Cebu. What is an “oblate”? In many religious orders and congregations, there is a long tradition of what is often called “third order”: the religious have understood that they could also associate to their charism and spirituality some lay people who would live it in the world. It is a way for them to fulfill their vocation to holiness that they received with the sacrament of baptism. Indeed, all baptized are called to be saints! Oblate comes from a latin word which means “offering”.

The oblates choose that their daily life, from work to home, can be a true offering to God. Their program of life includes more prayer, spiritual formation, service of others and fraternal communion, especially in the small community formed with the other oblates. It is always a great joy for us, brothers and sisters, to see our oblates coming and sharing their joys, and also their “heavy bags”! With them, we feel really that God has called us to form a family. Welcome to EmEm, Deah, Mariz and Elivs who have taken this new step. May the Lord continue what He begun in you!