Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) - Pastoral service in missions and parishes, youth education, spreading the devotion to St. Joseph: these are the objectives of the Oblates of St. Joseph, a congregation founded in 1878 by St. Joseph Marello, a priest and Bishop of the diocese of Acqui (1844-1895) who have just celebrated their XVI general Chapter. Today, there are 530 Oblates of St. Joseph, priests and religious brothers, and they work in 11 countries: 200 in Asia and Oceania (India, Philippines, Australia), 30 in Africa (Nigeria), 200 in America (Bolivia, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, United States), 100 in Europe (Italy, Poland). The commitment on behalf of the Oblates began almost immediately, in 1915, with the opening of the mission in the Philippines, and in the Philippines there is now the province's main Congregation.
The theme of the general Chapter was: "The courage of evangelical Poverty to evangelize the poor", taken from the words of Jesus: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor" (Lk 4.18). A special section of the Chapter was dedicated to listening to the representatives of the laity and youth of various regions in the world, from Bolivia, Philippines, Mexico, the United States and Italy, co-responsible with the Oblates of the spirituality and work, through the Lay association Giuseppini Marelliani.
The general Chapter confirmed Father Michael Piscopo, Italian missionary in Brazil and Peru as Superior General, and elected the general councilors Fr. John Attulli, Vicar general of Verapoly (India); Fr. Gabriel Kamus of Lipa (Philippines); Fr. Guido Miglietta, Italian, and Fr. Brian Crawford of Monterrey (USA). (SL) (Agenzia Fides 24/2/2012)
