Hapy Anniversary, OSJ

If the rest of you are nerds like I am (and I know for a fact that some of you are), then you probably already knew that today was π Day. For those of you who aren't geeks, the reason for that is that the irrational number, "π" is approximately equivalent to 3.14, which are the numerals that make up today's dat (March 14 or 3/14). Thus, they (we) call today "π Day," which is, of course pronounced, "Pi Day."

There is, though, an altogether more important reason to celebrate today: On March 14, 1878, then-Fr. Joseph Marello founded the Congregation of the Oblates of St. Joseph in Asti, Italy, when our first member, George Medico, OSJ, and three of his companions took up the life that our Founder had laid out for them.

In light of the profound significance of this day, then, I would like to take this opportunity to mention, for those who do not know, what the Oblates of St. Joseph are all about: St. Joseph Marello founded the Congregation in the midst of turmoil and political unrest as Italy was undergoing its violent unification. As a result of this, certain factions became oppressive of the Church, and so there was a great lack of religious education going on, which naturally resulted in ignorant Catholics. Meanwhile, the ranks of the clergy were declining, and pastors found themselves burdened beyond anything they had ever seen. In order to curb the effects of this situation, St. Joseph Marello founded the Oblates to be educators and sacristans, in order to help fulfill two of the greatest needs of his day.

Over time (and not much time, at that), Fr. Marello welcomed priests into the order, and the manner in which we were to be at the service of the diocesan clergy was somewhat altered. Rather than being sacristans and catechists, some could now also help with the sacramental ministry of the priesthood. As time went on, the oder spread, with the intention always in mind to spread devotion to St. Joseph with them anywhere they went.

Today, the Oblates of St. Joseph are committed to assisting the Church in Her greatest needs, which seem, once again, to be the religious education of the youth and the lack of clergy. What characterizes the Oblates more than their mission (similar missions can be found in seemingly countless congregations throughout the Church) is their spirit. The Oblates are committed to living together in a spirit of family, to humble, anonymous service, and to imitating the tireless labor of Christ's guardian on earth, St. Joseph.

So, there's a little of that, for you.