The Rule of Life of the Oblates had been encouraged and approved by all the bishops of the places where the Oblates had worked.
Pope Pius VII granted liberal indulgences to the Society of Missionaries and the Bishops have not ceased to encourage their good works. It was soon necessary to expand beyond Provence and go into Dauphiné and Languedoc to respond to the wishes and concerns of the Prelates.
All those in whose dioceses the Missionaries are working have approved their Rule in most flattering terms. There are seven of them. Several wanted to write this approval in their own hand so as to give in this manner more force to their honorable witness. All accompanied it with the most touching expressions of the liveliest and most sincere interest.
Petition for approbation to Pope Leo XII, 8 December 1825, EO XIII n.48
Wherefore, while pledging themselves to all the works of zeal which priestly charity can inspire – above all, to the work of the missions, which is the main reason for their union – these priests, joined together in a society, resolve to obey the following Constitutions and Rules; by living them they hope to obtain all the benefits they need for their own sanctification and for the salvation of souls.
Preface of the CC&RR
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“Our desire for approval can only truly be met by receiving God’s acceptance and approval of us.” Joyce Meyer
This morning I have thought of who I look to for support and encouragement in how I try to live, who I love and who I support and encourage. I go first to God, because in reality that is who I live for, who I love for, who all of my life revolves around and in, But, there is always a but, but I need always to go for that human element, which in no way substitutes for God but which I seem also to so badly need. That physical, touchable love and support that comes from ‘real’ people. I am in many ways like a little child who does something and then looks to her or his parents seeking approval, silently asking to be applauded and told how go they are, how smart they are, how courageous or loving they are, how they are on the right track. For the parents are the whole world and universe of a child’s life.
I look to the Church for encouragement, for support, to hear that I am on the right track. I look to my community(ies) around me, like-minded groups and people who offer me encouragement by their very being with me on this journey of life. The 70s, 80s and 90s were full of many cults – groups who offered loved and encouragement, belonging and love to people who were looking for those very things. They were not often healthy but they were there.
I am reminded of an Oblate priest that I sat with at the last convocation and listened as he shared how grateful he was for the communities in his life that supported and were life-giving to him. A little surprised because surely he would get all he needed from his brothers, from his church… I remember thinking at the time that later I would go up and speak with him, just to let him know that I was thinking of him and praying for him. I didn’t though – I see his face and pray for him everyday but did not let him know and I still regret that. This particular Oblate continues on in his ministry, his work and who he is, what he is all about and while I am sure he knows intimately how loved he is – it might be a gift for him to hear it from others – certainly from God but also from God through others.
Such encouragement and approval – so vital for the way of life they, we, I have been blessed and ordained for through our Baptism. “…they hope to obtain all the benefits they need for their own sanctification and for the salvation of souls.”