Their only distinctive mark will be the crucifix, which is proper to their ministry. They will always wear on their chest, inserted in the cincture and it hanging from a cord to which it is attached.
1818 Rule, Part Two, Chapter One. Regarding other principal observances
The most cherished possession of an Oblate is the Cross which we receive on the day of our lifetime commitment, our perpetual oblation. When Oblates died, Eugene gave precise instructions about the Cross:
They must be passed on to the new Oblates who will profit from such a heritage. I wish to have proper care shown in this distribution.
Letter to Hippolyte Courtès, 8 March 1830, EO VII n 343
Today, “our only distinctive sign is the Oblate cross” (C64) because it was the only distinctive sign possible for Eugene:
The Oblate cross which is received at perpetual profession is a constant reminder of the love of the Saviour who wishes to draw all hearts to himself and sends us out as his co-workers.
CC&RR, Constitution 63
“The most cherished possession of an Oblate is the Cross…” It is not so long that I have forgotten what it was like to receive my small Oblate Cross – the day I made my commitment as an Oblate Associate before and with other Associates, before Oblates and to OMI Lacombe Province. My cross was not simply handed to me to put on and wear as I wished. Rather it was placed over my head and around my neck. I have never been big on wearing a lot of jewelry but I made a decision that day or shortly after that it was much more than just another adornment and that I did not want to wear anything that would compete or draw attention from my cross. It became for me a very distinctive sign of how I wished to live and be – my Oblate Cross. And though it is not common, at least in these parts, I wear it every day – for, in a way, it has become a part of me.
In the morning when I get up I take my cross making the sign of the cross with it, kissing it gently and put it on and at night before going to bed I take it off and again make the sign of the cross with it and again kissing it tenderly. During my day I glance down at it often, being reminded, being touched. I will touch or take it in my hand, sometimes picking it up from my chest to kiss it. It is not showy but discrete – a small thing which is intimate – a caress. Much as would be the touch or caress of one’s wedding ring.
“The Oblate cross … is a constant reminder of the love of the Saviour who wishes to draw all hearts to himself and sends us out as his co-workers.” (CC&RR, Constitution 63) These words touch me, seducing me, and drawing me into an endless moment of reflection and remembrance, of gratitude and wonder. To be so loved, to be reminded so clearly of that love and today of all days! I could not ask for a better gift.