At the service of the Church

3. At the service of the Church

In founding the Congregation of "Oblates", [6]
Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
Father Dehon wanted its members
to unite in an explicit way
their religious and apostolic life
with the reparatory oblation of Christ to the Father
for people.

That was his "specific and original intention"
and the "character proper to the Institute" (cf. LG & PC),
the service it is called to render to the Church.
In Father Dehon's own words:
"our whole vocation, our purpose,
our duty, our promises, are found in these words:
Ecce venio ..., Ecce ancilla..."
(Spiritual Directory, I, 3).

Father Dehon expected his religious [7]
to be prophets of love and servants of reconciliation
of people and the world
in Christ (cf. 2 Cor. 5:18).

Thus involved with Him
to remedy sin and the lack of love
in the Church and in the world,
they shall render "the worship of love
and of reparation
that His Heart desires"
through their whole life,
their prayers, works,
suffering and joys (cf. NQ xxv, 5).