While growing up in the Philippines, our parish was Santuario de San Jose in Mandaluyong City. The parish was established and run by the Oblates of St. Joseph (OSJ). I have seen the evolution of this parish over several decades and I have witnessed firsthand the charism, devotion and fruitful works of the OSJ in the Philippines over many years. Several OSJ priests stand out in my mind, even today, as outstanding messengers of Jesus Christ.
Today’s OSJ priests have a wonderful role model in their founder, St. Joseph Marello. He was so truly devout, saintly and holy that Bishop Savio of Asti chose him as his private assistant and confessor. And despite dying at the young age of 50, he left a lasting legacy of countless good works. The OSJ to continue the mission of spreading the gospel. Could he have even imagined that he would produce ‘more than a hundredfold’ in far-flung Philippines when he founded the OSJ?
Edsel Tan
Year of St. Joseph Preparation Committee
St. Joseph’s Church, Garden Road
