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The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales

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Our Founding

The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales

Founded in 1875 by St. Francis de Sales, the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales (OSFS) are a religious congregation dedicated to the education and spiritual formation of young people. Rooted in the gentle, humble, and transformative spirituality of their patron saint, the Oblates have been shaping hearts and minds for over a century.

The congregation was established with a clear mission: to make the love of God known through education, preaching, and pastoral work. St. Francis de Sales, known as the "Gentleman Saint," inspired a spirituality that emphasises God's unconditional love and the call to live that love in everyday life.

Today, the OSFS congregation serves in over 20 countries across five continents, operating schools, universities, retreat centres, and pastoral ministries. The Oblate tradition continues to thrive, offering a distinctive educational approach that combines academic rigour with spiritual depth and compassionate care for every person.

St. Francis de Sales
Our Spiritual Heritage

The Salesian Charism

Core pillars of the Salesian spiritual tradition

Gentleness & Humility

The heart of Salesian spirituality is a gentle, humble love that meets each person where they are. St. Francis de Sales taught that true strength lies in kindness and that every soul deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

Heart Speaks to Heart

The Salesian motto "Cor ad cor loquitur" (Heart speaks to heart) expresses the deeply personal approach to education and ministry. It is a relationship built on trust, mutual respect, and authentic connection.

Live Jesus

The central devotion of the Oblates is "Live Jesus!" — a call to make the life and virtues of Jesus present in every action. This devotion inspires a joyful, prayerful, and service-oriented approach to daily life.

Faith & Reason

Salesian education integrates faith deeply with reason. Students are encouraged to think critically, question thoughtfully, and grow in their understanding of the world while remaining anchored in their spiritual foundation.

Community & Fellowship

The Oblates believe in the power of community. Education is not an individual pursuit but a shared journey. Schools are families where teachers, students, and families walk together in faith and mutual support.

Universal Mission

The Salesian charism knows no boundaries. From the beginning, the Oblates have been called to bring education and spiritual formation to all people, regardless of nationality, culture, or social status.

By the Numbers

Oblates in Service

The global impact of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales

1875
Year Founded
20+
Countries Served
150+
Educational Institutions
1,200+
Oblate Priests & Brothers
Global Reach

Worldwide Presence

Serving communities across five continents

North America

The Oblates operate numerous schools, parishes, and retreat centres across the United States and Canada, providing Salesian education rooted in faith and academic excellence.

Europe

With its headquarters in Rome, the OSFS congregation has a strong presence across Europe, including France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, where the Salesian tradition first took root.

Africa

Oblate missions in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and other African nations serve thousands of students, offering transformative education and spiritual formation in diverse communities.

Asia & Oceania

From India to the Philippines, and from Japan to Australia, the Salesian charism enriches communities through schools, universities, and pastoral ministries that form the next generation of leaders.