Transitus Oblates should go forth as witnesses of Jesus Christ and instruments of the Church’s mission by proclaiming the Kingdom of Heaven to the world (kerygma), first through their lives, and secondly by their words.
The apostolic life modeled and taught by Christ to the Apostles, which was undertaken in the most perfect form by St. Francis of Assisi, is a most wonderful and efficacious means for the sanctification of one's soul and the conversion of sinners––a life of prayer and contemplation (theoria), and the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.
The life of prayer is founded on penance (conversion), which should lead one to contemplation, and the fruits of contemplation are revealed in apostolic activity. Christian prayer is a movement of the Holy Ghost that begins with conversion, a conversion that brings us to contemplate the Love of God that is revealed in the image (icon) of Christ. As we are transformed by grace into His likeness (deification) we are moved by love to bring this to the world, which moves us to return in humility to God as penitents called to be saints.
Let all Oblates be counseled, admonished, and exhorted in the Lord Jesus Christ, that when they go about in the world, they do not quarrel or fight with words or judge others; rather let them be meek, peaceful, unassuming, gentle and humble, speaking courteously to everyone without partiality as a servant to their master. Oblates are to preach the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ––Christ and Him crucified––not so much by clever arguments or with eloquence of speech, but in truth and humility, with simplicity and love, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power and one’s faith rest in the wisdom of men and not in the power of God. For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Any brother or sister, especially a fellow Oblate, traveling on the Lord’s business should be received in a spirit of love and hospitality into our homes, as a gift from the Lord. In whatever house the Oblates enter, let them say, “Peace to this house,” and may they always be an instrument of peace, for blessed are the peacemakers. “Fear not because you appear little and mean and ignorant, but preach penance courageously, trusting that the Lord, who conquered the world, will speak through you and in you by the power of His Spirit.” – St. Francis of Assisi
