Holy Spouses Province of the Oblates of St. Joseph
The Oblates of St. Joseph were founded in 1878 by St. Joseph Marello. We are called to live in community in the spirit of the Holy Family of Nazareth and to reproduce in our lives the Christian mystery as it was lived by St. Joseph in union with God, in humility, in a hidden life, in hard work, and in total commitment to the interests of Jesus. We serve in whatever ministry Divine Providence points out to us from time to time, giving special attention to those most in need, to the religious and moral education of youth, to parish ministry, and to spreading devotion to St. Joseph.
Present in the United States since 1929 largely to serve poor immigrant populations, in 2013 two separate provinces of the Oblates in Pennsylvania and in California were joined into a single new “Holy Spouses Province.” Living in a society troubled by individualism, secularism, broken families, and threats against marriage and chastity, we seek in our ministry to strengthen an appreciation of God’s plan for virginity and matrimony. We foster devotion to the Holy Spouses, Mary and Joseph, the most powerful intercessors and the best models both of married love and virginal love. Theology of the Body retreats for youth, “Life-Giving Love” workshops for couples, the Holy Spouses Society, enthronement of the Holy Spouses image, promotion of the Holy Spouses Rosary, and honoring St. Joseph as Patron of the Unborn are all ministries to support youth, couples, and families in the joyful and faithful living of their vocations.
The houses of our province are:
Santa Cruz, CA, Provincial House and Guardian of the Redeemer Shrine
Pittston, PA, St. Joseph Marello Parish, and St. Joseph Chapel
Madera, CA, St. Joachim Parish
Loomis & Granite Bay, CA, Mt. St. Joseph Seminary, St. Joseph Marello Youth Retreat Center, St. Joseph Marello Parish
Bakersfield, CA, Shrine Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Copatroness of the Unborn
Hazleton, PA, Holy Annunciation Parish
Philadelphia, PA, St. Joseph Marello House of Studies
Our website is osjusa.org
Anyone wishing to inquire about a pilgrimage to the Shrine of St. Joseph, Guardian of the Redeemer, or about a memorial for a deceased preborn child, may call (831) 457-1868.
Young single men between the ages of 16 and 35 interested in exploring a vocation with the Oblates of St. Joseph may write to vocations@osjusa.org.