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The beginnings of the Oblates lie in one man’s search for the simple spiritual joys of a community of like-minded Christians. In the mid-1970's, a postulant for Holy Orders in the Episcopal Church was searching for a religious order that could fill the needs of a working, family man, trying to find his vocation in the ministry of the Church. He and a few friends decided to begin regular prayer and learning sessions. These “Faith and Practice” sessions were based around the liturgical life of the Anglican faith. In 1983, the Order of the Oblates of the Holy Spirit was formed with two members and half a dozen Associates.
The Oblates of the Holy Spirit Religious Order exists to minister to the neglected, whomever and wherever they may be.
In these intervening years, the Order has expanded into Australia, England, France, Italy, South Africa, Switzerland, Uganda and Ukraine. In the United States, the Order began a prison ministry, with Baker House, Marion House, and Calhoun House, all in Florida.
OHS is now under the sponsorship of the United Anglican Church; however, membership is open to members of all Christian denominations whether they are clergy or laity, male or female. OHS upholds the traditions of the sanctity of human life, and celibacy outside the marriage of a man and a woman.
In 2008 the Oblates of the Holy Spirit merged with the Franciscan Brothers of the Divine Providence. Thus making Bishop Jose Delgado the Episcopal Visitor of the combined Orders. Members of the Oblates are now considered Third Order Franciscans. There is also a place for those who desire to become First Order Franciscans and a mother house which is located in Manati, PR. The Oblates of the Holy Spirit are now the Franciscan Oblates of the Holy Spirit.
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