The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales South Africa
For All of Us
The OSFS maintains a presence in Table View, Cape Town, and Vredenburg and serve several local parishes and communities.
History of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales (OSFS)
The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales were founded in 1875 by Blessed Louis Brisson in Troyes, France. Inspired by the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales, the congregation was established to live and spread his teachings, especially his vision of holiness in daily life, gentleness, humility, and devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
St. Francis de Sales (1567–1622), a bishop and doctor of the Church, emphasized that holiness is possible for all people, not just clergy or religious. His loving, optimistic approach to spirituality became the heart of the Oblates’ mission.
The order was founded in response to the needs of the time, particularly to provide education, spiritual guidance, and vocational formation, especially among youth and the working class.
Arrival and Involvement in South Africa
- After the Society of African Missions withdrew from Namaqualand and the North Western Cape in the 1880s, the Vicar Apostolic of Cape of Good Hope sought another congregation to continue evangelization in these regions.
- In response, Louis Brisson sent five missionary priests in 1882, leading to the establishment of OSFS mission stations in Pella (1882), Matjieskloof (1885), Nababeep (1900), O’kiep (1904), and Port Nolloth (1904).
Expansion into Namibia & Sister Missions
In 1882, alongside the priests, three Oblate Sisters arrived from France to support missions in South Africa. Stations were established in Namibia between 1896 and 1907.
Establishment in Cape Town Region
Today, the OSFS maintains a presence in Table View, Cape Town, and Vredenburg. They serve several local parishes and communities:
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- 43 Janssens Avenue, Table View – home to Fr. Carlo Adams OSFS and Fr. Gavin Atkins OSFS
- 39 Voortrekker Street, Vredenburg – base for Fr. Jan Mostert OSFS
Mission & Charism in South Africa
- Rooted in Salesian spirituality—gentleness, humility, devotion—the Oblates focus on:
- Pastoral care in underserved communities
- Youth ministry and leadership formation
- Parish engagement and sacramental outreach
- Spiritual accompaniment and retreats
- This continued from the early missionary ethos into their current active ministries in urban and rural parishes across the Western Cape.
Mission World Wide
Today, the Oblates serve in over 20 countries on five continents.
Parish pastoral work
Schools and education
Retreats and spiritual direction
Youth ministry and vocations
Foreign missions
What the Oblates Use Their Funds For
Formation of New Oblates (Seminarians and Novices)
- Covering seminary tuition, living expenses, and formation programs
- Providing mentorship and spiritual direction
- Supporting the development of vocations in Africa and abroad
Pastoral Outreach & Parish Ministry
- Running and maintaining churches in poorer or rural areas
(e.g., Vredenburg, Pella, Nababeep) - Offering free or subsidized sacraments, funerals, and counselling
- Transport for priests who serve multiple mission stations
Community Development & Mission Projects
- Supporting the poor with food, clothing, and occasional rent support
- Upkeep of mission houses and parish centers
- Assisting lay leaders and volunteers
Priests’ Basic Living Costs
- Modest monthly stipends
- Food, transport, healthcare, and day-to-day parish-related expenses
Youth Ministry & Retreats
- Funding youth programs like confirmation retreats, and leadership camps
- Purchasing teaching resources, meals, and materials for parish events
Retired or Ailing Oblates
- Healthcare, assisted living, or retirement costs for elderly priests who have served for decades.
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