Our contemplative spirit is traced to our patrons St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal, who founded the Order of the Visitation. The Visitation Sisters are a contemplative group of women who pray throughout the day for the Church and the world.

In the 19th century, this contemplative tradition was shared with the Oblates by a Visitation sister, Mother Mary de Sales Chappuis. This prayer and contemplation became central to the Oblate identity and has helped us grow as a community. From the beginning of their religious life, Oblates are trained in contemplation through daily prayer, meditation, and liturgy.

All Oblates are devoted to meditation and active ministry (service) in their daily lives. When Oblates retire, contemplation and prayer become their primary work. This ministry of prayer takes place in parish or school settings and our retirement community at Childs, MD. Wherever our senior Oblates reside, they hold you in prayer.