Oblates of St. Francis de Sales

The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, a religious order of priests and brothers founded in France in 1875 by Blessed Louis Brisson, came to the United States in 1893.

The primary charism of the Oblates is to "Live Jesus" by imitating Christ, following the optimistic spirit and teachings of their founder while ministering to the people of God in the modern world in a gentle and humble way in the spirit of their patron, St. Francis de Sales.

The Oblates have been serving the Catholic people of North Carolina since 1966. Their ministry in North Carolina began as the result of a close friendship between Father William D. Buckley, OSFS, and Bishop Vincent S. Waters of the Diocese of Raleigh. Both had great plans for the Oblates in North Carolina.

Father Joseph Maule, OSFS, named pastor of St. Barnabas parish in Arden on January 19, 1966, was the first Oblate to serve in North Carolina. Four years later the Oblates came to Durham when Holy Infant parish was established in 1970. Fr. Edward Friel, OSFS, was named the first pastor. 

Since 1966 more than 50 Oblates of St. Francis de Sales have engaged in a variety of pastoral and educational ministries throughout North Carolina, from the western mountains to the Outer Banks.