St. Francis de Sales, giving up his shoes to a poor man on the way to church.

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 take up residence in North Carolina. Shortly thereafter, in May of 1967, Father Anthony Dougherty, OSFS, was named Principal of Asheville Catholic High School.

Today the Oblates serve the church in North Carolina at parishes throughout the state.