Our life is apostolic

"The life of those who join this work is the apostolic life, or the imitation of the holy Apostles. They leave behind all things and go to work there where, in the judgment of the superiors, the greater glory of God and the salvation of souls await each one." (Rules. 1882)

Our spirit is love

"The spirit by which they are impelled is the love of God and of neighbor, according to St. Paul's exhortation in his first letter to the Corinthians (Ch. 13). That love is like a burning fire from which issues forth such an apostolic fervor that they give all and wholly spend themselves for souls, even to the shedding of their blood, if God should desire." (Rules 1882)

We are called to become saints and to work in order that others become saints

"Since, however, without effort towards their own perfection no fruit is to be expected from their labors in the Lord's vineyard, they are bound to make daily progress on the road to holiness. Let them, therefore, be mindful above all that all our progress is the work of divine grace, which they should in unceasing prayer implore for themselves from the Father of all light." (Rules 1882)

We live according the evangelical counsels

"In order to grow in this necessary virtue it is very helpful to look upon our Lord Jesus Christ, who became obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross... Celibacy is to be observed in the Lord... Since they follow in the footsteps of the holy Apostles who left all things and followed Christ they shall, as far as possible, observe poverty in their life and conduct." (Rules 1882)

We love each other

"Above all, the members shall cultivate mutual charity so that, united by the bond of peace in the Holy Spirit, they show themselves to be companions of the Apostles, taking as their special legacy the words of our greatest master, Jesus Christ, as He was about to leave this world: “A new commandment I give to you that you love one another; even as I have loved you, you too, shall love each other.” They shall treat each other with kindness, support one another with patience, and accept correction from a confrere in all humility." (Rules 1882)