Oblate What is an Oblate? Oblates of St. Benedict are Christian individuals or families who have chosen to associate themselves with a Benedictine Community in order to enrich their Christian way of life. Oblates incorporate the principles of St. Benedict, whose spiritual wisdom is derived from the Gospels, into their lives. Oblates seek God by searching for the perfection that he has set before us in Christ Jesus. By integrating their prayer and work, Oblates open themselves to and reveal Christ’s presence among us. St. Paul tells us that each member of the body of Christ, the Church, has a special function and place in Christ's kingdom. Not all men and women are called to live in a monastery or to take Solemn Vows. Oblates are single and married, men and women, who live in their own homes, and in those homes seek the richness of their calling in the world. The Oblate seeks to bring the world to God by being witnesses of Christ by word and example. St. Benedict lived in the sixth century. He was born in the small town of Nursia, north of Rome, and went to Rome for his education. He was disillusioned with the decadence of Rome and he abandoned his studies to live as a hermit for several years at a place called Subiaco. In time, he developed a reputation for holiness and miracles and attracted many followers. Benedict established monastic communities at Subiaco, Terracina, and Monte Cassino. It was at Monte Cassino that he wrote a Rule which combined moderation with fidelity to the best traditions in Christian monasticism. During the following centuries, his monastic way of life spread throughout Europe, and Benedictine monasteries and convents became the principal centers of prayer, culture, and education. From the very beginning, Benedictine monasteries accepted boys and convents received girls “offered” to them by their parents for their religious training and education. These children lived in the community, shared its daily round of religious activities, and became known as Oblates. In the course of time, lay people asked to be associated with the work of the monks and nuns, without having to leave their homes, families, and occupations. These people, too, were received, offered themselves to God, became Oblates of a monastery or convent, and promised to regulate their lives according to the spirit of the Rule of St. Benedict. They applied the teachings of the Rule to their lives in the world, in their family circles, in their places of work, and in their civic and social activities. Today, throughout the world, there are thousands of Oblates praying and working in spiritual union with Benedictine Communities and receiving spiritual strength and inspiration from their association as Oblates. The Rule ~ a guide for Oblates
Oblates, desiring an enriched Christian experience, promise to lead a life based on the Gospel and the Rule of St. Benedict. In this way, Oblates share in the spiritual benefits of the sons and daughters of Benedict who are dedicated to the monastic life by vow. After a time of preparation, which culminates in an act of Oblation, the candidate becomes an Oblate of St. Benedict. This promise binds the candidate to a Benedictine community and commits them to apply monastic principles to their lives. Stability
Oblates strive for stability by regular worship with their Brothers and Sisters, and by supporting them, not only in word, but also deed. Oblates strive for stability by grounding themselves in Christ and the Gospels. Stability is found by seeking Christ in all things, especially in prayer. Oblates seek out a place and time during the day to engage Christ and bring balance once again to their lives. This encounter bonds the torn fabric of their lives and brings about a sense of wholeness and balance. Therefore, the goal of Stability is the search for balance, integration, and wholeness in Christ. Conversion of Manners
In the spirit of the gospel, Oblates commit themselves to continual conversion in Christ. Through the deepened understanding of the baptismal vows, Oblates are free to put on Christ and to allow him to permeate their lives. This comes about by no longer defining for themselves what is best, or how something should be done, but by being ever willing to follow the leading of God. Conversion of Manners, often referred to as Conversion of Life, is an act of oblation. The Oblate offers to God the whole of their actions, intentions, and will. The Oblate seeks in God a transformation not unlike that of Christ’s transfiguration. The Oblate no longer defines their actions as their own, but offers them to God for the benefit of the Church and the well-being of their Brothers and Sisters. Obedience
Out of the covenant of love which God extended to us through Christ at our baptism, Christian men and women offer to respond to Christ in love. This is what the Companions of St. Luke define as obedience. Obedience is often a hard thing to give, because humans wish to be in control of their lives. Control is linked to will, and will to our want to our self-centeredness. An Oblate offers their obedience to God as an act of love and selflessness. They search for God’s will in all things, asking the Holy Spirit to guide and direct their ways. These ways are found in the Gospels and in the Rule of St. Benedict. Oblates bind themselves to a Benedictine Community, to heighten their awareness of ways in which to deepen their Christian lives and to return to Christ some of the love that has been given them. Prayer
There is no greater work than that of prayer for a Benedictine. Oblates of St. Benedict promise to live a life of prayer. The Companions of St. Luke encourage their Oblates to use the Divine Office as a starting point for this prayer life. The use of the Divine Office unites the Oblate with their Community and links the Oblate with the thousands of Oblates around the world. Prayer is an act of oblation. It is an offering of praise, petition, and thanksgiving. Prayer opens the doors of heaven and places us in the throne room of God. Prayer offers the soul the opportunity to once again meet and touch its Lover and Creator in a mystical way. Prayer is a selfless act, as we seek in it the will of God through Christ Jesus. In it we can find contentment, peace, tears, joy, and union with God. Through prayer we seek wholeness, healing and a desire only to love God. When time and opportunity are available, Oblates are to seek the companionship of their Brothers and Sisters in prayer. Formation
The Companions of St. Luke has designed for each Oblate a rich and meaningful formation experience as they begin their Oblate journey. This richness does not come easily and requires an offering of time and study on the part of the Oblate. Each Oblate will enter into a formation program that will require prayer, time, reading, and reflection. Progress requires commitment. Recognizing that most Oblates have occupations, family, and other responsibilities, the formation program is challenging and yet sensitive to the demands of contemporary life. Oblates of St. Benedict
The call to be an Oblate of St. Benedict is not understood by the Companions of St. Luke to be a lesser form of Religious Life. Quite the reverse! We believe that we are traveling together on a horizontal plane toward God. We are called to the ministry of prayer and presence at different times, places and commitment levels. We are all sons and daughters of God and seek the same goal - Union with our beloved Lord. Those desiring a fuller and richer life in that search are, by our definition, Religious. The Oblate need not be a vowed Brother or Sister to benefit from the centuries of wisdom that have been distilled from the Rule of St. Benedict. The Abbey invites you to explore such a calling. On your acceptance as an Oblate, you will gain a spiritual home - the Abbey of St. Benedict. The Brothers and Sisters of the Community will become your companions and journey with you toward the Love that has called you. An Act of Oblation
In obedience to God's call and as an offering to Him and to the Community, Oblates share their resources with their Community monthly. |
