Oblates of Saint Benedict Recent Oblates with Abbot Michael Mike Osberg, Jolene Jefferies and Jennifer Veit What is an oblate?Literally translated, an “oblate” is an offering, or someone who offers himself or herself to God. In the world today, Oblates of St. Benedict are everyday people who seek to live extraordinary lives of devotion. Because Oblates of St. Benedict offer themselves for the service of God in their everyday lives, in so far as their station in life permits, they come from and continue to live out their faith in all walks of life. They might be farmers, office or industrial workers, homemakers, students, bankers, health care workers, lawyers or teachers. They may be Catholic or non-Catholic, young or old. Oblates take no binding vows, but they dedicate themselves in a special way to live as balanced Christian people, offering witness to the world of Christ’s transformative power. What sets them apart from other devoted Christian people is their special way of living out an enriched Christian life, according to the Gospel as reflected in the Rule of St. Benedict. Who was St. Benedict?St. Benedict lived in the sixth century. Born north of Rome in a small town, he pursued his education in that big city for a while. It wasn’t long before he abandoned his studies and hectic city life to live as a hermit at a place called Subiaco. Word began to spread about his holiness and miracles. As people flocked to join him in his religious devotion, Benedict established monastic communities at Subiaco, Terracina, and Monte Cassino. While at Monte Cassino, he wrote a Rule for his monastics to follow. What is the Benedictine Rule?Monastic “Rules” were rather common in the early centuries of Christianity, and some have endured to this day. Many were harsh and demanded extreme, even painful exercises of asceticism, self-denial and external displays of piety.St. Benedict’s Rule was unusual in its relatively gentle exhortations, its emphasis on moderation and its common-sense instruction in how to live a practical, faithful Christian life. One remarkable aspect of the Rule of St. Benedict is its decidedly scriptural tone. Well-versed in both the Old and New Testaments, Benedict breathed into every section of his Rule the tone and spirit of Holy Scripture. The durability and flexibility of the Rule over the centuries rises from its Biblical roots and its resulting authoritative character. St. Benedict placed special emphasis on the dynamic balance of work, rest and prayer in living an empowered Christian life. Other values at the center of the Rule include regular prayer, reading of the Psalms, moderation, stability, obedience, and ongoing conversion of heart. Benedictine monastics and oblates still embrace these values today, pondering their significance and through them growing closer to Christ in their everyday lives. The Rule of Benedict isn’t a set of concrete rules; rather, each reader is urged to interpret the Rule prayerfully and actively in relation to his or her own life situation and personal spiritual journey. How did Oblates come to be?While some people devoted themselves as monks and nuns to full-time Benedictine life, lay persons sought ways to develop special associations with and devotion to these monastic communities. One solution was for lay persons to become Oblates, by promising to regulate their lives according to the Spirit of St. Benedict. They shaped their daily lives to varying degrees around the teachings of the Rule and a special concern for their particular monastery or convent. Men, women, children and even entire families found the rewards of special devotion to God through their “offering” of themselves as Benedictine Oblates. How does one become an Oblate?Interested persons explore the option of becoming an Oblate of St. Benedict by contacting the Oblate Director at a specific monastery or convent. They do not take on a required, new set of religious practices, but spend a time of preparation (usually a year) as Oblate Novices, learning about Benedictine values and life, through self-directed reading, discussions, study and prayer. After that year, Novices have the option to proceed with an act of Oblation — a rite approved by the Church — and so become Oblates of St. Benedict. This commitment affiliates them with a particular Benedictine community and indicates their commitment to a Benedictine spiritual path, as they see fit for their particular station in life. This promise is not a binding vow as monastic vows are binding but is to be taken with seriousness, humility and sacred intent. What do modern Oblates do?Today, thousands of Oblates around the world carry the values and teachings of the Rule into their family lives, their churches of various denominations, their workplaces, and their community activities. They work and pray and pursue lectio divina (sacred reading and study) in connection with Benedictine men and women of their associate communities. Sometimes they join the community physically for prayer, work and recreation; however, if oblates live too far from the community to attend in person, they may support and join their community in spirit though regular personal prayer, reading, acts of devotion and contact through letters. Oblates are encouraged to make annual spiritual retreats, if possible to their associated monastic community, for recollection and renewal. Many Oblates regularly commit themselves to some sort of Christian service, as an outgrowth of their devotion. Many people receive special spiritual strength and inspiration from their commitment as Oblates. As stated earlier, living according to the Rule of Benedict isn’t about following rules; it’s a prayerful journey into growth, Christian maturity and closeness to God as an individual living in a specific and important relationship with a particular spiritual community. How does Mount Michael support the spiritual growth of Oblates?At Mount Michael, Oblate spirituality is supported by an Oblate Director, who provides direction and instruction through letters, monthly meetings, a web site and even e-mail! With the advances in communication through e-mail and the World Wide Web, Oblates are finding it possible to connect to Mount Michael from a great distance and are welcomed from around the world. Monthly meetings at Mount Michael Abbey are offered for Oblates, and attendance is encouraged for those who live nearby. Local Mount Michael Oblates regularly volunteer at the Francis House in Omaha, Nebraska, a shelter and place where meals are offered for people who are homeless. Those Oblates who live far away usually find some other opportunity for service. Oblates from far and wide are always welcome to join the monastic community in the Liturgy of the Hours and daily Eucharist in the Abbey Chapel, whenever they are in our area. |
Oblate CalendarMeeting Dates & Special Events are listed in the newsletter. NEWSLETTEROblates meetings are the 2nd Sunday of the month unless noted otherwise in the newsletter. ContactsOblate Director Assistant Oblate Director Useful Links for Oblates
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