What is an Oblate?
An Oblate of St. Benedict is a Christian affiliated
with a Benedictine monastery for the purpose of enriching her/his
Christian way of life by sharing in the spiritual life, prayers, and
good works of the community. Since St. Benedict founded his Order
about 1500 years ago, Christians have sought to associate themselves
with his monasteries. St. Frances of Rome, Henry II, Duke of
Bavaria, Thomas More, and Dorothy Day are among this cloud of
witnesses. Our men and women Oblates here at St. Scholastica come
from all walks of life, represent a variety of Christian
denominations, and have varied avocations and vocations.
The
Oblate does not live in the monastery and does not take vows. Each
continues to carry out the usual duties of her/his state of life in
whatever chosen occupation or profession. Encouraged by the wisdom
of the Rule, the Oblate strives to keep a balance between work,
prayer and leisure. Because of the close spiritual union with the
sisters, the Oblate becomes an extension of the community and gives
witness to the Benedictine charism in the secular world. The Oblate
is encouraged to find God's Presence in all people, places and
times, and to help others come to this same awareness.
Enlightened by the Holy Spirit, the Oblate seeks to
understand Christ's teaching in the Scriptures as interpreted by St.
Benedict in his Rule. The Oblate is encouraged to offer cooperation
and leadership in civic and parish life; and also to show love and
concern for those in need whenever possible. Christ tells us, "By
this will all know that you are my disciples, if you have love for
one another."
Why be an Oblate?
To find deeper meaning in life by following the
Benedictine way, focusing on what is important: faithful prayer,
good works, community and Christian hospitality.
To
be a witness. Vatican Council encourages the laity to
exercise an active role in the church's mission to the world.
Spiritually associated with a Benedictine community, the Oblate is
in a favored position to do this. Pope Paul VI, in an address to
Benedictine abbots said, "the modern world needs to be shaken and
disturbed by the example of Benedictine prayer and work." This
applies also to the Oblate who reflects the life and spirit of the
community to which she/he is affiliated.
Basic Values
Some basic
values of Benedictine Life that are shared with the Oblate are the
following:
-
seeking God through prayer and
recollection
-
developing attentiveness to
the Word of God by frequent Scripture reading
-
cultivating a deep reverence
for life and all creation
-
preferring simplicity to
extravagant living
-
seeing work as service
-
participating more fully in
one's local church
-
working for peace in the world
-
living a balanced
life
Invitation
The St. Scholastica community
extends to the Oblate an invitation:
-
to unite her/his prayer daily to that of the
community
-
to share with the community in the
celebration of Eucharist and the Divine Office
-
to attend some enrichment opportunities with
the Community
-
to participate in the works of the Community
as one is able
-
to extend the spirit of the Community
wherever they are
-
to strive to know the community and what it
is doing
-
to encourage others who are attracted to the
Benedictine way of life.
How can one become
an Oblate?
Ask for information. A person
desiring to become an Oblate can visit, call, or write to the
Oblate Director. She will arrange an interview to explain the
process and expectations of becoming an Oblate.
Pursue further contact. After the
initial contact the applicant is invited to attend the
scheduled Oblate meetings. Appropriate reading material is
given for study. After several meetings with the Director, the
year of candidacy begins with a simple ceremony in which the
Candidate receives a copy of the Rule of Benedict and a
Benedictine medal. During this time of discernment the
Candidate studies the Rule to discover how it can apply to
her/his life. Instruction is offered at the meetings and/or
through personal contact and correspondence with the Director.
Make Act of Oblation. After a year of
discernment, if the Candidate is still willing, she/he will
make final Oblation, which is renewed annually. The Act of
Oblation is not a vow; it is a solemn promise made to God
which is not to be considered lightly. The candidate makes a
commitment to be a faithful witness of Christ with the support
of the Benedictine community. This commitment is made at a
special ceremony. A signed document of Oblation is given to
those making Oblation.
Oblate Program
Staff
Sr. Magdalen
Stanton, Director
E-mail: Sr.
Magdalen
Assistants:
St. Vincent's (Conway County)
Sr.
Madeline Clifton and Sr. Rosemary Rufener
Springfield,
MO
Sr.
Stephanie Schroeder and Sr. Regina
Schroeder
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