WHAT ARE OBLATES?
This is a question I get asked again and again. In our little brochure that is entitled: Oblates of St. Benedict, we try to explain briefly what an oblate is but people want to know more. We have a reply to this question on our web site and the section on oblates. However, hardly a week goes by here at Conception that I am not asked by a guest or someone just stopping by, this very question. I thought I would try to explain in the oblate blog this week a little more of what being an oblate means. In doing this I am grateful to the oblate office at St. Meinrad Archabbey for permission to use some of what they have published on their web site, and in other places, on what it means to be an oblate.
Benedictine oblates are first of all Christian men and women with a spiritual bond to the particular monastery with which they are affiliated, in our case Conception Abbey. Their affiliation and partnership spread the outreach of Benedictine spirituality into the secular world and provide a strong foundation for individual spiritual growth.
Often, Christian men and women living the secular world yearn for a spiritual life more deeply rooted in God. They know in their hearts there can be more fulfillment in their everyday, ordinary Christian lives. For more than 1,500 years, the Rule of St. Benedict has offered a way to pursue that search.
Oblates are affiliated with a particular Benedictine monastery and share a spiritual union and human friendship with that monastic community. They are bonded in prayer, love and commitment, becoming partners in the prayer and works of the monastery. Living the life of an oblate requires commitment and daily, dedicated time with Christ.
To be an oblate is a vocation, a response to a call; their presence of and witness of living the life are a reciprocal blessing to the abbey with which the oblate is affiliated.
Oblates do not live in a religious community or take vows. They make a promise to dedicate themselves to the service of God and of their brothers and sisters according to the spirit of the Rule of St. Benedict, in so far as their state in life permits.
Oblates or Conception Abbey are encouraged:
1) To pray the Liturgy of the Hours daily, at least morning and evening prayer.
2) Read the Rule of St. Benedict, perhaps a portion each day, along with a commentary.
3) Practice lectio divina a form of meditative reading, usually but not exclusively from Scripture.
4) Participate frequently in the sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation. Oblates who are not Roman Catholic should be faithful to their denominational beliefs and practices.
5) Be attentive to God’s constant presence in their daily lives.
6) Make oblate retreats at Conception Abbey, or at another location, when possible.
7) Renew your oblation each year after your final oblation. A card will be sent to you each year for doing this.
And finally, if you have other questions or wish to talk to the oblate director call me at 660-944-2985 or e-mail me at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
God bless you.
Fr. Kenneth Reichert, O.S.B.
Director of Oblates