Vatican Council II has made it clear that the laity should exercise a very active role in the Church's mission to the world. Oblates of St. Benedict are in a favorable position for carrying out this admonition. They are spiritually associated with a Benedictine community. They have pledged themselves to order their lives in accord with the spirit of the Rule of St. Benedict They are therefore encouraged to be faithful witnesses of Christ by striving to bring the Gospel message and God's way of holiness to the world around them. This is, in fact, the chief reason for there being Oblates of St. Benedict.
Have you Considered the Oblates?
In today's world there are many who have forgotten how to live. For those who wish to learn how to live, becoming an Oblate is a perfectly safe investment. Oblates are clerics or lay people - both men and women - who associate themselves with a Benedictine monastery or convent in order that they may share in the spiritual and material good works of the community. They do not take vows and do not live in the monastery or convent. But they follow the usual duties of their state of life as professional persons, laborers, or homemakers guided by the teachings of Christ as set down in the Holy Rule of St. Benedict. Living in the world and being witnesses of Christ by word and example. Oblates offer themselves to the service of God and their neighbor. They promise to live according to the Christian virtues of justice by recognizing their personal and social moral responsibilities toward individual persons, toward community, city, state, nation, and toward human society in general, by striving for the common welfare of all. Oblates seek God and His glory in all things and by their example hope to inspire others to do likewise. In short, Oblates live the Benedictine way of life while following their own state of life in the world.
You Can Become an Oblate:Here's How!
1. Visit Saint Leo Abbey - or write to the Director of Oblates, see below. 2. Be of mature age. 3. Spend a year (at home) and attend the Abbey's monthly Oblate meetings as an Oblate Novice, becoming acquainted with the Rule of St. Benedict and with the Community here at Saint Leo Abbey. 4. After a year, make your oblation (promise of affiliation to the Abbey and the Benedictine values in your life) upon mutual agreement with the Director of Oblates.
We Can Help each Other
If you ask why we Benedictines are concerned about having laypersons associated with us as Oblates, the answer is that we wish to share our spiritual life with you. We look upon this as part of our spiritual apostolate to the world, to enrich your lives and the lives of others around you with the higher motives and nobler inspirations of the teachings of Christ, as reflected in Benedictine way of life. We want to help you attain more effectively the peace and joy which Christ came to bring and which He promised to all who follow Him. The Oblates associated with Saint Leo form an integral part of the Abbey activities with their daily outside contacts.
For further information about Oblates, please contact:
Oblate Coordinator Saint Leo Abbey PO Box 2350 St. Leo, FL 33574 (1) 352-588-8180
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