Oblates of Saint Benedict
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:
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