Oblates of Saint Benedict
Saint Benedict lived in Italy
in the sixth century. It is said that early in life he abandoned
formal education and a possible secular career and chose to seek God
alone. As a hermit, Benedict became well known for his holiness
of life and the signs he performed. As his reputation grew, he
gathered his followers into monastic communities and wrote a “rule of
life” for them. These Benedictine communities strove to be
“schools of the Lord’s service”, places where charity and communion
with God was learned and put into practice. With this vision at
heart, the Benedictine vocation spread throughout Europe and
monasteries became centers of prayer, culture and education.
For centuries lay men and women have also offered themselves to God (in
Latin, “oblatio”, that is, “offering”) as oblates of particular
Benedictine monasteries. While remaining “in the world“, they
have become witnesses to Christ as they follow their own regimen
of prayer and work in the spirit of St. Benedict. Growing in the
awareness of God in their daily lives, oblates offer themselves for the
service of God and neighbor. And the formal bond of prayer, study
and good works between oblates and monastic communities helps both to
live holy lives, according to their own vocation.
What are the benefits of being an
Oblate of Saint Benedict?
Oblates of Saint Benedict are able to enrich their Christian way of
life by following the wisdom and example of Saint Benedict. His
spirituality reflects gospel values such as stability and fidelity,
humility and conversion, obedience and a reverence for all human
persons. As one who sought peace in a world of conflict,
community in a place of isolation, and God in a time of empty
ambitions, Saint Benedict still has much to say to us.
Through the Oblate program here at Saint Benedict Monastery, we hope to
foster the Christian spirit in all our members. Saint Benedict
teaches his followers to practice Christian values more profoundly by
dedicating themselves in a meaningful way to regular prayer and acts of
charity. Regular contact through meetings and newsletters, group
liturgical prayer and a variety of talks and discussions on Benedictine
spirituality help oblates to find spiritual strength and communion in
their association with one another and with our monastic community.
How does one become an Oblate?
Christians of all traditions - not just Catholics - may become
Benedictine Oblates. An oblate must simply desire to learn about
and follow the Benedictine way. He or she does do not make public
religious vows as monks do, but the oblate’s association with the
monastery is recognized by the Church. Those wishing to join are
formally enrolled as “oblate novices” for a period of one year.
During this time of formation they are introduced to the Rule of Saint
Benedict and the important elements of his spirituality so that they
can understand how Benedictine values are experienced and expressed in
their daily life.
Upon mutual agreement with the Director of Oblates, an oblate may make
his or her “oblation” which takes place in a ceremony which borrows
elements from the monastic profession of vows. This is a
commitment to live in the spirit of Saint Benedict, his Rule and the
directives of the oblate program. One may remain an Oblate of
Saint Benedict Monastery for life. The oblation is renewed each
year and there are no formal dues for membership. Once oblates
have been formally accepted they keep the spirit of Saint Benedict in
their lives by maintaining a connection with the monastery and fellow
oblates, and by regular prayer, study and acts of charity in accord
with the promises of their oblation and their state in life.
For further information:
The Oblates of Saint Benedict Monastery, Oxford, Michigan are being
newly established this year. If you reside in or near Southeast
Michigan, we welcome your inquiries about our group. Please
contact the Director of Oblates:
Fr. John Martin Shimkus, O.S.B.
St. Benedict Monastery
2711 Drahner Rd.
Oxford, MI 48370-2815
(248) 628-2249
oblates_saintben@yahoo.com