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
oblatemail@gmail.com