Oblates of Saint Benedict are Christian individuals or families who have associated themselves with a Benedictine community in order to enrich their Christian way of life. Oblates shape their lives by living the wisdom of Christ as interpreted by St. Benedict. They seek God by striving to become holy in their chosen way of life. By integrating their prayer and work, they manifest Christ’s presence in society.
Benedictine Oblates seek God in association with a monastic community; as individuals and as members of a body, they grow in love of God, neighbor and self. With the Rule of St. Benedict as their guide, Oblates adopt values which are part of the very fabric of Christian spirituality. Some of these include spending time daily to reflect on sacred Scripture; cultivating an awareness of the presence of God in silence; devoting time to the praise of God; performing acts of mortification. Acquaintance with these and other Christian values presented in the Rule of St. Benedict will enable Oblates to attain that special peace and joy, which Christ came to bring and promised to all who follow Him.
Oblates concern themselves with striving to be what they are, people of God and temples of the Holy Spirit. Their prayer life will flow from this awareness, as will their willingness to offer themselves (that is the meaning of the word “Oblate”) for the service of God and neighbor to the best of their ability. Oblates do not take on a new set of religious practices and are not required to say a certain number of prayers or engage in special devotions.
Oblates regularly receive an Oblate Newsletter to support and engage their spiritual life. There are meetings, Oblate Sundays and an Oblate Renewal Day in August each year to network and form a community among the Oblates.
Loretta Jarva finds being an Oblate as a way to stay connected with her faith more deeply. One of her favorite parts of living according to the Rule of Benedict is prayer. She takes part in the Liturgy of the Hours, the Eucharist and lectio divina. Missing any or all parts of these prayers leaves a hole in her day and she knows that it was her calling to be faithful to her commitment as an Oblate. Becoming an Oblate six years ago has become a “way of life” for Loretta and she feels very blessed to be spreading her faith, journey and ministry to others.
In living as an Oblate of St. Benedict, one affiliates with a Benedictine monastery and shares in the good works, prayers and spirit of the vowed monastics of that community,” states Oblate Jeannie Weber. She continues, “Daily there is an effort made to be faithful to the words and values of Christ lived out in connection with others, i.e., in our community of family, of parish, of work place, of neighborhood, of political arena, of casual acquaintances and deep friendships.
For more information on becoming an Oblate, contact
S. Hélène Mercier, OSB
Oblate Director, Saint Benedict’s Monastery
104 Chapel Lane
St. Joseph, MN 56374-0220
320-363-7144
oblatessbm@csbsju.edu
S. Roberta Werner, OSB
Assistant to the Oblate Director
Saint Benedict’s Monastery
104 Chapel Lane
St. Joseph, MN 56374-0220
320-363-7144
oblatessbm@csbsju.edu