Oblate Life
Who are Benedictine Oblates?
Oblates of St. Benedict are everyday people with jobs, families, and other responsibilities and come from a variety of faith traditions. They associate 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 for holiness in their chosen way of life, integrating prayer and work, and manifesting Christ’s presence in today's hectic, changing world. Being an Oblate offers a rich spiritual connection to the stability and wisdom of an established monastic community.
Saint Paul tells us that each member of the Body of Christ, the Church, has a special function to perform. Some are called to marriage and family life, others to remain single, still others to ordained ministry, or to religious life. This Benedictine vocation can be lived within any of these circumstances. Oblates seek holiness wherever God has placed them, striving to bring Him to their little corner of the world by witnessing to Christ through their words and example. Prayer is at the heart of this vocation, shaping and sustaining their service to God and neighbor.
The History of Oblates
Saint Benedict lived in the sixth century. He came to Rome for his education, but before long he abandoned his studies and lived as a hermit for several years. In time he acquired a reputation for holiness and miracles. Attracting many followers, Benedict established several monastic communities. In the course of time, lay people sought to share in the work and spiritual life of Benedictine communities without leaving their homes, families, and occupations. They offered themselves to God, became Oblates, and promised to regulate their lives according to the spirit of the Rule of St. Benedict.
Today, throughout the world, there are thousands of Oblates praying and working in spiritual union with Benedictine men and women of various monastic communities and receiving spiritual strength and inspiration from this association.
Why Benedictine Spirituality Matters
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. His spirituality reflects such gospel values as stability and fidelity, humility and conversion of life, obedience and a reverence for all of creation. Oblates and Associates in our community are able to enrich their Christian way of life by following the wisdom and example of Saint Benedict.
If you would like to explore more about Benedictine spirituality and see whether it might have a place in your life, visit our Come & See page.
Oblates of St. Benedict are everyday people with jobs, families, and other responsibilities and come from a variety of faith traditions. They associate 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 for holiness in their chosen way of life, integrating prayer and work, and manifesting Christ’s presence in today's hectic, changing world. Being an Oblate offers a rich spiritual connection to the stability and wisdom of an established monastic community.
Saint Paul tells us that each member of the Body of Christ, the Church, has a special function to perform. Some are called to marriage and family life, others to remain single, still others to ordained ministry, or to religious life. This Benedictine vocation can be lived within any of these circumstances. Oblates seek holiness wherever God has placed them, striving to bring Him to their little corner of the world by witnessing to Christ through their words and example. Prayer is at the heart of this vocation, shaping and sustaining their service to God and neighbor.
The History of Oblates
Saint Benedict lived in the sixth century. He came to Rome for his education, but before long he abandoned his studies and lived as a hermit for several years. In time he acquired a reputation for holiness and miracles. Attracting many followers, Benedict established several monastic communities. In the course of time, lay people sought to share in the work and spiritual life of Benedictine communities without leaving their homes, families, and occupations. They offered themselves to God, became Oblates, and promised to regulate their lives according to the spirit of the Rule of St. Benedict.
Today, throughout the world, there are thousands of Oblates praying and working in spiritual union with Benedictine men and women of various monastic communities and receiving spiritual strength and inspiration from this association.
Why Benedictine Spirituality Matters
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. His spirituality reflects such gospel values as stability and fidelity, humility and conversion of life, obedience and a reverence for all of creation. Oblates and Associates in our community are able to enrich their Christian way of life by following the wisdom and example of Saint Benedict.
If you would like to explore more about Benedictine spirituality and see whether it might have a place in your life, visit our Come & See page.
