Oblates
The Benedictine Order has been restored in our Church,
and we have posted this page in response to queries about Oblate
membership.
What is an Oblate?
Oblates of St Benedict are
Christian individuals or families who have associated themselves with a
Benedictine community in order to enrich their Christian lives. Oblates
shape their lives by living the wisdom of Christ as interpreted by St
Benedict., seeking 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.
St Paul tells us that each member of the Body of Christ, the Church, has a
special function to perform. Most are called to the married state and the
raising of a family. Some are called to the single life in the world and
others to the life of a priest or a religious. The role of Oblates is to
live in the world, to become holy in the world, to do what they can to bring
the world to God by word and example to those around them.
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. Nor do
they live in a religious community or take vows.
St Benedict
St Benedict lived in the 6th century. He was born in a small town north of
Rome, where he received his education. He lived as a hermit for many years,
acquiring a reputation for holiness and miracles. Attracting many followers,
he established several monasteries, including the famous community at Monte
Casino. It was there that he wrote a Rule which combined moderation with
fidelity to the best traditions of monasticism. Benedictine monasteries and
convents spread rapidly throughout Europe, and from the very beginning they
received boys and girls whose parents wished them to be educated in the
religious life. These children were the first Oblates. In time lay people
asked to be associated with the Order while living their usual lives. They
applied the teaching of the Rule of Benedict to their family circles, places
of work and social activities. There are now thousands of Oblates
throughout the world.
The Benedictine
Life
After a time of preparation aspiring candidates are received in an act of
Oblation. Their promise affiliates them with a Benedictine community and
commits them to applying their lives to regular worship with other
Christians and supporting the social and educational work of their parish
and of the Church as a whole.
Oblates practice
moderation in the use of worldly goods and concern for their neighbors,
aiming to set a Christian example and to be a stabilizing influence in the
world around them. In their personal lives they strive to come ever closer
to union with Christ, discovering their proper relationship with God, their
family and the society in which they live. They come to recognize
themselves as creatures dependent on their Creator and sinners before their
Redeemer, acknowledging their spiritual poverty and their need of God. They
come to realize that they have no other reason for being except to be loved
by God and to love and seek him in return. Oblates develop a deep reverence
for life, respecting it as a precious gift from God and defending those who,
because of age, health or race are most vulnerable. They work to promote
Christian family living, while seeking opportunities to practice charity and
warm hospitality to those around them.
Anyone wishing to
learn more about the Oblates in our Church should write to the Prior:
Fr James Pattison
10 Portrush Close, Saltersgill
Middlesborough TS4 3HY
United Kingdom
|
