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A Benedictine oblate is a layperson, married or single, or secular priest who has chosen to spiritually affiliate themselves with a particular monastery and its community while continuing to live their life in the world. They strive to live according to the spirit of the Rule of St. Benedict as far as their state in life allows, and they share in the spiritual benefits of the monastic community.
Oblation is a free act of self-offering to God, recognized by the Church (cf. the Code of Canon Law, can. 303; 677 §2). The act of oblation is a true offering, and brings about a true belonging, though it is different in nature from that bond which unites a monk to his community, and it does not bring about a change in the individual's status in the Church.
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Without being bound by a specific promise, they usually undertake to pray some part at least of the Divine Office each day, in so far as they are able; to nourish their faith with regular spiritual reading, especially Holy Scripture; consciously to serve God in and through their work and other ordinary occupations; to pray daily for the community and for each other. The formal participation of oblates in the prayer of the monastery is expressed by their inclusion in the commemoration of absent brethren at the end of every office.
Candidates for oblation at St. Mary's must be male, at least eighteen years old, and not be a member of a Third Order or another Religious Institute. Oblates are usually Roman Catholics who have received the sacrament of Confirmation. Nevertheless, non-Catholics may exceptionally be received as oblates. |
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In order to become an oblate, a person is normally required to visit the monastery, speak to the Oblate Master, and undertake a period of probation lasting at least a year. If he perseveres in his desire to make final oblation, he writes out a Chart of Oblation. At the ceremony of final oblation, he reads out his Chart and signs it on the altar. |
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The Chart remains on the altar for the rest of the day to symbolize his offering of himself to God by striving to live a more perfect Christian life through the spirit of the Rule of St. Benedict. The Chart is then preserved in the monastery's archive.
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After the ceremony, the new oblate is congratulated by family and friends and welcomed into the monastic family by all the members of the community. |
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Normally each year, oblates either of St. Mary's alone or together with oblates of St. Scholastica Priory are invited to an “Oblate Day” here in Petersham where they participate in Mass, Terce and Sext (short offices of the Liturgy of the Hours), conferences, lunch, sometimes scripture sharing, and of course, socializing with their fellow oblates. Attendance is not required but encouraged.
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If you are interested in becoming an oblate, please write to the Oblate Master:
St. Mary's Monastery
Oblate Master
P.O. Box 345
Petersham, MA 01366
or email:
monks@stmarysmonastery.org
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