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The
Benedictine Oblate Newsletter
From
the time Benedict of Nursia (AD 480-547) set out on his monastic search for God,
ordinary Christians sought to draw guidance from his spiritual teaching.
A form of common life arose in which lay people and secular clergy were
affiliated with his communities, and this continues to the present day. Oblates
are Christians who associate themselves with a Benedictine Community and offer
themselves to God with a commitment to apply the Rule of St. Benedict to their
lives as far as their state in life permits. The word 'oblate' comes from the
Latin 'oblatus' which means 'one [who is] offered'.
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There are four things necessary to
be an oblate:
* An
abiding desire to seek God.
* A
commitment to reform one's life by following the Rule.
*
Affiliation with a particular Benedictine community by a formal, public
commitment.
*
Maintaining as close a contact as possible with that community for spiritual
guidance and direction.
Oblates have been likened to family members living
away from home. They are part of a Benedictine community, albeit in a spiritual
and non-juridical way, sharing in the daily prayer and good works of the monks.
Oblates receive continual encouragement to make of their whole lives simply what
all Christians are called to live: a sharing in the death and resurrection of
Christ. With humility they foster Christian family living, read the Scriptures,
love prayer, and practice charity and hospitality to all around them. Oblates
are not a sodality, a club, or an organisation, but part of a Benedictine family
with the
Superior
of their monastic community as their Spiritual Father.
No external organisation of oblates is necessary,
but the oblate group affiliated with New Norcia is
known as the St. Gregory's Chapter. The chapter has a president elected by the
oblates for a one-year term, at the annual general meeting. The chapter's
chaplain is currently a monk from the monastery of New Norcia.
Further details on chapter procedures are given below.
THE OBLATE NOVICE
An oblate novice is a person, other than a Benedictine monk or nun, who has been
enrolled in a public ceremony in which a commitment is made to persevere in
living by the Rule for a year. This is the first step in a life-long process of
learning and growing towards God. Final oblation, which occurs after twelve
months, is not a terminus but a milepost on this journey.
The remoteness of New Norcia means that most
oblate novices do not have a daily source of instruction and are largely
self-taught. An important source of instruction is the chapter meeting with its
Gospel and Rule study, homily and discussions. The Perth Chapter tries to extend
that instruction by retreats, days of recollection, newsletters, discussion
groups and the Oblate Manual. Instruction also comes from books listed in the
Oblate Manual.
Enquirers are warmly welcomed at oblate meetings.
One who wishes to go further may apply to be enrolled as an oblate novice.
Contact the Chapter Secretary (08) 9388 3026
Once enrolled, novices are expected to enter a
process of spiritual formation that lasts at least a year, during which they are
encouraged to practice the following:
* Every
day, recollect the presence of God frequently.
* Study
a portion of the Rule every day with the aid of a good commentary.
* Pray
the Word daily by a) prayerfully reading Scripture; b) praying the Divine
Office.
Books that give a helpful introduction to the
Benedictine life include “Prayer and Community” by Columba
Stewart, “Seeking God” by Esther de Waal, and
“Marked for Life”, “The Coming of God” and “Gateway to Hope” by
Maria Boulding.
The St. Gregory's Chapter
Contact telephone number for further information - (08) 9388 3026.
Frequency of meetings - Monthly (except January)
Location –
St. Joseph
’s Convent,
16 York Street, South
Perth
.
Western Australia
.
Time -
2.00pm
, on the third Sunday of the month.
Duration - 2 hours.
Cost - No charge.
Meeting Format -
Opening prayer.
Discussion of the Gospel
reading of the day.
Discussion of a chapter of the
Rule of St Benedict.
A homily by the chaplain (if
present).
Discussion of the content of
the homily.
General business.
Concluding prayers (Vespers).
Afternoon tea.
The meeting may also incorporate the Annual
General Meeting, the enrolment of novices, final oblation and the renewal of
oblation. Where possible these are carried out during the oblates' annual
retreat at New Norcia, which is usually arranged for
Trinity Sunday, the patronal feast of the monastery.
A Chapter Newsletter is published quarterly. Cost $15.00 per annum.
The
Benedictine Oblate Newsletter
2009
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2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001