Oblates

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Oblates of the Benedictine Abbey of Our Lady of the Assumption are Christian lay persons – individuals or families, who commit themselves to striving to enrich their Christian way of life, to be people of God and temples of the Holy Spirit by living the wisdom of Christ as interpreted by St. Benedict.

The role of Oblates is to live for the service of God and their neighbour to the best of their ability and by word and example to those around them, to do what they can to bring the world to God by being witnesses of Christ. Oblates 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.

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. They do not live in a religious community or take vows.

The Statutes of the Oblates of the Benedictine Abbey Out Lady of the Assumption of Saint Lucia guide members.

Basic facts about Oblates:  

• Oblates come from an old monastic tradition based on the Holy Rule (HR) of St Benedict.
• Oblates are lay persons associated with a monastery or abbey and commit to a life searching for God through prayer, reading for spiritual education and work.
• Oblates do not live in a religious community, living in the outside world according to their state of life.
• Oblates live by the Holy Rule as written by St. Benedict. The three elements of the spiritual life of an oblate include prayer, spiritual education, and work

Prayer: Liturgical prayer is based on the Psalms.

• Benedictine nuns pray several times a day.  Oblates are encouraged to pray regularly and as often as their state of life allows, morning prayer, noon and evening.
• These prayers include the Psalms, short scripture readings from the Bible, intercessions (mornings and evenings), as well as opening and closing prayers.  
• Oblates are encouraged to pray the rosary and recite the Angelus typically at noon.
• There are books that include the daily prayers prayed by Benedictines and other groups: Shorter Christian Prayer, Christian Prayer, and Liturgy of the Hours. These prayers are also available online. 

Spiritual education is achieved through reading scripture to contemplate on the word of God. Or reading other books on spirituality.  These readings and reflection can be done at home on the readings at the mass of the day or during Oblate group meetings

• Taking time to reflect on the Word of God (Lectio Divina) as much as your state of life allows.

Work refers to whatever vocation or profession in which you engage. This includes, working within, or outside the home. Work can also include work done to support the abbey or monastery. 

• There is no fee or compulsory financial commitment required to be an oblate.
• The main task of Oblates is to promote Benedictine Spirituality in their daily lives while living out their life in the world.

Members meet mid-morning on the third Saturday of each month.  Virtual participation is available.

Persons interested in becoming a Benedictine Oblate of Our Lady of the Assumption Abbey are asked to contact Sister Margaret Mary, the Oblate Mistress at margaretmarymrnd9@gmail.com or olaoblategroupslu@gmail.com