Oblates of St. Benedict

Enter the Way of Mercy and Truth (0)

The first step for the wretched person extricating himself from the depths of vice is the mercy which makes him merciful to the son of his mother, to be merciful to his soul, and thereby pleasing to God. In this way he emulates the great work of divine pity, being moved to tears with him [...]

Prayer is Trust in God (0)

(In times of affliction) we do what every human would do, we pray that it may be taken away from us. We owe, however, at least this much in our duty to God: if He does not take it away, we must not imagine that we are forgotten by Him, but, because of our loving [...]

Traditional Anglican community requests to join Catholic Church (0)

Orlando, Fla., Mar 4, 2010 / 03:11 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- On Wednesday, leaders of the U.S. branch of the Traditional Anglican Communion formally requested to enter into communion with the Catholic Church.
In a statement released yesterday from a meeting of the House of Bishops in Orlando, the Church announced, “We, the House of Bishops of [...]

Because of Your Humility (0)

As Abba  Macarius was returning to  his cell from the  marsh carrying palm-leaves, the devil met him with a sharp sickle and would have struck him but he could not. He cried out, “Great is the violence I suffer from you, Macarius, for when I want to hurt you, I cannot. But whatever you do, [...]

God Can Be Seen in Man and in Each One of Us (0)

If I insist on giving you my truth, and never stop to receive your truth in return, then there can be no truth between us. Christ is present ‘where two or three are gathered in my name.’ But to be gathered in the name of Christ is to be gathered in the name of the [...]

The Holy Spirit and Scripture (0)

Four ways the Holy Spirit helps with Scripture:

Guides us to have a correct understanding of the inspired meaning of the words of Scripture (grace of a clear mind);
We are able to read the Bible as God’s word, to us as individuals;
The Holy Spirit gives us insight into the mysteries of God which scripture reveals; and
The [...]

Oblate Breviary (1)

We have now had a chance to fully review the Oblate Breviary published by St. Meinrads. It has many good features. It follows the Rule but keeps in mind the time constraints of Oblates. It has a four week Psalter cycle and introduces chant into the Breviary. It has a simplified format that is easy [...]

How Brave Are We? (0)

Let me tell you a true, but humorous and slightly scandalous story that comes out of the early days of the church. When the father of Origen, a third century theologian, was arrested for being a Christian, Origen, then only 17, was aflame with the desire to follow his Dad and share in glorious martyrdom. [...]

It Is Darkest before the Dawn (2)

George Frederick Handel was dogged with misfortune. He had debt upon debt, despair upon despair. He had a cerebral hemorrhage and was paralyzed on his right side. For four years he could neither walk nor write. The doctors gave up on him. He wrote several operas, but again he fell in debt. At age 60 [...]

Prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes (0)

Hail Mary, poor and humble Woman,
Blessed by the Most High!
Virgin of hope, dawn of a new era,
We join in your song of praise,
to celebrate the Lord’s mercy,
to proclaim the coming of the Kingdom
and the full liberation of humanity.
Hail Mary, lowly handmaid of the Lord,
Glorious Mother of Christ!
Faithful Virgin, holy dwelling-place of the Word,
Teach us to [...]

Interview with Fr. Neilson, OSB (3)

Father Kieran Neilson, OSB
Belmont Abbey Monastery, Belmont
Place of Birth & Home Parish – Born in Charlotte, attended St. Peter Church until 1939; St. Patrick Cathedral after that during childhood High School – O’Donoghue High School, Charlotte College/University – Belmont Abbey College, Catholic University Seminary – Belmont Abbey Seminary Date of Ordination – May 26, 1960
What [...]

A Walk into the Dark (0)

The spiritual life does not come cheap. It is not a stroll down a Mary Poppins path with a candy-store God who gives sweets and miracles. It is a walk into the dark with the God who is the light that leads us through darkness.
Darkness, I have discovered, is the way we come to see. [...]

God must be loved as a Father (0)

26. It is of first and primary importance that the supreme Deity be reverenced and His holy laws obeyed in private and in public life; otherwise, there is no human power capable of checking and keeping under due control the unleashed passions of peoples. Religion alone provides the support for what is right and honorable.
27. [...]

And the Greatest Is Love (1)

Saint Benedict had a sister, Scholastica, — many say his twin — who had been consecrated to God since her youth and was herself a spiritual leader.
During one of their annual visits, Scholastica, inspired by the depth of their conversation, asked Benedict — by now an abbot of some renown — to remain overnight in [...]

Prayer to be Freed of the Seven Deadly Sins (0)

O Jesus, meek Savior and Prince of Peace, implant in me the virtues of gentleness and patience. Let me curb the fury of anger and restrain all resentment and impatience so as to overcome evil with good, attain your peace, and rejoice in Your love.
O Jesus, Model of humility, divest me of all pride and [...]