Oblate Formation 
Posts concerning Oblate and Novice formation. These include articles which are also applicable to most Christians, whether Oblate or not. Additional articles on instruction of various parts of the Rule can be found under that category.
December Newsletter
The December Newsletter is now available for download just in time for Advent. Aside from the Ordo and Necrology you will find: “Penetrated by Faith” by Garcia Colombas “The Light of the World” by Thomas Merton Advent Traditions: “St. Lucy’s Day” by Amber and John Inscore Essick Advent Traditions: St. Lucy Buns “Christmas Points to… Read More ›
What is the devil’s favorite sin? An exorcist responds
Madrid, Spain, Dec 29, 2017 / 03:17 pm (CNA).- Is an exorcist afraid? What is the devil’s favorite sin? These and other questions were tackled in an interview with the Dominican priest, Father Juan José Gallego, an exorcist from the Archdiocese of Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain. Almost a decade after Fr. Gallego was appointed as… Read More ›
Proclamation of Thanksgiving
This is the proclamation which set the precedent for America’s national day of Thanksgiving. During his administration, President Lincoln issued many orders similar to this. For example, on November 28, 1861, he ordered government departments closed for a local day of thanksgiving. Sarah Josepha Hale, a 74-year-old magazine editor, wrote a letter to Lincoln on… Read More ›
Presidents From Lincoln to FDR Kept the Thanksgiving Tradition Going
Lincoln started the process of making it a federal holiday in 1863, crystallizing something that had been around since the days of the Pilgrims The Civil War was raging when Abraham Lincoln issued a presidential proclamation that started the process of making Thanksgiving, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, a federal holiday. Previous presidents… Read More ›
5 Steps to fight the wickedness: Remind yourself (and Satan) that you are not helpless
Perform a simple act of defiance against discouragement, self-pity, and resentment. Who said this? “Any idiot can survive a crisis—it’s the little things that will make you crazy.” I remember reading it on a greeting card more than 30 years ago. The card attributed the quote to philosopher Albert Camus, but I have never been… Read More ›
Journal Writing: In defense of the fountain pen Part II
In September there was an article on the value of using the fountain pen for journal writing. Here are a few more reasons that you might consider giving up computers and ball points for this “fancy” pen: Simplicity: It is just ink, paper and a pen that responses easily – that’s it. Oh, the same… Read More ›
The spiritual dangers behind Reiki healing services
The US Catholic bishops laid out several reasons why Reiki can be spiritually harmful. Reiki is a popular alternative healing service that has its origin in Japanese-Buddhist culture and seeks to help individuals relax as well as heal. According to William Rand, founder and president of the International Center for Reiki Training, “Rei is the all-knowing… Read More ›
November Newsletter
The November issue of the Oblate Newsletter has been posted. Along with the Ordo and Necrology you will find: The Forgotten Step in Lectio Divina. For the Next Meeting: Psalm 139 Election Guide: A Comparison of the Republican and Democratic Platforms November: Suffused with Remembrance by Columbia Stewart, OSB Journal Writing: in Defense of the… Read More ›
5 Symbols on gravestones with a Christian meaning
The next time you visit a cemetery, look for these symbols used throughout the centuries. When visiting a cemetery, especially one that has a rich history behind it, you will likely encounter various symbols etched on each gravestone. Some are obvious or related to the specific person buried there, but others are more general and… Read More ›
3 Steps to praying the Psalms, and finding hope in our darkness
Let’s try just Psalm 73 — summarized by “It’s not fair” — and allow God to restore us. Do you want proof that the human soul is rational and immortal, that God exists, created a moral universe and is a just judge? Do you want proof that our choices matter? Do you want (additional) proof… Read More ›