Novices

Commentaries on the Rule Of St. Benedict

Several Oblates have asked for suggestions on commentaries on the Rule of St. Benedict (RB). The list is too exhaustive to list. Commentaries can be broken into three primary groups; devotional, line by line (exegesis), and a combination of the two. But before listing various commentaries, please remember that there are also quite a number… Read More ›

Opportunities for Retreats

Each Oblate is encouraged to make a retreat or Day of Recollection at least once a year. Belmont Abbey offers two Day of Recollections each year, one during Advent and once again during Lent. You may also contact Br. Edward if you would like to make a private retreat at (704) 461- 6693. In addition… Read More ›

Who Is Called to Be an Oblate of St. Benedict ?

It is suggested that those seeking to make their Oblation should prayerfully reflect on the following paragraphs taken from St. Vincent Archabbey’s Manual for Oblates. Being invested as an Oblate novice or making full Oblation is not a matter of entering a religious order. Deciding whether to seek novice Oblation or Oblation would, therefore, not… Read More ›

Introduction to Centering Prayer

An Example of Lectio Divina

The follow is a interesting description of the author’s experience with Lectio Divina. It is particularly instructive in how a person’s thoughts can often focus on a particular word. He does not write about what this encounter with the word “live” means to him personally. He is really only speaking here of the second step… Read More ›

Being a Benedictine Oblate: Part 2

The following video is part two of a two part video produced by St. Meinrad Abbey. It is an excellent presentation of Oblate life as told by the Oblates themselves. Click here to view part one.

Being a Benedictine Oblate: Part 1

The following video is part one of a two part video produced by St. Meinrad Abbey. It is an excellent presentation of Oblate life as told by the Oblates themselves.

Oblate Guidelines

American Cassinese Federation adopted guidelines for Oblates in 1973. They are published to this web site for your convience and further study. The guidelines are losted under “Benedictine” on the side panel.

Suggested Breviaries

The North American Association of Benedictine Oblate Directors offers the following titles as suggestions for use by Benedictine Oblates: Pray without Ceasing: Prayer for Morning and Evening. Joyce Ann Zimmerman; A Shorter Morning and Evening Prayer by John Brook; Shorter Christian Prayer, Catholic Book Publishing; Christian Prayer, Catholic Book Publishing; Christian Prayer: The Liturgy of… Read More ›

Suggested Readings: Oblate Novices

St. Benedict believed that each monk should spend a certain amount of time in reading, studying, and Lectio Divina (RB 48:4-5, 10, 13-16, and 22; see also RB38) This is a suggested reading list for those interested in St. Benedict and Benedictine Spirituality. It is not meant to be exhaustive or complete, nor should anyone feel they are required to read all the books on this list during their year or so as a Novice. All of the books are still in print and may be obtained both on-line and through local book sellers.

• Rule of St. Benedict, (RB 1980), Fr. Timothy Fry