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.
What Padre Pio saw in the Spanish Flu of 1918
Many saints have faced the realities of pandemics. What can we learn from them? While the world continues to trudge through the devastating effects of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic – deaths, hospitalizations, and untold economic damage – it can be helpful to look at how the world was plagued by a similar virus and how… Read More ›
Here’s Why You Should Be Drinking Plenty Of Water During The Coronavirus Lockdown
Forbes: So here we are, sitting in our homes surrounded by our snacks, and many of them aren’t very healthy. Sugar looms large in the lockdown. To help manage the effects of that sugar, there’s an important habit we should adopt if we’re not already doing it: drink plenty of water. This sounds like old… Read More ›
The Holy Spirit’s role in the Incarnation
1. Jesus is linked with the Holy Spirit from the first moment of his existence in time, as the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed recalls: “Et incarnatus est de Spiritu Sancto ex Maria Virgine”. The Church’s faith in this mystery is based on the word of God: “The Holy Spirit”, the Angel Gabriel announces to Mary, “will come upon you and the… Read More ›
Wondering about how to handle life at home? Contemplative monks and nuns have some advice
The coronavirus pandemic has forced us to slow down and spend more time together. Here are some ways we can make the most of it. Aleteia: As more and more people are spending more time at home during the current COVID-19 pandemic, especially since several U.S. governors are urging residents to not leave their homes… Read More ›
Where do you stand?
Like nothing else in all the world [the Crucifix seems to ask the questions: “Where do you stand?” “Which side do you propose to take from this moment on — My side, or the side of moneyed Judas, cowardly Pilate, crafty Annas, or lustful Herod?” We cannot escape an answer. If on that Cross were… Read More ›
Envy and Jealousy: Why the Difference Actually Matters
Most people use envy and jealousy interchangeably. Is there a difference between these terms and why should we care? For one, we should use words knowingly and deliberately, understanding what we mean by them! Secondly, I will show that there is a theological importance to getting them right. Envy resents what someone else has. Just so… Read More ›
The Very Great Dignity That Matter Has Acquired Through the Incarnation
It is clearly a prohibition against representing the invisible God. But when you see Him who has no body become man for you, then you will make representations of His human aspect. When the Invisible, having clothed Himself in the flesh, become visible, then represent the likeness of Him who has appeared. When He who,… Read More ›
The Annunciation: It Is What We Are That Matters
(Editor’s note: Though written over 60 years ago it is amazing how the issues the authors address below are still pertinent today.) Nazareth was an obscure and despised village; its people were regarded as inferiors. Yet such holiness was found in that small community that it became the place of the incarnation of the Son… Read More ›
Of Dead And Living Wood
Trees are remarkable. They pass nutrients to each other’s roots — are known to support nearby stumps for years; a wonder of God’s Creation. And a lesson for us. The other day an unusual feature was noticed on a crepe myrtle tree: a branch that had been pruned but apparently fell among the other branches… Read More ›
She’s a Tertiary? He’s an Oblate? What Is That About?
The great religious orders have always included layfolk in their number, some of whom have become saints Not long ago, someone on Facebook messaged me: “If I didn’t know you were OSB, I’d think you were OP.” The person is a Lay Dominican — what used to be called a Dominican Tertiary (tertiary referring to… Read More ›