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.
In the nation, as in the individual, it is character that counts
. . .For the very reason that in material well-being we have thus abounded, we owe it to the Almighty to show equal progress in moral and spiritual things. With a nation, as with the individuals who make up a nation, material well-being is an indispensable foundation. But the foundation avails nothing by itself. That… Read More ›
Who Is Your Real Enemy and What Are His Tactics?
In the aftermath of the recent election, our country and our parishes are divided. Some people are hurt and angry while others are jubilant and hopeful. But although we often square off in opposing corners and stare fearfully at each other, we should remember our common enemy, the Devil. There’s a saying that warring brothers… Read More ›
Peace fails when we forget God’s first intellectual gift to man: common sense
. . . the living have a responsibility to remember the conditions that led to the wars in which our heroes died. Perhaps we can start by remembering this: that all of those who died for us and our country were, in one way or another, victims of a peace process that failed; victims of… Read More ›
Do ghosts really exist?
Aleteia: Odds are very likely that if someone sees a ghost or if they are involved with “ghost-hunting,” what they saw is actually a demon Around this time of year “ghosts” are everywhere. You can find them at school, on the doorsteps of homes and on the shelves of Wal-Mart. Most of the time, instead of looking… Read More ›
Doctor had vision of netherworld
“Those who profit from the health of others will find their reward in the jewels of hell.” If that “word of knowledge” bears credence, there are some in the medical industry (pharmaceutical companies, insurance conglomerates, hospitals, surgeons, specialists) who may want to pay heed. For those who claim to have glimpsed sheol have been known… Read More ›
Small things
Our life is made up of small things, yet each is important if we understand that our inner responses are what are important. We grow in doing the little things, the everyday chores, and the little kind acts that go unnoticed by others. You are closer than my skin If I understand The reality of… Read More ›
Pope Francis: Respect and listen to your Guardian Angel
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis says God has given everybody a Guardian Angel to accompany us and offer advice and protection, an Angel to whom we should listen with meekness and respect. He was speaking during his homily at Mass on Friday (2nd October) celebrated in the Santa Marta Residence. Taking his cue from Friday’s feast… Read More ›
You may be suffering from acedia — and it’s deadly
It’s been described as the sin of our day, and we need to set about rooting it out In connection with the Memorial of Saint Bernard (August 20), First Things reposted this article about the deadly sin of acedia, which Bernard and other writers in the monastic tradition regarded as “the noonday devil” of Psalm… Read More ›
St. Benedict Knew How to Beat the Blues
A while back, for whatever reason, I was most uncharacteristically doing battle with the devilish little megrim that is acedia. Actually, “doing battle” sounds romantic and pro-active. It would be more accurate to say I have been whining, and sitting before my oratory with nothing but a keening emptiness in my heart and mind and… Read More ›
The devil lurks in the middle of our day
Beware the Noonday Bandit There are many places in our lives the devil lurks. Perhaps he’s not under every rock, but at least every other. One of the most dangerous places he awaits us is smack dab in the middle of our day. At noontime, our morning prayer is wearing off and physical and spiritual… Read More ›