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.
Pope uses ‘ladder’ of St. John Climacus to promote conversion
Vatican City, Feb 11, 2009 / 11:44 am (CNA).- After 20 catecheses devoted to St. Paul, Pope Benedict XVI returned to his teachings on the great Christian writers of both East and West, reflecting on St. John Climacus. The Holy Father held up St. John Climacus, whose name means “ladder,” and whose greatest work is… Read More ›
Lenten Observances
Lent will soon be upon us and St. Benedict calls on us to …deny [ourselves] some food, drink, sleep, needless talking and idle jesting, and look forward to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing. One of my favorite shows is “Clean Sweep,” where a family is challenged to make a clean sweep of one… 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.
New Year’s Resolutions
We all learned the Ten Commandments growing up. Most people will remember “Thou shall not kill,” and “Thou shall not steal.” But according to a survey conducted by Kelton Research, more Americans remember the ingredients of a McDonald’s Big Mac than the Ten Commandments. Suppose we agree to make one resolution; if we do not… Read More ›
To Love the Lord God with all one’s heart (RB 4:1)
“Now he truly knows God who proves that he has his love by keeping his commandments. For knowing God means loving him. Someone who does not love him show clearly that he does not know how loveable he is; he has not learnt to taste and see how sweet and delightful the Lord is, who… Read More ›
A Mother’s Love
With the beginning of the New Year we celebrate the Motherhood of Mary. Our minds immediately are reminded of the scenes in the stable and Mary holding the infant Jesus in her arms. But perhaps this feast comes too close to the celebration of the Nativity of Our Lord to be fully appreciated? The feast… Read More ›
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 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