The Benedictine Journey
“Prefer nothing to the love of Christ”
What is a Benedictine Oblate?
Oblates are Christian men or women, lay or ordained, married or single, who seek to integrate the spirit of Saint Benedict in daily life. After a time of preparation as a Novice Oblate, the candidate becomes an Oblate of St. Benedict, affiliates with a specific Benedictine monastic community, and commits to applying in daily life the characteristic monastic principles, following The Rule of St. Benedict,.... and by word and example being a witness of Christ to everyone: family, friends, neighbors, strangers.
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Oblates are encouraged to draw life from the following practices
Website: http://www.saintjohnsabbey.org/monastic-life/oblates/
The Divine Office - Liturgy of the Hours
Growing out of the desire to pray without ceasing and to have the love for God always flowing from our hearts, Benedictine oblates pray some form of the Divine Office (also known as the Liturgy of the Hours, or Opus Dei — "Work of God") when they visit a monastery, at their home, or in a Benedictine gathering with other people.
Divine Reading - Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina (Latin for divine reading) is a traditional Benedictine practice of scriptural reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation. It is intended to promote personal communion with God, knowledge of God's Word, and spiritual transformation. It does not treat Scripture as texts to be studied, but as the Living Word of God.
Observance of Silence
To be open to listening to the voice of God, to the people who are important to us, to those in need, to our own experiences, silence is essential. "The unexamined life is not worth living."
Retreats and Regional Oblate Meetings
Oblates are encouraged to make a retreat every year meet regularly in regional groups to pray together, discuss Benedictine themes, and share conversation.
Study of the Rule of Saint Benedict
Benedict's Rule of life is the surest guide to gain familiarity with Benedictine spirituality. The Rule provides a balanced path between the needs of the individual and community.
Communication with the Monks
Because personal relationships are at the heart of Benedictine life, Oblates are welcome to visit the monastery at any time to join the monks in prayer, meals, study, retreats, and a few laughs.
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Books on St. Benedict and The Rule
Baudoz, Jean-Francois, With Christ, The Gospel under the Guidance of Saint Benedict, Liturgical Press
Benson, Robert, A Good Life, Benedict’s Guide to Everyday Joy, Paraclete Press
Bonomo, Carol, Humble Pie, St. Benedict’s Ladder of Humility, Morehouse Publishing
Borkmann, Aquinata, Saint Benedict, Perspectives on the Rule, Liturgical Press
Casey, Michael, A Guide to Living in the Truth, Saint Benedict’s Teaching on Humility by Michael Casey. Liguori/Triumph Press
Chittister, Sister Joan, O.S.B., Wisdom Distilled From the Daily, Living the Rule of St. Benedict Today, Harper Publishing
Cummings, Charles, Monastic Practices, Cistercian publications
de Vogue, Adalbert, Reading Saint Benedict, Reflections on the Rule, Cistercian Publications
de Waal, Esther, A Life-Giving Way, A Commentary on the Rule of St. Benedict This book has a copy of the Rule and also a commentary.
de Waal, Esther, Seeking God, The Way of St. Benedict, Liturgical Press
de Waal, Esther, Living With Conflict, Liturgical Press
de Waal, Esther, The Baptismal Invitation of the Rule of St. Benedict, Liturgical Press
Derkse, Wil, A Blessed Life, Benedictine Guidelines for Those who Long for Good Days, Liturgical Press
Feiss, Hugh, Essential Monastic Wisdom, Harper Collins publications
Holdaway, Gervase O.S.B., editor, The Oblate Life, Liturgical Press
Jamison, Abbot Christopher, O.S.B., Finding Happiness, Monastic Steps for a Fulfilling Life, Liturgical Press
Pennington, M. Basil, OCSO, Listen With Your Heart, Spiritual Living With the Rule of Saint Benedict, Paraclete Press
Stewart, Columba, O.S.B., Prayer and Community, The Benedictine Tradition, Orbis Books
Tomaine, Jane, St. Benedict’s Toolbox, The Nuts and Bolts of Everyday Benedictine Living, Morehouse Publications
McGinnis, Mark, The Wisdom of the Benedictine Elders: Thirty of America's Oldest Monks and Nuns Share Their Lives' Greatest Lessons.
Sr. Marie-Thomas Beil OSB, Study Guide for the Rule of St. Benedict for Oblates Abbey of St. Walburga, Virginia Dale, CO
Michael Casey OCSO- On the Road to Eternal Life: Study of Prologue of the Rule Liturgical Press