What is an Oblate

Seeking workers in a multitude of people, God calls out and says again, “Is there anyone here who yearns for life and desires to see good days (Ps34:13)”  If you hear this and your answer is “I do”, God then directs these words to you…   RB  Prologue

The word “Oblate” derives originally from the Latin word for “offering”. An Oblate is a person who wants to make a deeper commitment to God by following the Christian journey in the way it is marked out by St. Benedict – that is, “with the Gospel for our guide”. The Rule of St. Benedict is a gospel rule, and a rule which is Christ-centered. The Benedictine way embraces monastic values and principles which lead a Christian to a more serious and disciplined life.  These values include:

oblate
  • Prayer – Liturgy of the Hours, continuous prayer
  • Holy Reading (Lectio Divina)
  • Some manual work
  • Some silence
  • Reverence
  • Humility
  • Obedience
  • Peace
  • Patience
  • Stability of heart
  • And much more…

oblatesThose who are called to embrace the Benedictine Way as an oblate are drawn to a particular community and are affiliated with a particular monastery. They do not live with the community but rather commit themselves to serving Christ and living the monastic values in their own families, workplaces and circumstances in the world. After a period of discernment and formation (usually 12 months), they offer their lives to God in a formal ceremony of commitment which is witnessed by the community and their family and friends.

 


Oblates share a special bond with the monastery in Jamberoo. They support the community’s ministry of prayer and worship and generously share their gifts and talents in a myriad of ways. The community offers regular guidance and support for oblates and those in formation. These include:

  • Retreats
  • Meetings during the year to learn, share and support each other in the living of the Rule
  • Weekly lectio divina on the Sunday Gospel which can be found on our website (or posted if needed)
  • The “Pax” magazine published five times each year

Oblates can be male or female, single or married, baptised Christians of any denomination. Currently, there are over 400 Jamberoo Abbey Oblates spread across five countries.

If you feel called to become an Oblate affiliated to the Jamberoo Monastery, contact:

Sr Hildegard Ryan

Director of Oblates
Benedictine Abbey
695 Jamberoo Mountain Rd
Jamberoo
NSW  2533

Or email oblatedirector@jamberooabbey.org.au

Oblate Websites

World Congress Site: www.benedictine-oblates.org
UK Oblates’ Site: www.benedictine-oblates.net
Daily Readings from the Rule: www.osb.org

Further Information: