Who are the OBLATES of St. Benedict?
Oblates of St. Benedict are Christian individuals or families admitted into spiritual union and affiliation with a Benedictine community. Oblates do not usually live in the monastic house of the community, nor do they take religious vows. These men and women choose to enrich their Christian way of living in a manner enlightened and guided by the Rule of St. Benedict, and by sharing in the spiritual life, prayers, and good works of the monastic community. The word oblate comes from the Latin word for offering. In the days of St. Benedict, it was customary for parents to offer their children to monasteries for training and education in religious matters. Today the word Oblate refers to those who desire to associate themselves with the life and practices of the monastic community while still maintaining their homes, families and occupations. A Yahoo Group has been set up for Benet Hill Oblates with their own home page at: http://groups.yahoo.
