ORA ET LABORA  

Priez et travaillez ~ Bete und arbeite ~ Oren y trabajen ~ Pregate e lavorate ~ Pray and work

Προσευχηθείτε και εργαστείτε ~ Молитесь и работайте   

Be och arbeta ~  להתפלל ולעבוד  

We are founded on the ancient ideal of Christian life that we have inherited much from our spiritual forefathers. Hence our approach is inclusive of all Christians.

Because our way to spirituality is a positive, uplifting attitude towards God and neighbor, our community places the strongest emphasis on the development of the human consciousness through the refinement of Christian love towards God's creation as a whole.

Our interaction with other beings, whether towards fellow men or towards creation, is the outer indicator of inner spiritual development. 

The Gospel truth is not just a body of knowledge, but a way of life. We respect and encourage each other in the journey towards the ideal of spiritual formation. 

What is a Benedictine Oblate Chapter?

As in many other religious Orders, there are three branches: The First Order (monks), the Second Order (nuns) and the Third Order (Oblates).

In our modern times, following the Benedictine principles offers a rich spiritual connection to the stability and wisdom of spiritual life. Originally written for monks, the principles in the Rule of St. Benedict may be applied by anyone embracing Benedictine spirituality while living outside the confines of a monastery. We are still invited to balance work with prayer, cultivate interdependence, practice hospitality and apply Benedictine spirituality just as monks and nuns do.

I. We fulfill the following commitments:

We are committed to the Benedictine Rule, its values, culture and prayer:

• We are expected to keep the spirit of Saint Benedict alive in the way we live

• We keep faithful to our promises made at Holy Oblation or Vows

• We pray the Liturgical Hours/Daily Prayers as much as we are able to

• We read from the Rule of St. Benedict frequently

• We attend retreats and scheduled meetings as often as possible

• We maintain fidelity to our respective faith tradition

• We are persons whose lives are shaped by Benedictine spirituality. We follow the Rule of St. Benedict in our daily lives as far as our situation permits

• We pray for the International Benedictine Community

II.  Our members adhere to the following values:

We believe in service to the common good, respect for the individual, virtuous friendship and living the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12):

• Conversion of life towards God’s will

• Love of learning

• Listening

• Excellence through virtue

• Hospitality

• Stability

• Stewardship

Benedictine Vocation 

Postulancy

• The Postulancy is the initial stage of formation typically in a three-month experience.

• Reading and studies focus on spiritual life and monastic aspiration.

• The Spiritual Director meets with the Postulant briefly from time to time to discuss his or her progress and challenges, as well as to offer guidance. 

• Once readiness for the Novitiate is ascertained, the Postulant prepares for the next phase of formation.

Novitiate

• This is usually a nine to twelve month period, during which the Novice explores on a deeper level what it means to live as monastic or Oblate. The resolve and suitability of the Novice is further discerned. There is concentration on developing a solid contemplative foundation:

• The Novice commits to following the Rule of St. Benedict.

• The new Novice may receive a ring, lapel pin, bracelet or necklace, which he or she may wear as appropriate and wanted.

• Otherwise, the Novice is asked to wear moderate clothing, preferably of darker hue. 

• The Brother or Sister becomes more fully acquainted with the many facets of Oblate or monastic life.

• Instruction by the Spiritual Director is given on the Benedictine Rule, the Liturgical Hours (depending on individual tradition), spiritual growth and development.

• The Novice continues to internalize and live by the spiritual and religious principles of monastic life. 

Profession Or Oblation

Once ready and called, the Novice then may go on to the next step of Religious Vows (First & Second Oder) or Oblation (Third Order)  -  temporary (by year) or permanent.

The Novice is then received as full member. He or she may now wear the Benedictine Habit (optional as desired and when appropriate) and use the postnomial: OSB  (Ordo Sancti Benedicti = Order of St. Benedict)

Notable Benedictine Oblates Throughout History

• St. Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury & martyr (†1170)


• St. Thomas Aquinas, child Oblate at Monte Cassino (†1274)


• St. Thomas More, lawyer, martyr (†1535)


• St. Oliver Plunkett (†1681), Archbishop of Armagh, martyr


• Elena Cornaro Piscopia (†1684), scholar, philosopher, musician and first women to receive a doctorate


• Joris-Karl Huysmans, writer (†1907)


• Dorothy Day, social activist (†1980)


• Jacques and Raissa Maritain (†1973/1960), philosophers


• Walker Percy, Southern American novelist (†1990)


• Margaret Rumer Godden, English author (†1998)


The Lincoln Oblate Chapter is member of the International Benedictine Communities