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Oblate
A person dedicated to a religious life, but typcally not having taken full monastic vows.
Oblates of St. Procopius Abbey
If you are interested in exploring the Oblate Program at St. Procopius Abbey or desire to become an Oblate of our Abbey, please contact the Oblate Director.
Fr. David Turner, O.S.B.
Director of Oblates
(630) 829-9266
fax: (630) 969-6426
e-mail: dturner@procopius.org
e-mail: st_procopius_oblates@yahoo.com
Who is an Oblate?
Oblates of St. Benedict are individuals who seek to enrich their Christian lives through a formal spiritual association with a Benedictine community. While their prayer and work will generally be in the world rather than within the walls of a monastery, they attempt to fulfill their proper vocation in a manner enlightened and guided by St. Benedict's Rule for Monasteries.
The term “oblate” derives from the Latin word for “offering.” At the time of St. Benedict, parents would sometimes "offer" their children to monasteries for religious training and education. “Oblate” later came to refer also to those who wished to join themselves to the work and prayer of a monastic community without leaving their homes, families, or occupations.
A Benedictine Oblate, then, is one who promises to regulate his or her life in accordance with the Rule of St. Benedict. Unlike the vowed members of a monastery, oblates have no set canonical obligations in regards to religious practices or prayers. What they do pledge is to apply the Rule's teachings as best they can to the circumstances of their daily life and work.
With the wise autonomy that characterizes the Benedictine spirit in all matters, each monastery has its own distinctive oblate program. A period of preparation under the guidance of the Oblate Director culminates in the act of oblation, by which the individual becomes formally affiliated with the community, sharing from that time forward in its spiritual journey.
At St. Procopius Abbey, the Oblate Director makes use of such means as letters of instruction, conferences, and opportunities for common prayer and discussion, to assist each oblate in recognizing how best to incorporate the wisdom of St. Benedict into his or her life.
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