The Saint Vincent Oblate News
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
The Saint Vincent Oblate News
FEBRUARY - APRIL, 2022 • VOLUME 75, NUMBER 1
A Message From Archabbot Martin - February 2022
Dear Oblates and Friends of Saint Vincent,
We’ll soon be embracing the grace-filled
season of Lent with the observance of Ash
Wednesday.
Some years ago, Dr. Daniella Zsupan-Je-
rome, Director of Ministry Formation and
Field Education at Benedictine Saint John’s
University, introduced me to John Berney
Crome’s painting, Great Gale at Yarmouth
on Ash Wednesday. The canvas invites us
into the Lenten season with a visual story
of turbulence featuring clouds and waves
converging on the coast. The clouds belie
the invisible power of the wind. That wind
in turn stirs up the waves tossing the boat
and slapping the coastal buildings.
The clouds are varied: large white ones
as well as dark storm clouds. The central
smeared, in the shape of a cross, much ing to eliminate all that hinders us from the
black cloud is especially imposing; it is
like the sign marked on our foreheads on fullness of life in Christ.
Ash Wednesday.
May Lent 2022 be for us a time of peaceful
Lent calls us to conversion on the journey but determined conversion culminating in
to Easter. That path is often through rough the bright calm of our victorious Savior.
waters. We are tossed in the waves of our
Sincerely in Christ and Saint Benedict,
own desires and poor decisions; we are
assaulted by our temptations and selfish-
ness. Lent is the time again to confront +Martin de Porres Bartel, O.S.B.
our personal turbulence. The wind is not Archabbot
a danger, but the breath of the Spirit seek-The Challenge of Resisting Worldly Entanglements:
Keeping Christ as Lord of Daily Life
Need to keep Christ in “fear the Lord, and do not become elated signify the physical world in a neutral
over [our] good deeds; [we] judge it is the way or the created universe as creat-
Christmas & in Every Time Lord’s power, not [our] own, that brings ed by God and, therefore, as basically
Traveling to and from parishes before
about the good in [us]” (Prol: 29). good.) Saint Benedict sternly warns all
and after Christmas, I noticed billboards
of us: “Do not gratify the promptings of
that proclaimed the reminder: “Keep The abbot in particular, perhaps because the flesh” (4:59) and “hate the urgings of
Christ in Christmas” (thanks largely to he must take care of much secular busi- self-will” (4:60). We are also told, “Your
the Knights of Columbus). That cause ness for the monastery, is warned not to way of acting should be different from
is indeed a worthy one, and I hope that adopt worldly ways. He is to strive to cure the world’s ways” (4:20). The cellarer,
the billboards have been producing a monks of “their unhealthy ways” (2:8), to who has to deal with material things on
salutary effect on those driving by. We “avoid all favoritism” [a tool of the fallen
live in a very secularized culture that a daily basis, must be especially careful
world] (2:16), and to remember the reck- to avoid worldly ways. He must “not [be]
tends to exclude God from any public oning he must give on judgment day for
functions as if He were being cast out an excessive eater” (31:1); he should
the souls of all his monks and for his own “keep watch over his own soul” (31:7);
as an unwelcome guest. As Christians soul (2:38). Saint Benedict places strong
we know that Christmas without Christ rather than seeking his own importance,
emphasis on the abbot’s call to spiritual he must “show every care and concern
makes no sense. Our Lord’s incarnation leadership when he asserts, “Above all, he
and birth anticipate His Passion, Death, for the sick, children, guests and the
[the abbot] must not show too great con- poor” (31:9). The very material objects
and Resurrection, which constitute the cern for the fleeting and temporal things
most important events in human history. which he regularly handles belong to
of this world” (2:33). In sum, the abbot is
As many Christmas carols tell us, Christ God and are to be treated with care and
summoned to keep Christ first in all his
was born to die—and then to rise and respect; indeed, the cellarer “will regard
dealings and to show forth Christ to his
ultimately to “save us all from Satan’s all utensils and goods of the monastery
monks since “he is believed to hold the
power” and lead us to eternal commu- as sacred vessels of the altar” (31:10).
place of Christ in the monastery” (2:2).
nion with the Blessed Trinity. Thus Christ In our “throwaway culture,” we must be
The admonitions that “the love of Christ
must be at the center of every moment eager to make Christ Lord over the way
must come before all else” (4:21), that one
of our lives. We could truly say, “Let us we interact with His material creation.
must “dash … against Christ … all wrong-
keep Christ in daily life, and may He be ful thoughts” (4:50), and that monks strive Priors of the monastery are warned
Lord of every moment.” to “cherish Christ above all” (5:2) apply not to be “puffed up by the evil spirit
The Rule of Saint Benedict is meant to first and foremost to the abbot. of pride” (65:2) nor to “[think] of them-
give us strong support in this endeavor.
selves as second abbots” or exercise
Along with leading us to a closer rela- At the same time, the Holy Rule calls all
“tyrannical power” (65:2); rather, the pri-
tionship with Christ, the Rule provides monks—and indeed all Christians—to
or is to show exemplary obedience to
ways to resist the evils of our culture. serve as counterwitnesses to the world’s
the abbot—and to Christ—by “[carrying
ways, insofar as “world” represents the
out respectfully what his abbot assigns
The Rule’s Call to Live forces that are hostile to God—people
to him” (65:16).
and movements that rebel against God’s
Counterculturally plan. (“World” is used in Scripture also to Toward the end of the Rule, Saint Ben-
Right from the outset, Saint Benedict edict urges builders of monasteries,
reminds us that we are engaged in a if possible, to include “all necessities”
spiritual battle against Satan, against (66:6) within its walls so that “there will
our inclinations to evil, and against the be no need for the monks to roam out-
perversions of our culture. The Prologue side, because this … is not at all good
reminds us that we are to be “armed for their souls” (66:7). Even in Saint
with the strong and noble weapons Benedict’s time, we know from the Rule
of obedience to do battle for the true and from Pope Saint Gregory’s Life and
King, Christ the Lord” (Prol: 3). While Miracles of Saint Benedict that monks
the world promotes self-indulgence and did go forth from the monastery on le-
self-will, the monk, the Oblate, and the gitimate business, probably even on
Christian are summoned to “prepare our missions of evangelization. In fact, in
hearts and bodies for the battle of holy the centuries that followed, missionary
obedience to [God’s] instructions” (Prol: monks became a common phenom-
40). While the world promotes pride in enon and contributed greatly to the
what we humans achieve, we Christians evangelization of Europe. We could in-
2disciples’ witness, those in the world
who are open to conversion will come
to know Him, to know the Father, and to
accept their unconditional love. In John
15, Our Lord tells His apostles, “‘If the
world hates you, realize that it hated Me
first. If you belonged to the world, the
world would love you as its own; but be-
cause you do not belong to the world,
and I have chosen you out of the world,
the world hates you’” (Jn 15: 18-20). In
His “High Priestly Prayer” (John 17), Je-
sus prays that His disciples not belong
to the world even though they must live
in it. He prays: “’I speak this in the world
so that they may share My joy com-
pletely. I gave them Your word, and the
world hated them, because they do not
belong to the world any more than I be-
long to the world. I do not ask that You
take them out of the world but that You
terpret the admonition against “roaming Solomon’s reign, the whole of the northern keep them from the evil one. They do
kingdom (“Samaria” or “Israel”) fell into not belong to the world any more than I
outside” as a warning to reject worldly
false worship. We can be very much like belong to the world. Consecrate them in
ways when a monk (or any Christian)
such “reverts” when we at least temporarily the truth. Your word is truth’” (Jn 17: 13-
leaves the safe haven of a Christian
forget Christ’s sacrifice of love for us and 17). These precious words of Our Lord
environment. Most especially, a Chris-
sometimes prefer wealth, status, physical remind us how much struggle it can be
tian must not roam spiritually outside of
comforts, or power over others. to live a Christian life and how much the
a strong commitment to Christ and to
worldly forces of our culture will oppose
practices that keep one rooted in Christ.
The New Testament abounds in passag- us when we live our faith zealously. How
On the contrary, we Christians have an
es that warn disciples of Christ against we shall need God’s grace to be victors
obligation to be proactive in bringing
adopting worldly ways. In His “Last Sup- in the struggle!
the world to Christ, perhaps one soul at
per Discourse” (Jn 13-17), Our Lord makes
a time, rather than to let secularistic val-
ues infect our minds and hearts.
strong statements about not being “of the How to Oppose
world.” He also speaks about the suffer- “the World” Today
ing inflicted by the world upon disciples
Biblical Cautions who remain true to His words. In Jn 14:27, How are we to live this tension of living
About the “World” Christ says, “Peace I leave with you; My in the world (as if we had a choice) while
peace I give to you. Not as the world not giving in to “worldly ways”? For one
In the Old Testament, especially the pro- gives do I give it to you.” A few verses thing, we need diligently to adhere to a
phetic books, the Israelites are warned later, He asserts, “”I will no longer speak regime of spiritual practices, not for their
time and again not to worship the idols of much with you, for the ruler of the world own sakes but for a strengthening of
the pagan nations that surrounded them. [Satan] is coming. He has no power over our covenant relationship with God and
It may seem amazing to us that after all Me, but the world must know that I love for growth in our love of Him and trust
that God did for the people in saving the Father and that I do just as the Father in Him rather than reliance on human
them from slavery in Egypt and providing has commanded Me” (Jn 14: 30-31). The strength. We need to be strong in our
them with manna and springs of water in implication is that through His Passion, faith to resist the unspeakably horrible
the desert, they still reverted often to the Death, and Resurrection and through His developments in our culture, especially
idolatry of other peoples. Such worship
was less demanding and involved super-
ficially appealing control over the pagan
gods. The true God called the people to
be particularly His own, but they repeat-
edly forgot their chosenness and instead
preferred other gods, as if there really
were gods other than the God of Israel.
In the separation of Judah (and Benja-
min) from the northern tribes after King
3book Availability: The Challenge and the that battle is the nurturing of gratitude for
Gift of Being Present (Notre Dame, IN: being begotten by God, for the opening
Sorin Books, 2015), popular author Robert of our hearts to growth in love, and for the
Wicks wrote, “As children we recognize gift of eternal life, in which we share even
at an early age that the world is not the now. The events of Christmas, Epiphany
kingdom-fulfilled. From the trauma of birth and the Baptism of the Lord are joyful
through the early formative years (birth to mysteries that remind us of God’s love
approximately five years of age) and into that caused Him to take on human na-
the other major period of identity forma- ture, to show Himself to us, and lovingly
tion-reformation, adolescence, we see the to humble Himself in baptism in order to
many things that we feel are missing in share with us the arduous battle against
ourselves. We unconsciously pick up the sin. Let us live these joyful mysteries
insecurities of our parents who, no matter all year long. Let us struggle valiantly
how wonderful they or our early guard- against the secularistic world’s entice-
ians were, also had issues and conflicts to ments so that the Lord may better work
confront” (p. 94). At an early age we may through us in our self-sacrificing love for
“begin to feel we have the answer [to our Him and for others.
discomfort]: success!” (p. 94). Then we
learn, sooner or later, that success in one This gigantic task can be a joyful one
area or another does not bring us ultimate because in the battle we are united with
fulfillment or save us from our inner incon- Christ, who is our joy, and He even re-
sistencies. By grace and with an environ- joices in us insofar as we are even min-
during the past few decades. Today not ment with people who lead us to seek sal-
only has there been much popular ap- imally responsive to His loving outreach
vation in Christ, we may learn that only He to us. In the first reading at the first Sun-
proval of abortion, contraception, and
and a growing faith in Him will deliver us day Mass after the Christmas Season,
euthanasia, but more recently God’s
ways are being rejected in the con- from the “mess” that lies within us. we heard that God wishes to call us by
doning of a “redefinition” of marriage a new name and to share with us His
and of efforts to change our God-given Faith as a “Tool” for glory. Like the exiled Israelites, we may
gender. Such evil trends are even be- Overcoming the World often see ourselves as “Forsaken” and
ing encouraged among young people “Desolate.” Instead, the Lord wishes to
in some public schools. They attack At weekday Masses during the Christmas call us “My Delight” and “Espoused,” as
the very foundation of society, which Season, the first Scripture reading comes if we were in the best possible marital
involves stable traditional marriages largely from the First Letter of Saint John. relationship with Him. God Himself tells
which follow the moral law of God. Of In that letter the apostle reminds us often His people Israel and us, “For the Lord
course, we must all be firm in opposing to struggle against “the world” taken in delights in you and makes your land His
such developments. Most of us do not its negative sense, with references also spouse. As a young man marries a vir-
have much political influence; but we to the battle against “darkness” and “the gin, your Builder shall marry you; and
can all pray ardently for the conversion evil one.” Saint John cautions us, “Do not as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride
of those being deceived by these evils, love the world or the things of the world” so shall your God rejoice in you” (Is 62:
and we may have opportunities with (1 Jn 2:15). After listing the elements of 4-5). All our struggle against the evils of
family and friends to dissuade people the world as “sensual lust, enticement the world is surely not an end in itself.
who are moving toward these destruc- for the eyes, and a pretentious life” (1 Jn It is meant to purify us of our unhealthy
tive trends. It is a wicked phenomenon 2:16), he concludes that “the world and attachments so that we may truly prefer
indeed when governments promote its enticements are passing away. But Christ to everything else and welcome
gross immorality and even try to force whoever does the will of God remains God to espouse us in infinite love. This
perverted doctrines upon children. forever” (1 Jn 2:17). Near the end of his ultimate goal of infinite, perfect joy in
letter, Saint John speaks of the Christian communion with God and all the saints
However, our struggle is not only against as having conquered the world. Baptized
these outer forces. Even more relevant is very much worth the arduous battle
Christians strive to love God by keeping
to our daily lives is the need to oppose against evils within and evils without.
His commandments. He adds, “And His
the “worldliness” that has invaded our With “our hearts overflowing with the
commandments are not burdensome, for
own minds and hearts. To the extent inexpressible delight love,” (RB Prol: 49)
whoever is begotten by God conquers the
that we are motivated not by the love even on this earth, let our whole beings
world. And the victory that conquers the
of Christ but rather by pleasure, power, world is our faith. Who indeed is the victor rejoice that someday we shall “deserve
and popularity, we are still worldly. We … to share in [Christ’s] kingdom” (Prol:
over the world but the one who believes
all can easily be deluded by our desire 50) in its fullness.
that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 Jn 4-5).
for praise or success. By a consistent
prayer life, we can come to recognize In the peace of Christ and Saint
these motives within us that are incon- Joy of Looking Benedict,
sistent with our Christian profession Beyond This World
and to work against them with the help
of the sacraments and of devout fami- Christian life is not just a struggle against Father Donald S. Raila, O.S.B.,
ly, friends, and spiritual directors. In his “the world” and the evil one. Coupled with Director of Oblates
4Oblate Events
Retreats for 2022 tude to the public-relations staff, possible
Plans for the
speakers for Oblate Day in September
Because of the pandemic, the status of and the Day of Recollection in October,
5th World Congress of
retreats this coming summer is still uncer-
and the NAABOD meeting scheduled for Benedictine Oblates
tain. Brother Hugh Lester, O.S.B., director
August 4-9, 2022, at Saint Meinrad Arch- The international Oblate Congress origi-
of the Summer Retreat Program, urges
abbey. The board agreed to schedule its nally for scheduled for November of 2021
people who are interested to check the Re-
treat website, www.saintvincentretreats. next meeting for April 29. has been rescheduled again for Septem-
org to see the planned offerings. Plans are ber 9-16, 2023. Presumably the pandem-
for three weekend retreats and one Day of The Solemnity of Saint ic will be over by that time. This resched-
uling was announced on December 1 by
Recollection. Last year two virtual retreats Benedict at the Archabbey Abbot Primate Gregory Polan, O.S.B. In
were offered and these are still available. on March 21, 2022 his letter to superiors of monasteries, Ab-
Links are on the retreat website.
bot Primate Gregory said, “We count on
Oblates are welcome to attend events at your usual collaboration for the success
Oblate Day and Day of the Archabbey on Monday, March 21, to of this important event, which we are
Recollection for 2022 celebrate the Solemnity of the Passing of working on together with the International
Our Holy Father Benedict with the mo- Team of Benedictine Oblates.” Four Ob-
Oblate Day for 2022 has been scheduled nastic community and other guests. The lates affiliated with Saint Vincent Archab-
for Sunday, September 25, 2022, and the
schedule includes Mass at 4:00 P.M., sup- bey have already expressed interest. For
fall Day of Recollection for Saturday, Oc-
per at 5:15, Oblate ceremonies at 6:15, more information you may contact the
tober 29, 2022. The form of these events website for the congress or our Father
and Vespers at 7:00. (See the schedule
will depend much on the status of the Benoît Allogia, O.S.B., who has been co-
pandemic. If you are considering staying and reservation form elsewhere in this is-
sue.) The registration form should be sent ordinating plans for the congress.
overnight as a guest, do remember that,
as of now, the guest house is open only to the Oblate Office by March 12. The cost
for guests who are fully vaccinated. of the dinner, depending on the menu cho- Assembly of
sen, will range from $16.29 to $19.50. At Deanery Representatives
Meeting of Oblate the suggestion of the Board of Advisors, on Saturday, June 4, 2022
Board of Advisors, no one will be obliged to pay, but free-will
The semi-annual Assembly of Deanery
donations will be accepted at the time of
January 14, 2022 Representatives, postponed from last
the dinner. Checks should be made out to year because of the pandemic, is ten-
Members of the board assembled for Saint Vincent Archabbey. tatively scheduled for Saturday, June 4.
their 83rd regular meeting at 6:30 P.M. One or two representatives from each
on January 29 in the Faculty Dining deanery are invited to participate. Some
Room (after supper). Five members, in- are likely to need overnight rooms on
cluding Father Donald, were able to at- June 3-4 and/or June 4-5. Please let
tend in person, and two others attended Father Donald know by early May if you
by Zoom. The topics discussed includ- will need an overnight room. A speaker
ed the 2023 World Congress of Oblates, and a topic have not yet been chosen,
the event on March 21, the possibly but deanery representatives will be wel-
of a deanery representatives’ meeting come to bring up their own issues for
this summer, the need to express grati- discussion among the group.
5Oblate News
Suggested Lenten Projects purchases. Just let the volunteer at the
cash register know. The hours of the gift
It is suggested that the Oblates and Ob- shop are 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., Monday
late novices affiliated with us rededicate through Saturday.
themselves to the regular praying of the
Liturgy of the Hours (as much as one’s Quotes from Father
schedule allows) and the regular practice Michael Casey, O.C.S.O.
of lectio divina on the Bible (daily, if pos-
sible). The undertaking of good spiritual (from new book Coenobium: Reflections
reading replacing less beneficial activities on Monastic Community (Collegeville,
is also recommended. It is also important MN: Liturgical Press, 2021)
to keep reading the Holy Rule, ideally a
“It is the sacred character of the monastic
bit each day, and to apply it personally to
community that is its most distinctive fea-
one’s everyday life, as in performing the
ture. Its role as a visible sign of the church
spiritual and corporal works of mercy.
is to witness to the presence of the risen
Christ to an indifferent world and to be a
Basilica Gift Shop
sign of hope to a generation that some-
Offers 10% Discount times seems to be fading into despair. By
to Oblates
the attractiveness of their fully realized
Oblates and Oblate novices who pur- humanity monks and nuns can be lights
on a hilltop, trailblazers for all who wish than that. It is yielding control—moving
chase items in the Basilica Gift Shop
to follow Christ, who is our road to eternal from a zone of activity into a condition
may receive a discount of 10% on all
life” (p. 23) [This challenge also applies to of responsiveness and service. There is
Oblates and Christian families.] no explicit agenda in going to the Office
except being there ….” (p. 30).
“The Liturgy of the Hours is an invitation
to come away to the desert so that God Prayer-partner Program
may speak to the heart. It involves leaving
behind the world of practical utility, allow- Our revised Prayer-partner Program
ing tasks to be left undone or unfinished has been implemented now for several
in order to stand before God... In part, go- years. Each new Oblate (soon after final
ing to the Office is routine, but it is more Oblation) is partnered with a monk who
6has agreed to participate. There is no er a brochure for first-time Oblate guests, among collegians and seminarians, and
communication between partners un- but any Oblate is welcome to request a to maintain a world-class instrument
less both agree to such communication. copy. As of January, with construction for special events and concerts, Saint
Each partner prays for the other regu- of buildings still occurring, guests must Vincent Archabbey and Saint Vincent
larly, ideally daily, as best as he or she pick up meals in the Community Center Parish ask for your help in raising funds
can. If you are a full Oblate who wishes (college cafeteria). for the enhancement of our pipe organ
to have a monk prayer-partner, please so that it can be played to its fullest. If
phone the Oblate Office. Oblate Logo Clothing & you would like to make a gift for these
Apparel Items for Purchase improvements to the Saint Vincent Ba-
Oblates as Guests at the Clothing and other items with the Oblate
silica organ, please call or email: Shan-
Archabbey - Now Possible logo is available; you may contact the
non J. Jordan, Chief Mission Advance-
for Those Fully Vaccinated website https://stbenedict.qbstores.com.
ment Officer, Saint Vincent Archabbey,
Seminary, and Apostolates, 300 Fraser
Oblates are again welcome to come Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA 15650;
to the Archabbey as overnight guests
Completion of Saint
724-532-6740; Shannon.jordan@stvin-
if they are fully vaccinated and send
Vincent Basilica Organ
cent.edu.
proof of their vaccination. The number Several years ago a new pipe organ for
of rooms in Leander Hall is very limited; the basilica was installed, but one whole Reminder About “the
so reservations should be made as far in section was left unfinished because of Saint Vincent Oblates
advance as possible. No fee is required lack of funds. Now the monastic commu- Scholarship”
or specified, but donations are welcome. nity has decided to complete the organ,
The current break-even cost for one provided that the funds are available. In an Funds available from the “Oblate Schol-
guest staying one overnight and taking ongoing effort to enrich the liturgical expe- arship” of Saint Vincent College to be
three meals is $60.00. Also, some Ob- rience at Saint Vincent Basilica, to provide awarded are the result of the spending
lates and Father Donald have put togeth- organ instructions for budding organists policy adopted by the Saint Vincent Col-
lege Board of Directors. If anyone has
questions or would like additional infor-
mation, he or she may contact Carolyn
Walsh, by e-mail, at Carolyn.walsh@
stvincent.edu or, by phone, at 724-805-
2412. This scholarship may benefit your
children or grandchildren if they attend
Saint Vincent College. (The last newslet-
ter had the wrong e-mail address.)
7(4) book Nadeem Feroze: Oblate of
Saint Benedict, Pakistani, Defender of
the Faith—$8.00 each
(5) Blessed Saint Benedict/Saint
Scholastica scapulars (usually given
at final Oblation; sometimes the sup-
ply is limited)
New (or Newly
Discovered) Books on
Benedictine Spirituality
Father Michael Casey, O.C.S.O., Co-
enobium: Reflections on Monastic
Community (Collegeville, MN: Liturgical
Press, 2021)
Personal Notes
(1) On January 13 Oblate Gregory
Some Items Available DeFloria of Greensburg, PA, was ap-
from the Oblate Office pointed Assistant Episcopal Master of
Ceremonies by Bishop Larry Kulick of
(1) pamphlet “God’s Love for You” with Greensburg. Our prayers and congrat-
message of evangelization—free ulations are with Greg in his significant
position in the diocese.
(2) booklet Saint Benedict for Busy Par-
ents—for $1.00 each (2) Oblate Paul Fling of Conway, SC,
reported in December that the Women’s
(3) booklet of deanery histories—free or Center where he volunteers announced
with donation for postage that in 2021 its staff and volunteers
8were able to save 72 babies from abor- Pittsburgh Oratory as part of the “Oratory generally change during Holy Week and
tion and to persuade 29 people to ac- Lecture Series.” The title of the discussion the Triduum.
cept Christ into their lives. Let us praise with Clare as translator, in conversation
God for these graces and the coopera- with Father Michael J. Darcy, C.O., was 2. Father Donald apologizes for his late
tion given to the Lord by His ministers “Saint Philip Neri: His Work and His Lega- response to a large volume of Christmas
of life! cy.” We congratulate Clare on her arduous
mail. Duties with the Archabbey Liturgy
accomplishment.
(3) Oblate Clareece “Clare” Godt of Committee and other factors have left
Pittsburgh, PA, has been working for Special Announcements a big pile of Christmas greetings unan-
some years on an English translation
swered even in late January. He plans
of a book in Italian on Saint Philip Neri, 1. Oblates who wish to attend services
during the Paschal Triduum may phone to reply to each piece of mail, but it may
which was recently published. She was
scheduled to give a presentation on the Oblate Office a few days in advance. be well into March before he can finish
Saturday, January 29, at 7:00 at the The times for Morning Prayer and Mass responding. Please be patient.
9News From Oblate Deaneries and Groups
The 3:00 presentation on November 21 was
given by a junior monk, Brother Francisco
Whittaker, whose topic was “The Eucharist
in Benedictine Spirituality.” About 13 people
attended in person, and about 12 by Zoom.
Brother Francisco began by saying that
although Saint Benedict did not explicitly
mention the Eucharist often in the Rule, he
clearly had a very Eucharistic spirituality. The
talk covered three main topics: the Liturgy of
the Hours, silence, and community meals,
all insofar as they were connected with the
Holy Eucharist. Regarding the Liturgy of the
Hours, each Hour is a preparation for the
Eucharist or an expression of thanksgiving
for the Eucharist. Brother Francisco noted
Father Jude Brady, O.S.B. Father Earl Henry, O.S.B. that the Mass contains the four traditional
elements of prayer, and so does the Liturgy
of the Hours, the elements being adoration,
contrition, thanksgiving, and supplication.
Both the Hours and the Mass remind us
that Christ is with us always; we are never
alone. Brother Francisco, in treating silence
and humility, noted that the Eucharistic host
is apparently small and unimpressive; Christ
continues to come in humility, and we need
to silence ourselves to recognize Him, to
adore Him, and to rely on Him. In silence we
grow in gratitude for the Eucharist, which is
the greatest gift that we can receive.
In silent prayer we model Christ in His
prayers away from crowds. Finally, Broth-
er Francisco noted that meals are an ex-
Father Nathanael Polinski, O.S.B. Father Justin Nolan, O.S.B. tension of the Eucharistic meal. Every
meal should be an occasion of gratitude
to God and for our brothers and sisters
Oblate Meetings in Latrobe sary. The session on February 20 is to be
in Christ. During meals our thanksgiving
and Presentations on offered by Father Jude Brady (“Obedi- from the Mass overflows into our experi-
Benedictine Spirituality ence”), on March 13 by Father Nathanael ence of eating with others. Those serving
Polinski (“Holiness”), on April 10 by Fa- and those dining are to treat everything
Oblates from all locations are welcome ther Earl Henry (“Stability”), and on May with reverence since Christ is present. Af-
to the monthly meetings of the Latrobe 15 by Father Justin Nolan (“Walking with ter his presentation Brother Francisco re-
Deanery of Oblates, mostly at 6:30 P.M. the Lord”). According to the latest policy, sponded to a number of questions.
and usually in Brownfield 202. The next those staying for supper have been pick-
four meetings will be on February 20, ing up meals in the college cafeteria and In the evening at 6:30, five Oblates re-
March 13, April 10, and May 15. Those eating in one of the rooms across the hall. mained to discuss “Silence/Taciturnity”
wishing to come for Evening Prayer (usu- (We hope that sometime soon the guest from the book A Study Guide for the Rule
ally at 5:00) and supper before the eve- of Saint Benedict by Abbess Emerita Ma-
dining room will re-open.)
ning meeting should phone Father Donald ria-Thomas Beil, O.S.B., of Saint Walbur-
in advance at (724) 805-2291. The book A ga Abbey in Colorado. The themes dis-
Study Guide for the Rule of Saint Benedict Latrobe, PA (Saint Gregory cussed from the Rule included silence as
is currently being discussed. Also, infor- the Great Deanery) a remedy to sin, the connection of silence
mative presentations on Benedictine spir- with humility and obedience, forbidden
ituality continue to be offered at 3:00 P.M. Meetings usually on 3rd Sunday of month, types of speech, silence in the Bible, si-
on the same dates, usually in Brownfield 3:00 P.M. presentation in Brownfield 202; lence as a “fruit of the heart,” and prayer
Room 202. All are welcome, and pre-reg- 6:45 P.M. discussion on book, in Brown- in silence. The session ended with the
istration is no longer absolutely neces- field 202 praying of Compline at 7:45.
10Brother Francisco Whittaker, O.S.B. Father Basil Burns, O.S.B. Father Donald Raila, O.S.B.
Father Basil Burns gave the presentation themselves.” To become holy often in- young children.
on December 19 to about 15 people; it volves some loneliness in the process of
was entitled “Holiness in Benedictine being abandoned to divine providence At the meeting at 6:30, attended by five
Spirituality.” He introduced the topic of and being possessed by the Holy Spirit. Oblates, the group completed a study of
holiness by referring to holiness in the Father Basil asserted that it is crucial for silence and began the section of the text
Christian tradition, by relating a personal the Christian to strive for holiness and that on humility. Saint Benedict’s concept of
experience of undergoing a series of con- holiness is more than following rules; it is humility involves acknowledging God’s
versions, by emphasizing that holiness is a matter of being “possessed” by Christ. greatness and our utter human weakness.
possible only by grace, and by remarking Humility requires self-emptying and being
However, for Benedictine monks and Ob-
that we can tell when we observe holiness. filled with God; it is the foundation of our
lates, the way to holiness is to follow the
Then turning to the Holy Rule, Father Basil spiritual lives. The attendees then reflect-
Rule in daily life, with the help of grace.
mentioned that Saint Benedict often uses ed on the first three steps of humility be-
The way to holiness involves life as a jour-
the word “sanctus” (holy) and challeng- fore praying Night Prayer at 7:45. We were
ney and life as a battle for Christ, our true
es monks (and all of us) to become holy blessed to have among us an Oblate from
King. Every day we are called to pray for
in all of our conduct. Blessed Columba Iowa who, despite long affiliation with
the intentions of many people; such pray-
Marmion, in his book Christ, the Ideal of Saint Vincent, had never before been able
ing for healing and for the conversion of to attend an Oblate meeting in Latrobe.
the Monk, mentions holiness many times hardened sinners is also an important part
and writes of Christ as our divine model of of growth in holiness. We must accept The meeting on January 16 took place
holiness; our part of growing in holiness
Saint Benedict’s challenge ever to “has- amid the beginnings of a snow storm. The
is to surrender to Christ by faith. Christ,
ten” to the summit, our heavenly home. 3:00 session was attended by four Oblates
as Saint Benedict tells us, must fill all our
After his stirring presentation Father Ba- and Kim Metzgar of Archabbey Public Re-
activity. The Sarabaites in RB 1 represent
sil responded to a number of questions, lations, who recorded the presentation.
the opposite of holiness; they are “full of
including one regarding the salvation of Because the scheduled speaker was just
Dorothy Day
11coming out of quarantine, Father Donald Annville, PA the “Prayer for Oblates” and a reading
gave the presentation, which was about (Saint Placid Deanery) from the Rule. Then the attendees entered
silence in Benedictine spirituality. Father into a discussion on Part 1 of the book
Donald offered reflections on the ninth, Meetings at 3 P.M. on 4th Sunday of each mentioned above. They agreed to read
tenth, and eleventh steps of humility from month, Saint Paul the Apostle Church Chapters 7 and 8 in Part 2 for the next
RB 7, with references to Scripture and to meeting, scheduled for February 13. The
Secretary/lay leader Phyllisann Godfrey group also discussed lectio divina and the
the book A Guide to Living in the Truth reported on November 16, December 9, value of the online app “AMEN” from the
by Father Michael Casey, O.C.S.O. The and January 17 & 24. Four Oblates met Augustine Institute in assisting with lectio.
session ended, as usual, with a prayer for on November 12 and began their meet- They also mentioned how an online app
Dorothy Day’s beatification. Because of ing with the “Prayer for Oblates” and a with audio could assist members in pray-
the bad weather, there was no additional reading from the Rule. There followed a ing Vespers in community since newer
session that evening. discussion about prayer in general and members have not had much experience
what forms of prayer each attendee found with the Liturgy of the Hours. The meeting
Oblate Group in challenging or especially beneficial. They adjourned early because a snow storm
then moved on to a discussion about the was beginning; so the attendees prayed
Cambridge, Ontario, Canada Liturgy of the Hours, its history, and its Vespers individually at their homes. Zoom
importance in light of Jesus’ command to meetings will be used until one member
Meetings on 1st Thurs. mornings at Saint
pray unceasingly. Also considered were recovers from surgery.
Gregory the Great Church in Cambridge the many options available today, includ-
ing online resources. The group planned
Oblate Cathy Mayled reported by e-mail
to continue to read the book A Layman’s
Baltimore, MD
on many occasions with prayer intentions.
Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours by Fa- (Saint Walburga Deanery)
However, because of the persistent threat
ther Timothy Gallagher and to discuss the Meetings at 3:00-4:45 on 3rd Sun. of month,
of Covid, the group has not been meeting chapters of that book. The meeting ended
in person. parish house, Saint Benedict Church
with a sharing of light refreshments and
the praying of Vespers in the church. Moderator Father Paschal Morlino sent
Oblate Group in an e-mail message on January 7 remind-
Tennessee Colony, TX Health problems and family obligations ing Oblates of the “Christmas meeting”
prevented the Oblates from gathering in
(Michael Unit) December. The meeting in January was
planned for January 23 and passing on to
them information from lay leader Jay Wells
There was no report. Apparently, meet- held on the 16th after being postponed
about the opportunities offered by the Cy-
from the previous week because of haz-
ings are not yet being held because of ber Deanery.
ardous weather. Thanks to the expertise
the pandemic.
of one of the Oblates, the session involved
a trial meeting by Zoom, which worked out
Beaumont, TX [Stiles Unit]
Oblate Group in Rosharon, well for members who were unable to at- (Saint Stephen Deanery)
TX (Terrell Unit) tend in person. The meeting opened with
Oblate novice Jeremiah, serving as lay
Oblate Gilberto reported by mail on De- leader and secretary, wrote on December
cember 1. Although Oblate meetings are 7 and 27 and on January 10. The meeting
on November 20, attended by 15 people,
not yet permitted, a group that prays the
began with the praying of the Office of
Liturgy of Hours together regularly has
Readings and a reading of a passage from
grown to six or eight participants. It is the Rule. Jeremiah reflected on the pas-
hoped that “prayer meetings” can be re- sage by commenting on the importance
sumed soon. of silence for listening to God’s voice and,
especially in Saint Benedict’s day when
Oblate Group in Livingston, monks had no private rooms, for showing
TX (Polunsky Unit) respect to others. Jeremiah also explained
about internal and external distractions
Oblate Alex reported by mail on Novem- and mentioned ways to deal with them.
ber 2, along with a statement of what Ob- He also recalled a personal experience
late commitment means, especially for about the value of practicing silence. He
those who are inquiring. He also wrote on emphasized that silence was not an end
December 24 with Christmas greetings in itself but is of value insofar as it leads to
God and the doing of His will.
and with an expression of hopes that the
group could resume meetings soon, that The meeting on December 4 was attend-
it could become a deanery, and that the ed by seven or eight people and again
participants could develop a fraternal life. began with the Office of Readings and
12a reading of the Rule—from RB 53, on Oblate Ronald Weleski for his years of “Oblates can find daily readings of Saint
hospitality. Jeremiah summed up Bene- faithful service as lay leader of the dean- Benedict’s Holy Rule with reflections from
dictine spirituality as “silence, obedience, ery, especially during the difficult time of a Benedictine monk and one of our Ob-
and service, all underscored by humili- Covid (which, of course, has not yet end- lates affiliated with Saint Vincent. Check-
ty.” Benedictines, he said, are known for ed), and we thank Joyce for her willing- ing in daily, one can fulfill the recommen-
hospitable service to all; we are called to ness to step into this position. dation of reading the Rule three times
imitate Christ’s example in extending our- within the year. We provide suggestions
selves to others. Each person whom we Cyber Deanery (Saint and links to videos, books, and other spir-
encounter comes as an opportunity from Isidore of Seville Deanery) itual guidance to help in the members’
God. Loving other people as Christ loved conversatio. We give Oblates affiliated
involves making time available for them [Those interested in the deanery may con- with Saint Vincent Archabbey a vehicle to
and actively listening. True love is sacrifi- tact patrickckenny@att.net.] share their experiences and reflections.
cial and “takes the extra step.”)
Lay leader Patrick Kenny reported by “To join the Cyber Deanery, please feel
The meeting on December 18, attended by e-mail on December 7. On December free to contact Patrick at PatrickCKenny@
about eleven people, began with the Office 5 the deanery conducted its “trial Zoom att.net.”
of Readings and a reading of a passage from meeting,” and it was successful.
Rule, namely Chapter 63 on “Community Jacksonville, NC
Rank.” Then Jeremiah gave a reflection on The next Zoom meeting occurred on Jan-
the chapter with a description of novice for- uary 2 at 3:00 E.D.T. Sixteen people tuned (Saint Michael the
mation, which includes a process of looking in to it. After opening prayers, at Patrick’s Archangel Deanery)
inward, understanding oneself, and over- request Fr. Donald offered some reflec-
tions. He spoke about the Solemnity of Meetings at Infant of Prague Church, 7:00
coming disorders in one’s life—or possibly
Epiphany and references in the Holy Rule P.M., 3rd Tues. of month
discerning that Benedictine life is “not for
me.” Is one truly called to this way of life, or to the presence of God and manifestations
Lay leader Robert Hilton reported on No-
is one looking only for external influence or of Christ, with the summons to obey Him
vember 23 and January 7. The meeting
perceived benefits? The session ended with and honor Him. The meeting then went on
on November 16 was attended by seven
Jeremiah’s reference to the three Benedic- to a discussion of the book that had been
people in addition to Father Vic Gournas,
tine vows and a rough explanation of con- chosen for group discussion.
moderator of the deanery. After an open-
versatio morum. The consideration of the ing prayer, the group viewed a DVD en-
vows was to continue at the next meeting. A Statement on the titled “The Everyday: Benedictine Life at
Cyber Deanery of Mount Saviour,” produced by Mount Sav-
The meeting on January 8 was attended
by one Oblate, four inquirers, and one oth-
Saint Vincent Archabbey iour Monastery in Pine City, NY. Since the
er person. Attendance was low probably liturgical commemoration for the day was
Lay leader Patrick Kenny wrote the fol- the memorial of Saint Gertrude the Great,
because of uncertain circumstances. The lowing for this issue of the newsletter in
session began with a brief prayer, followed Robert distributed a summary of her life
December, 2021.
by a hymn. Then Jeremiah gave some in- to the attendees. The meeting ended with
structions on the use of the breviary, in “Living in Alabama, I am grateful that the Night Prayer.
particular Christian Prayer. Next he offered Oblate Office of Saint Vincent Archabbey
a lesson from RB 58 (on the vows) and RB established a cyber deanery for those who
63 (on community rank). He spoke about are unable to belong to a physically locat-
the required qualities of those who enter ed deanery or attend deanery meetings
the novitiate and the importance of no- in person. For many who are too far from
vitiate formation to help men to “find out Latrobe and have no other deanery in their
who we really are.” Jeremiah then gave vicinity, it can be difficult to stay focused
detailed reflections about the meaning of on their Benedictine obligations. Having
stability, conversatio morum, and obedi- the support of other Oblates can help to
ence, with the remark that “love is what keep us energized.
makes obedience possible.” Jeremiah
also responded to a number of questions. “COVID delivered a new opportunity for
the Cyber Deanery to provide support to
Butler, PA many more Oblates. When deanery meet-
ings were postponed for reasons of safe-
(Saint Hildegard Deanery) ty, the Cyber Deanery saw many Oblates
Monthly meetings at Saint Fidelis Parish affiliated with Saint Vincent Archabbey
Hall, 6:30 P.M., 4th Thurs. of each month seeking support and community. Start-
ing with just a handful of Oblates before
Lay leader/secretary Joyce Collins report- COVID, the Cyber Deanery is now 49
ed by e-mail on December 17. We thank strong and continues to grow.
13other attendees then offered suggestions Niagara Area, Ontario,
about other books, prayers and devotions Canada (Saint Henry/
that might be helpful. They also spoke Saint Gertrude Deanery)
about the humanness of saints in their
struggles with life’s stresses so that there Meetings on 3rd or 4th Thurs. of each
is hope for all of us to become saints. month, meeting room of Saint Thomas
Suggestions were also made about journ- Aquinas Church, Saint Catharines, Ont.
aling and apps that are available for pray- (after a holy hour with benediction)
ing the Liturgy of the Hours. Lay leader Brian Chisholm reported by
phone on December 30. At the meeting
Kalispell, MT on November 25, Father Benjamin Weber,
(Holy Trinity Deanery) moderator, gave an excellent presentation
on scandal.
Meetings at Saint Matthew’s Roman
Catholic Church in Kalispell on 2nd Wed., Father Ben could not be present at the
Father Thomas Acklin, O.S.B. 10:00 A.M. meeting in December. Because of Father
Ben’s extremely full schedule, there was
Lay leader/secretary Tanishia Sperling talk about finding another deanery moder-
The meeting on December 21 was attend- reported by e-mail on December 9 and ator, perhaps a retired priest.
ed by seven people, and it opened with January 17. The meeting on December
the praying of Vespers. Then the group 8 was attended by three Oblates while Pendleton, IN
viewed a DVD presentation on “Holiness two long-distance Oblates were kept ap-
and Humility” by Father Thomas Acklin,
(Saint Celestine Deanery)
prised. After an opening prayer, the group
O.S.B., at the Archabbey. Bob reported continued to discuss the book A Guide Monthly meetings in the chapel in Pendleton
that former lay leader James Hough, al- to Living in the Truth by Father Michael
though he is suffering from a terminal ill- Casey, O.S.C.O. In their consideration Secretary Oblate Frederick reported by
ness, continues to meet with an individual of Chapter 9, “Yielding to Others,” the mail on November 28 and December 12.
to give him RCIA instructions. attendees mentioned the virtues of re- The meeting on November 21 occurred
specting one another, of not seeking to after a Liturgy of the Word service and
was attended by three Oblates and one
Johnstown, PA (Saint be esteemed, and of valuing the wisdom
inquirer. Oblate Cory gave a presentation
John Gualbert Deanery) of the young as well as of the elderly.
on RB 40, entitled “The Proper Amount
These virtues apply to Oblates in family
of Drink.,” and his presentation was en-
Meetings on 1st or 2nd Monday of each and community as well as to monks, and
titled “Individuality and Personal Goals.”
month, 6:30 P.M., Saint Benedict Church we must work on them.
He spoke about everything good as a gift
Lay leader/secretary Kathy Kristofko There was no meeting in January, particu- from God and the things we can do to re-
larly because of one member’s illness. spond to that gift. Cory mentioned that
wrote on December 15 and January 15.
abstaining from drink is one way to “earn
The meeting planned for November was
our reward” in response to God’s gift. He
canceled because of unforeseen circum-
also reflected on the term “local condi-
stances. The meeting on December 13 tions,” especially situations of deprivation,
began with Evening Prayer in the church. which can help us to strive for holiness if
Then the group moved to the Saint John we embrace them and offer them up out
Paul II meeting room for a pre-Christmas of love for Christ. Cory also referred to the
social and a discussion of what Oblates readings for the Office of Readings for the
can do to strengthen the spiritual lives of day and to St. Benedict’s allowances for
people in their own parishes. monks of his day, which show his com-
passion for human weakness.
The meeting on January 10 was held by
Zoom. There was mention of the mission About the same time Oblate Argumedo, in
to be held at Saint Benedict Church on another unit, gave a presentation on obe-
March 26-28. The group also made plans dience based on RB 5: 1-19. He spoke
to celebrate the Feast of Saint Benedict about the need to remember original sin
and its consequences as opposed to the
on July 11 by having a meal together at
prompt obedience called for by St. Bene-
a restaurant. Then the attendees spent
dict as “the first step of humility.” Argu-
some time communicating with the Ob-
medo also referred to Mk 10: 28-30.
late novice who attended and who told
about the books that she was reading on On December 9 the group was able to have
the Rule and Benedictine spirituality. The a Liturgy of the Word service in a chapel for
14the second week in a row. On that date, requested for those who had lost loved with personal intentions and the “St. Ben-
after the liturgy, Fred gave a presentation ones recently or who had family members edict Prayer.” Because of the drastic rise
on RB 56, entitled “The Abbot’s Table.” who were very ill. of Covid in the area, no meetings were
Five people were in attendance, including planned for January or February. The next
three Oblates. Fred focused on the phrase Lay leader George Ponticello, whose mother, meeting is planned for March 6.
“for the sake of discipline” and, quoting Rita, died on November 14, thanked all the
from Heb 12:11, mentioned that the fruit deanery members for their many prayers, The meeting on November 7 was led by
of healthy discipline is growth in righteous- words of support, and a beautiful “Serenity Oblate novice Christine Raizin and attend-
ness. He also referred to Saint John the Prayer” blanket, which the deanery members ed by only one other person, an Oblate.
Baptist’s response to people’s questions gave to George in memory of his mother. The two of them reflected on RB Prol: 9-10,
”What should we do?” when they came to 14-15. 22. The discussion highlighted the
him for baptism. The meeting ended with The deanery held its annual Christmas importance of being continually open and
the praying of the “Oblate prayer.” party on December 27, with Father Jim available to Christ in the present moment,
Orr hosting the event at his beautifully with the use of eyes and ears to discern
decorated rectory. Four Oblates attended,
Philadelphia, PA and Father Jim was especially gracious in
God’s call and to seek Him at all times.
(Saint Augustine of We are to nurture a continual yearning for
preparing food that was compatible with God, to learn God’s will, and to surrender
Canterbury Deanery) the attendees’ dietary needs. The next our hearts to His will with confidence that
meeting was planned for January 24, with He will provide.
Memorial Chapel of the Good Shepherd,
the intention of discussing Chapters 8 and
10:00 A.M. on Saturdays
9 of The Story of a Soul. The goal was to The meeting on December 5 was led by
Moderator Father Vincent de Paul Crosby, complete the book in February and then Mary Ann Kaufman and attended by four
O.S.B., reported in person on January 17. move on to another book. others. The group reflected on RB Prol:
There had been hope for a meeting in Jan- 21-32 & 33-38, with focus on 25-28, 32,
uary, but the rise of the Covid pandemic Pittsburgh, PA (South and 35. The discussion highlighted the
led the deanery to wait until March (condi- Hills - Blessed Columba challenge of RB 25 and “walking without
tions permitting) to resume meetings. blemish.” We need to realize that we are
Marmion Deanery) not yet sinless but that the Lord leads us
Pittsburgh, PA (North Meetings on 1st Sunday of month at Saint away from sin and to a knowledge of His
Louise de Marillac Church in the Bishop forgiveness. Temptations should be quickly
Side - Saint Peter Deanery) Leonard Room, 1:30 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. “dashed against Christ,” who wins the vic-
Meetings on 4th Monday, 7:00 P.M., Saint tory over sin for us. Emphasis was placed
Lay leader Mary Ann Kaufman reported on God’s daily patience and our need to
Anthony Chapel in Troy Hill
by phone on January 9 and by e-mail on “translate” His holy teachings into action.
Oblate James Perini, acting lay leader, re- January 21. The meetings on November
ported by e-mail on November 9 and Jan- 7 and December 5 began with Daytime Rosharon, TX [Ramsey
uary 16. On October 25 five Oblates met Prayer, “A Prayer for Oblates,” and “Con- Unit] (Saint Bede Deanery)
with Fr. James Orr, moderator, to discuss secration to the Blessed Trinity” by Bless-
the remainder of Chapter 6 of their book ed Columba Marmion. The discussions on Monthly meetings
for discussion, namely The Story of a Soul the Rule were based on the book The Rule
by Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. Prayers were in Bits and Pieces. The meetings closed There was no report. Apparently, the
deanery has not had meetings because of
the pandemic.
Savannah, GA (Saint
Katharine Drexel Deanery)
Special monthly events (Sept. - May) at
Sunday Vespers at Benedictine Priory
Moderator Father Ronald Gatman, O.S.B.,
reported by e-mail on November 22, with
the addition of a reflection by lay leader
Michael Williams entitled “Keeping the
Balance,” which refers to the crisis associ-
ated with the pandemic and related issues
and the value of the Holy Rule and our
prayer lives to help us to maintain balance
amid turmoil. Copies of this reflection are
available from the Oblate Office.
15In September the deanery met on a Sun- Somerset, PA be effective without first understanding
day to discuss a portion of the Rule and (Saint John Paul II Deanery) the doctrinal content of Catholicism. The
to attend a Mass celebrated by Father meeting ended with a closing prayer, in-
Ron. In October the group met for some Meetings on 2nd Tuesdays, 6:30 -8:15, tercessions, and the singing of the Bene-
group lectio divina and then came togeth- chapel annex dictine “Ultima.”
er for a Mass, during which Deacon Doug
Because of the pandemic, meetings are The meeting on December 13, attended by
Delzieth gave a presentation with the as-
apparently not yet being allowed. seven people, was led by lay leader David
sistance of his wife, Renee. On Novem-
ber 21, the Solemnity of Christ the King, Nice in the absence of Father David, who
the group participated in a discussion of
State College, PA was hearing confessions at an Advent pen-
part of the Prologue of the Rule led by lay (Saint Joseph Deanery) ance service. After the praying of “Oblate
leader Mike Williams, who also offered the prayers” and Vespers, the group discussed
Meetings on 2nd Mon., 6:30 P.M., Our
reflection mentioned above. The meeting Lady of Victory Church, Saint Joseph Ac- Chapter 5 of the given text, which address-
was followed by a Mass. tivity Center. es evangelization. The main point of the
chapter is that “evangelization isn’t about
The first meeting for the new year was
Secretary Phyllis Austin reported by a concept or an idea, but about a friend-
planned for January 16, with a full gather-
e-mail on November 10 and December ship with Christ that you have, and that
ing of Oblates for a session of group lectio
20. The meeting on November 8 was at- you want someone else to have, too.” In
divina and a celebration of Mass followed
tended by moderator Father David Griffin, the chapter Bishop Barron describes ways
by supper. Oblates were also to be invited
O.S.B., and seven others. The meeting in which such a relationship can be shared
to join in the monastic Vespers.
began with “Oblate prayers” and Vespers. without watering down doctrine or jettison-
Plans for the next few months include a Then lay leader David Nice led a discus- ing tradition. The idea that all of us are to be
discussion of the Rule led by Deacon sion of Chapter 4 of the book that the evangelists was emphasized. As usual, the
Kevin Knight (a teacher at Benedictine deanery has been reading and discuss- meeting ended with a closing prayer, inter-
Military School) and Oblate Jackie Kim in ing, namely To Light a Fire on Earth. The cessions, and the “Ultima.”
February. The session is to be followed chapter focuses on “truth” and gave the
by Vespers. In March Father John Paul group much material to ponder regarding Tennessee Colony, TX
Heiser, O.S.B., member of the community how we are to seek truth, value truth, and [Coffield Unit]
in Savannah, is to lead the attendees in a live the truth of our faith. Bishop Barron (Saint Boniface Deanery)
session of group lectio divina, which will in his talk criticized “beige Catholicism,”
be followed by Mass. In April there is to be which denotes a watered-down version Oblate Kenneth wrote on November 17,
a day of recollection, including a presen- of the faith and the current state of our December 6, and December 20. Meetings
tation by Sister Christine. secularized culture, which longs for an- are still not allowed, but Kenneth and three
swers which can be found only in Christ. others pray Morning Prayer together. Oth-
Selingsgrove, PA In our efforts to evangelize, we cannot er Oblates in the deanery are reported to
(Saint Anselm Deanery) be reciting the Divine Office individually or
in small groups. A deacon has been hold-
Monthly meetings at 2 P.M. on 2nd Sun- ing weekly communion services, and an
days at Saint Pius X Church in Selinsgrove R.C.I.A. program is available. It might be
noted that Kenneth composes a month-
Lay leader/secretary Teresa Warlow report-
ed by e-mail on November 15, Decem- ly spiritual reflection, with citations from
ber 18, and January 23. The meeting on Scripture and often with themes from
November 14 began with the “Prayer for Benedictine spirituality. These, in edited
Oblates” and continued with an audio pre- form, are available from the Oblate Office.
sentation of Bishop Robert Barron’s talk on
Oblate Anthony wrote on January 14. He
the Real Presence of Christ in the Holy Eu-
expressed the hope that Oblate meet-
charist, followed by a discussion. The at-
ings might resume soon after February 1.
tendees were grateful for Bishop Barron’s
Individual Oblates were focusing on the
Scripture-based points, which can be used
Oblate Formation Booklet, daily readings
in evangelization. The meeting ended with
from the Rule, and the Bible. One mem-
the recitation of Midafternoon Prayer.
ber of the deanery seemed to be ready
The meeting planned for December 19 for final Oblation, and several inquirers
was canceled, probably because of Covid seemed to be ready to be invested as
and pre-Christmas activities. Oblate novices.
16You can also read
