Oblates are individuals who function apart
from a monastery, but who espouse Benedictine spirituality and follow
the Benedictine motto of "worship and work" in their daily lives.
Benedictine spirituality is not 'spectacular.' It is a
very modest measure of spiritual guidance not directed toward
extraordinary experiences of prayer, or ardent moments of conversion.
It is beautifully expressed in an ancient saying, "Before the
enightenment: cut wood and draw water; after the enlightenment: cut
wood and draw water."
In the prologue to the Rule, St. Benedict tells his
followers that "we are going to establish a school for the service of
the Lord. In founding it, we hope to introduce nothing harsh or
burdensome."
He promises that as we advance in the life of faith, our
hearts expand, and "we run the way of God's commandments with
unspeakable sweetness of love."
Oblates have discovered that elements from Benedictine
spirituality and lifestyle can be fruitful outside the walls of the
monastery, to strengthen the quality of societal living and working.
The St. Martin Oblate program is life-giving, healthy and
growing. The Benedictine spirituality of Oblates radiates outward,
bringing a message of beauty and order of life, to places the
monastics cannot reach. Some of these places are reached through the
variety of religious traditions held by oblate members. Ecumenism
enriches the group, where there is awe and respect for the
understanding that each one brings to meetings.
Oblation is a form of commitment to Benedictine
spirituality that is given unconditionally from the heart, that needs
to be cultivated in "good and bad" days.
Our motto: "That in all things God be glorified."
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