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."