1. A Short History of Benedictine Oblates

 


Why is this Orthodox Christian venue addressing such a Catholic thing as “Benedictine Oblates”?, you might ask!  You would be correct in referring to Benedictine Oblates as Catholic simply because, prior to the Great Schism (circa 1054 a.d.), the universal undivided Church then was referred to as the Catholic Church.  In Post Schism, the word Orthodox came into use to differentiate the Eastern Church from the heretical Western Church.  Therefore, not only was St Benedict of Norcia an Orthodox Christian, so too were the Oblates he welcomed into his care. Who were these Oblates?

 

In St Benedict’s day, both wealthy and poor families would offer (oblature) their sons to the monasteries so these young lads might receive a proper education and grow healthy.  These, later, became known as Intern Oblates i.e., those who resided in the monastery while following the monastic discipline and daily routine of the monks but did not commit themselves to “vowed life”.  As opposed to the Extern Oblates who resided, not in the monastery but, at home with their families.  There, they followed a monastic discipline of fasting, silence and prayer while engaged in their worldly obligations, visiting the monastery for the Holy Mysteries and spiritual counsel.

 

In all these many years since the dormition of our Father among the saints, Benedict of Norcia, the practice of lay oblates has continued in both the Western and the Eastern Church.  In the Gnísios (Gr, true, genuine) Orthodox Church, where there are monastics following the Rule of St Benedict the laity are welcome to attach themselves to the monastery as Oblates benefiting from the grace and charisms of that Benedictine Orthodox community.  What does it take to be a Benedictine Oblate in the Orthodox Church?


NEXT Expectations Of Those in Oblation


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