Oblate Program
Sister Raphael, Oblate Director
Oblates of St. Benedict are women and men who wish to apply the teachings of St. Benedict as found in the Rule to their Christian lives. Benedict's Rule can be applied to the life of anyone who is seeking God by striving to become holy in his or her daily life circumstances. Christians may be united by Oblation to a given Benedictine Monastery without leaving their families and occupations. The oblation makes Oblates members of the monastic family, and they share in the spiritual life and ministry of the community. Oblates strive to live the Gospel message as reflected in the Rule, to integrate prayer and work, to witness to others by word and example, and to offer themselves for the service of God and neighbor. A period of preparation through prayer and dialogue is required before one becomes an Oblate. The Oblates meet on the third Sunday of the month for informal discussion and sharing about various values and teachings of the Rule of St. Benedict.
Resident Oblates
A Resident Oblate is one who wishes to live in the Monastic Community in order to deepen her faith life by daily participation in the charism and spirituality of the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh. An application process is required before acceptance as a Resident Oblate.
Why Become an Oblate?
St. Benedict started his order over 1500 years ago. Since then, Christians have been associated with the prayers and works of a monastic community without leaving their homes, families and occupations. They:
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"Seek God Daily: through prayer and conversion of life
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Develop a love and reverence for prayerful reflection on the Word of God in Scripture and other sources of Spiritual reading
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Receive spiritual strength and inspiration from the Benedictine way of life
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Share in the works and prayers of a monastic community
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Extend Benedictine values into the world by applying the teachings of the Rule of Benedict in their families, places of work and in society.
Sister Raphael is our Oblate Director. For more information on our Oblate program, please contact Sister Raphael Frank.