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History of Oblates
Benedict was born in Nursia, Italy around the year 480. At the age of 14, he was sent to Rome to be educated. Soon, thereafter, he became disturbed at the debauchery among the students and fled to an isolated area where he lived in a cave, fasting and praying. News of his holiness soon spread, and many came to him for counsel. After a time, he was prevailed upon to found a monastery, and in time, several more. For these monks, he wrote the Holy Rule which is followed by Benedictines and Cistercians even today. Oblates were received by St. Benedict at Subiaco, before he founded his monastery at Monte Cassino. A more precise status was given to Oblates by St. William, Abbot of Hirschau. He established definite rules for two types of Oblates. The Interns or Regular Oblates lived in the monastery and submitted to its discipline without making formal vows. The Externs or Secular (Common) Oblates lived in the world but were affiliated with the monastery. Historians tell us that large numbers of the faithful thus consecrated themselves to God and to the Order of St. Benedict by uniting themselves as Oblates to such famous monasteries as Cluny, Hirschau, St. Blase, and others. Balance, zeal and moderation are the qualities of the Rule of St. Benedict. It works with people as they are in the world, calling them to what they can become in Christ. The Benedictine way is a force from within that acts as leaven in the loaf. To become fully human in this life is to allow the sacredness of the ordinary to become manifest. Cistercian Oblates Cistercian Oblates are Christian men and woman, married or single, over 16 years of age, who celebrate the Protestant, Catholic, or other Orthodox Christian traditions and wish to develop a deeper personal and communal experience of the Risen Christ and share in the important work of the Cistercian Order of the Holy Cross. Cistercian Oblates are Christian men and woman who are admitted into spiritual union and affiliation with a Cistercian community of monks, so that they may share in their spiritual life, prayers, and good works. Oblates do not usually live in a monastic house, yet they remain one with the community while they continue faithfully to carry out the duties of their particular state in life. Within the framework of their daily responsibilities, Oblates strive to lead full Christian lives enlightened by personal efforts to understand Christ’s teaching in the Scriptures as interpreted by St. Benedict in his Rule for Monks. Oblates are guided and inspired by their continued spiritual association with their monastic community. Since Cistercian Oblates primarily offer themselves for the service of God and man, they will therefore strive for God’s honor and glory before all else, keeping in mind the Benedictine motto: “That in all things God may be glorified.” Oblates Strive For Their Own Continued As their states in life permit, Oblates make use of various means for improving themselves spiritually, intellectually, culturally, and socially, by making a Retreat, a Day of Recollection or Renewal, attending a Workshop, Seminar, Lecture, or Prayer Meeting as occasion offers. They make the study and reading of Holy Scripture an important part of their lives, concentrating especially on the Gospel teachings of Christ. Oblates Strive to be Men and Woman of Practical Spirituality They combine prayer and work by living and working in the presence of God, aware of God’s presence everywhere. They are generous and warmhearted to the poor and needy. They faithfully fulfill the duties of their states in life, especially with regard to the care of their families. They practice the spirit of poverty, by not being unduly attached to material things, by thanking God for what they have, and by using God’s gifts in a sensible way for the glory of God and the good of mankind. They seek the Christian reformation or constant renewal of their lives by fostering the spirit of obedience, stability, and fidelity in accord with the three Benedictine principles of Christian living which St. Benedict asks his followers to practice. They often read some part of the Rule of St. Benedict and meditate on how it can be applied to their lives. They seek guidance and instruction when they are in doubt or troubled. Oblates Strive to be Men and Woman of Christian Virtue Oblates proclaim and practice the Christian virtues of faith, hope, and charity, by believing, hoping, and trusting in God, and loving God and man in thought, word, and deed. Oblates foster a positive Christian attitude toward the many other virtues flowing from the practice of prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. Oblates Foster a Spirit of Community They love the Cistercian community to which they are affiliated as Oblates. They keep in touch with their community through their Director of Oblates. They let others know about their monastic community, support its apostolic works, and encourage young men in their vocations to the monastic life. They visit the monastery occasionally and become familiar with the monastic life. They tell others about the Cistercian Oblates and encourage them to become Oblates if they seem to be in search of such a special way of life in the world. Oblates are Men and Woman of Peace They use all rightful means for establishing peace in the world around them, mindful of the centuries old Benedictine watchword: PEACE! How to Become an Oblate Aspirants may contact the Abbot General’s office to obtain an application or advance inquiries. Abbot General CISTERCIAN ORDER OF THE HOLY CROSS COMMON OBSERVANCE Monks in the Cistercian Order of the Holy Cross consist of lay men and woman, and diocesan clergy, single or married, from Anglican, Roman Catholic, and Orthodox traditions. They follow the Rule of St. Benedict and the Constitution of the Order. Monks live in the world as well as in abbeys, monasteries, priories or hermitages and desire to lead a contemplative life of prayer and study. HERMITS Hermit monks (men or woman) may be either external or internal and may live in autonomous colonies. Hermits devote their lives to the praise of God and salvation of the world through a stricter separation from the world, the silence of solitude and assiduous prayer and penance. ORDINATION The Cistercian Order of the Holy Cross is happy to receive male applicants for Holy Orders, e.g., Priest, Deacon. We would also consider incardination for other rightfully ordained clerics. Educational requirements may be individually tailored. Members of the Cistercian Order of the Holy Cross may either retain their membership in their own historical churches or transfer membership to the Order. Naturally those ordained, incardinated, or living in a monastery are members of the Order. If you are interested in becoming a First Order Monk, Hermit or Priest please contact the Office of the Abbot General. OUR MONASTERIES Our
monasteries in America and overseas capture the true Cistercian life
in uniquely different ways. While one community may be reclusive contemplatives
another may focus on educating children. Yet another may be active in
parish/pastoral ministry. Each is faithful to the Rule of St. Benedict,
the Order’s vision and a life of prayer. Contact
the office of the Abbot General
Ut in omnibus glorificetur Deus |
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