Winter update:
Dear Oblates,
Well here we are over half way through January and how quickly the month seems to be passing. It doesn’t seem that long ago since we were all heading down to St Anthony’s Church in a snow storm for my ordination. And now we find ourselves in a New Year, and even the days are beginning to lengthen a little. It’s still cold of course, but at least the sun is shining every day.
For those of you who were not able to attend my ordination it went very well. We decided to have it t St Anthony’s in anticipation of not being able to accommodate the guest, about 300. We had the reception at the monastery and the food was prepared by our cooks, many Oblates and volunteers also helped out so it all came together very well. In the evening we had pizza and salad in the lobby with a roaring fire in the fireplace, music accompaniment offered by Ravner (guitar) and Webster (piano and violin) so it was the perfect end to a perfect day.
Now my mind is turning toward spring and the beginning of our Oblate volunteer program which will be headed up and organized by Norm Peterson. So if you read this Norm, we need to connect so we can get some things in place. There is a lot of work that needs to be done and we need to have it all coordinated ahead of time.
I have some trips coming up to help us with our retreat house ministry, and meetings with possible benefactors. If anyone out there is good with fundraising please do let me know, I need to get something arranged to help us move forward.
Thank you all for your ongoing support in so many ways and for your prayers, particularly leading up to my ordination. I am very grateful.
In Christ,
Fr Aidan, OSB oliv
Oblates as "Monasticism's Gift to the World"
(edited from a reflection by Fr. Bede Classick, O.S.B., Director of Oblates
at St. Paul's Abbey, Newton, New Jersey)
Oblates are monasticism's gift to the world. I hope that through this statement all Oblates will come to appreciate who they are. The Oblates are indeed a gift and have much to give to the world, a world which is seeking and searching for its ultimate salvation. The Oblate stands between monasticism and the world as a mediator, linking the two, drawing them together, bringing to the world the values which monasticism holds up as important for the Christian way of life.
Monasticism has done much throughout history to shape life in the world; but monasticism has not influenced the world simply on its own. It has been able to shape Christian life in the world in its day-to-day activities only because those who live in the world have sought to carry out its program of spiritual growth and commitment to Christ.
Oblates especially have understood the close relationship between monastic life as envisioned by St. Benedict and the ordinary Christian life in the world. Affiliating themselves with monastery and convent, they provide a vital link with the world as they reach out to bring hope and inspiration to those struggling to find Christ in the midst of a sinful world.
It is through the Oblates that monasticism opens its heart to the world; and the gift that monasticism offers through Oblates is hospitality, a "cosmic hospitality," a reaching out to embrace the whole universe. It is only in this way that the brokenness of our human lives and of our world can be healed. Oblates will reach out into all areas of life to bring forgiveness and healing, peace and consolation, springing from their affiliation with the monks. As Oblates listen to those in need in order to help them, they will realize that peace and justice are not just causes for which we wave banners, but forms of Gospel proclamation. Such is the work of redemption. Hospitality finds its meaning in the Cross. In stretching out His arms on the Cross, Christ opened Himself to the world. He excluded no one, but forgave even His enemies. He embraced all so as to redeem all.
The Oblate of today must be ready to walk in the steps of Jesus Christ. The Oblate must be ready to embrace the world in order to forgive and heal and reconcile. Such a welcoming gesture will give others the courage to turn to Christ. Through the hospitality of the Oblate, the monastic values of prayer, humility, obedience, peace, patience, charity, and reverence will be brought to bear on the world and guide it in the way of salvation.
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A number of Oblates have requested prayers. We have a wonderful Yahoo Group for Pecos-Oblates that you may join – to both see who has requested prayers, to mention any intentions you may have and to just share with other Oblates. Go to the Yahoo website (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Pecos-Oblates/) to sign up to be part of this group.
We will be attaching some of the photos from the Sept. Oblate Retreat. We hope you enjoy them. In the meantime, if you have any questions, ideas or reflections you would like to share with the Oblate Coordinating Committee, please email us at oblates@pecosmonastery.org.
Your Oblate Coordinating Committee.
Oblate Downloads:
Application
Retreat Flyer
Our Lady of Guadalupe Benedictine Abbey
Prayer Novena
Heavenly Father, you fashioned for your people a home on earth amidst the
beauty of your creation. You always provide for the earth, the land and its
growth, animals and all living creatures and the needs of your sons & daughters.
We come to you at this time, Lord, seeking your perfect plan for Our Lady of
Guadalupe Benedictine Abbey. We seek your wisdom, discernment, and
guidance as to how best serve you for your glory, where your Son Jesus, may be liftedup as Lord and Savior where the healingpower and presence of your Holy Spirit maybe experienced.
Even as your people trusted in you to bring them into the land that was promised
we look to you as our God and Father to lead us in all things. We trust you to bringthose persons and the means that willhelp accomplish your work. You, who liveand reign with Jesus and the Holy Spiritone God Forever and ever. Amen
