The Oblates of
Saint John's Abbey
Saint Benedict founded his first monastery about 1,500 years ago. Over time, men and women, friends and neighbors outside the monasteries wanted to be affiliated with the work and prayer of the monks. These individuals were often married, had family obligations, and employment. They lived outside of the monastery but offered themselves to God, dedicating their lives to the guidance of the Rule of Saint Benedict as oblates. The word “oblate" comes from the Latin oblatus, which means someone who is offered up or dedicated to something. As time passed and society continued to change and progress, one thing didn't change: the value and wisdom found in the holy Rule. Thousands of oblates worldwide continue to find inspiration and spiritual fulfillment as they follow the treasure of the Rule of Saint Benedict. Oblates, along with the monastic community, are co-holders of the Benedictine tradition.
Saint John's Abbey has approximately 500 oblates who pray with the monks, volunteer around the abbey, visit us to nourish our friendship together, and live their authentic, Benedictine vocation where they are in life. Upon receiving an oblate, he or she is invited with these words,
“Accept this Holy Rule of Saint Benedict which was written in the spirit of the Gospel teachings of Christ and handed down to us through the centuries. Let it be a special guide for you in your life as a Christian and Oblate of Saint Benedict. May the principles herein contained show you the true Way of Christ as taught us in the Gospels: love of God and love of neighbor.”
Please contact Fr. Michael Peterson, OSB, for more information/