Fr. Donald S. Raila, O.S.B.
Director of Oblates
God is present to us in the most ordinary situations of life. The Incarnation of Christ assures us that our Lord is intimately concerned about our every concern, however miniscule, and that He seeks to enter into our every activity to sanctify it and to transform us into more loving, Christ-like children of God. In every ordinary situation God summons us to a deeper commitment to Christ.
The Rule of St. Benedict (RB) provides time-tested guidelines for seeking God and becoming holy amidst the ordinary routines of daily life. Distributing practical necessities (RB 31-34), serving in the kitchen (RB 35), ministering to the sick (RB 36), taking the right amount of food and drink (RB 39-40), trying to be on time (and bending a bit for those who are not on time) (RB 43), arranging a balanced schedule (RB 48), performing works of self-denial (RB 49), receiving guests (RB 53), and correcting wayward brethren (RB 23-27) are all occasions of responding to God's persistent, ever-present call of love. Christ, i n taking on human flesh, has sanctified all these ordinary activities and made them opportunities for receiving and sharing His life and love. Of course, God is present in a very prominent way during our times of prayer (RB 19-20), and it is only by our responsiveness to God's grace in prayer that we can perceive the grace-filled character of the other dimensions of our lives.
Oblates of St. Benedict commit themselves to grow in the values and virtues of the Holy Rule in communion with the monks of their community of affiliation and with their fellow Oblates. Thus they also pledge themselves to seek God in the ordinary. The following reflections, written during the months before the sesquicentennial of St. Vincent Archabbey, offer a living testimony of ways in which God has worked through the spirituality of St. Benedict and the Oblate movement to draw people closer to Christ and to their fellow pilgrims amidst their ordinary lives of prayer and work. Some of the reflections also show how wondrously God has worked through ordinary people and circumstances to attract people to the Oblate Program in the first place.
These personal reflections are offered to the reader as a gift, a sharing of what God in Christ has done for a few Christians who struggle to be better disciples in their ordinary lives. The original wording has been edited, with the permission of the authors, to ensure consistency, clarity, and good grammar. It is hoped, however, that this ordinary and yet extraordinary sharing by Oblates of St. Benedict affiliated with St. Vincent Archabbey will stir each reader to a heightened awareness of God's amazing, redemptive, loving presence in the mundane and even dark situations of his or her life and thus also to a deeper personal commitment to respond to the call to live in self-sacrificing love in and through Christ.
Fr. Donald S. Raila, O.S.B.
Director of Oblates
- John Adams, Pittsburgh, March 1995
Oblates, like monastics, must live and conduct their lives in the aura of Benedictine spirituality. As an Oblate, I have come to know that "Benedictine is beautiful, and beautiful is Benedictine."
Being an Oblate means belonging to a community of men and women much like a family, a spiritual family, that uplifts and strengthens its sons and daughters, sisters and brothers to go forth from its gatherings to be signs and witnesses of Benedictine and Christian love, compassion, caring, and stable faithfulness. I hope that I am just that!
The dignity that our holy founder, Saint Benedict, exhorted and taught in his Rule for his monks and monasteries seems sorely needed in our contemporary society. As an Oblate, my prayer is that individually and in concert with others (monks, nuns, religious, clergy, and lay men and women) I assist and support the diffusion of the light that radiates from Christ through the study of the Rule and the influence of Saint Benedict.
To me, being an Oblate is a quest for love, praise, and service of and for Jesus Christ! Come! Join! Seek! "Ora et labora" with us!
- Gerald Bee, Latrobe, August, 1994
To be an Oblate is to be a servant of Christ for others and to show love for one another as Jesus wants us to do. It is to be humble of heart in obedience and to be honest with one another. It is to respect everyone else. It is to put our trust in Christ Jesus. It is to know the value of confession, to clear our consciences for peace of mind, and to pray together with the monks.
Being a Cursillo person and an Oblate, I must remember that Christ is counting on us to fulfill a mission in life. We are to draw others to Christ by helping them and showing them that we care about them. We are to have in our hearts and minds the words of Jesus and of the Scriptures. Jesus is our Rock, the foundation of our lives, our hope, our joy, our peace, and our love. We believe that He was sent to us by God the Father and that He is the Son of God and our Redeemer.
- Frank Billock, Vandergrift, March, 1995
- Gertrude Brechtel, St. Marys, May, 1994
- RoseMary Breindel, St. Marys, October, 1994
- Eileen Brennen, St. Marys, April, 1994
Being an Oblate novice has been such an inspiration to me. I have always lived a religious life, but being a novice has made me a much better Christian.
I have learned about the Rule of St. Benedict, about which I knew very little, and I know, of course, that I have quite a great deal to learn in the future. I have learned about that wonderful saint, St. Benedict, to whom I pray constantly, whereas before being an Oblate novice, I knew very little about St. Benedict.
Well, I could go on and on, but I know I love being involved with the Oblates, St. Benedict, the Benedictine Rule, and the monastic community.
- Annette C. Brownfield, Latrobe, February, 1995
Oblation also means fidelity. The Benedictine lifestyle offers the opportunity to affirm our baptismal promises, to live and pray in the cadence of the Scriptures, and to stay the course with Christ, Who has always stayed with us.
Finally, Oblation means fellowship in a Christian community with others who are equally caught up in a vortex of spiritual renewal as well as human service. It also means fellowship with the professed religious of the Order of St. Benedict, who boldly declare themselves to be followers of Jesus Christ and who willingly share this great adventure with the Oblates. In our Oblation, as in this fellowship, we "prefer nothing whatever to Christ, and may He bring us all together to everlasting life" (RB 72:11-12).
- Kathleen Casey, Baltimore, August, 1994
When I first became acquainted with the Rule, it appeared to be out of touch with reality and not applicable to a middle-aged married man with three children. However, I persevered in my pursuit; and after countless hours of prayer, reflection, and lectio, I finally came to the stark realization that Benedictine spirituality and becoming an Oblate were exactly what I was looking for and what I desperately needed in my life.
Since that November day in 1989, my life and my outlook on life have changed dramatically. My prayer life has much more meaning; and as I proceed on my journey to the Kingdom, my enthusiasm has been sustained.
I trust our Lord will continue to shed His grace upon me that I may continue to be faithful to my commitment and may continue to be counted among the countless Oblates of St. Benedict.
- Joseph C. Cirelli, Pittsburgh, May, 1994
B ring this will of mine to comply with the obedience I owe to all the minutiae of my daily life. This obedience sometimes feels like a heavy burden as loved ones, strangers, friends, places, and objects make demands on my life. All must be given the best I have to give.
L istening and trying to overcome my forgetfulness and laziness must be my continual goal. I must pick myself up and try again. I must "stabilize" myself and let my firmness be found in Christ.
A ttuned to all the ways in which the Rule of Benedict reminds me to "prefer nothing to the love of Christ," I must make this the motto of my life.
T rying by lectio to meet the God I wish to possess, whether slowly or suddenly, I shall find Him opening a wide variety of ways to help me draw near to Him. The path is to be found in my daily life, through the Divine Office, in readings, in meditations, in prayers, or perhaps in contemplation. I need to attend to all these opportunities "with the ear of my heart."
E ver remembering that this "school of the Lord's service" demands nothing harsh or oppressive, I must frequently recall my promises as an Oblate of St. Benedict; with
S t. Benedict, I can strive for the goal "that in all things God be glorified."
- Bernadette Edwards, Mt. Pleasant, October, 1994
It was also an honor for me to be installed as an Oblate at the first "Oblate retreat," given by Archabbot Leopold.
This is my feeling about being an Oblate. One grows closer to God as an Oblate.
- Mary Ann Facetti, St. Marys, April, 1994
Then, much later, I was having a lot of time on my hands and wanted to do something meaningful. A dear friend of mine suggested that I visit some people who were confined to their homes; so I did that for several years, and it was very rewarding. My friend also suggested that I join the Oblates. I said I would go to one meeting to see what it was all about. (I know this event was "planned" because I was so warmly welcomed by one lady before I went into the church.) I was a little anxious at not knowing what it was all about. That was April 1984.
I began to attend meetings regularly, and I will continue to do so as long as I am able. I found out it's not a mystery but something very rewarding. I think that by being Oblates we become little missionaries. I did bring in a few other new members.
- Adeline Feldbauer, St. Marys, October, 1994
- Anna Mae Giebfried, Johnstown, October, 1994
- William Giebfried, Johnstown, October, 1994
- John & Edythe Griffin, Erie, March, 1995
In the beginning we felt empty; we lacked a sense of participation with others in serving our God. We were not satisfied with ourselves, and we read that we had to die for others (that is, to die to our neighbors, not to judge them, not to evaluate them, and to be more compassionate to them just where they were). The Oblate Program opened our eyes and minds to follow and serve God better. After this there were four of us, and that dates back to November, 1963. From that point we grew to our present size.
- Virginia Guravage, Williamsport, December, 1994
- Joanne Hartzell, Greensburg, April, 1995
After praying my Christian Prayer I feel more relaxed and fulfilled. There is within myself a stronger feeling of peace, satisfaction, and contentment. Talking with Our Lord is not an ordeal any more; it's a pleasure.
Each day I pray that my day be filled with more kindness towards myself and others. In this way my day becomes more personally fulfilling. I often pray simply, "Please, Lord, I want to be a better person."
- Gloria B. Harvey, St. Marys, May, 1995
At this point in history, we need St. Benedict, a saint of God who lived at a time similar to our own, that is, a time of breakdown in society. Maybe this is the reason for the Benedictine Order's longevity. Now is the time for a new beginning.
Being an Oblate has made me more aware of our Church's great task -- bringing Jesus Christ to the world. Being an Oblate is a many-faceted experience, personal and societal.
- Jane Hirschberger, Johnstown, October, 1994
I am a member of Blessed Sacrament Cathedral here in Greensburg, Pa., and each time I attend Mass here I am reminded of my Benedictine way of life. We still have the stained-glass windows of Saints Benedict, Scholastica, Gertrude, Gregory, and other Benedictines, from the time that this church was staffed by Benedictines. On Wednesday of each week we have all-day adoration; so I have the opportunity to make a holy hour at least once a week before the Blessed Sacrament.
I do volunteer work at Westmoreland Regional Hospital and also work at the St. Vincent de Paul store here in Greensburg. I like to help wherever I am needed, and I keep looking for opportunities to do more.
Being an Oblate means to "work and pray" and serve one another. I believe that being an Oblate has given direction to my life.
- Veronica Holden, Greensburg, August, 1994
Ever since Oblate Day began, we have attended it and have come away with an uplift and joy. By being Oblates and coming in touch with the Benedictine monks, whether by way of conferences, sacraments, or socializing, we have gained the impression (or, better yet, the insight -- for us or anyone else) of how rich the Benedictine life is. The monks relate to us ideas and suggestions as to how we can know, love, and serve God and come closer to Him. Their kindnesses and hospitality make us want to live better lives.
Lastly, it is a great consolation, assurance, and security to know that we share in the prayer life of the Benedictines and that we will not be forgotten after we go to God.
- DeSales & Leonarda Karawsky, Vandergrift, August, 1994
The life of a committed Catholic is a journey. This journey is assisted by the strengths and blessings we receive through the sacraments, the Mass and those people with whom God surrounds us. However, this journey is often tedious, and the climb to the "top of the mountain" is filled with endless obstacles.
With my commitment to the promises of a Benedictine Oblate, I have attempted to begin that "extra mile." Previous to this, my prayer life had been mediocre at best. Now I spend a specific time in personal prayer, parts of which are the Liturgy of the Hours, holy reading (lectio divina), and meditation. Not that long ago I would have said that I had no time for this much attention to personal prayer. Since the beginning of my affiliation with a community whose foundation is prayer, it has become a means of survival in a wanting, wandering world. My time set aside for prayer is now a self-imposed madate that cannot be compromised.
Symbolism plays such an important role in our faith. When starting my day, I put on the medals of St. Benedict and the Blessed Mother (I believe that it was through Mary's intercession that I arrived at my vocation as an Oblate). Additionally, I wear the small scapular of St. Benedict. The wool backing reminds me that I must unite any suffering or discomfort to that of our crucified Savior. The black color is to remind me that though I am in the world, I tread into perilous waters when I become overly fascinated with the false illusions that it offers.
But why affiliation with the Benedictine Order for someone who is so occupied with family, job, and other varied activities? St. Benedict's Rule integrates self-discipline with moderation in all things. Above all, he stresses the constant need to be prayerful. As an Oblate, I have been given the help, through the Holy Rule, to improve my prayer life and thus to be more able to keep my heart open to the urgings of the Holy Spirit in doing God's will.
Being an Oblate does not exempt me from the failings of human nature. It does, however, make me more aware of my shortcomings and, through my promise of conversion of heart, does help me to work on being a better person. The "mountain" still looks very high, and the journey is still tedious at times; but through the prayers of loved ones and other members of our Benedictine family, God's grace smooths many of the rough edges. I am thankful to Him and to all those who have been supportive in my journey with St. Benedict's wisdom as a guide.
- Dennis Krug, Holland, New York, August, 1994
At the time of my graduation and then of my studies at college, other things began to take precedence in my life. I questioned if there even was a God. (Yet all through this period of questioning I remained faithful to participation at Masses on weekends and holy days of obligation.) I knew there was some force much more powerful than anyone could explain, and slowly I began to accept, merely on faith, that God did indeed exist. It would not be until ten or fifteen years later, however, that I began my spiritual journey.
As a Benedictine Oblate, I feel that I am answering God's call to the spiritual vocation that I once experienced as a young child. I thank God for the many Benedictines who have had a significant impact on my spiritual life in the past and the present and for those who will have such an impact in the future. As an Oblate, I feel I am in communion with the Benedictines while I strive to practice Benedictine spirituality as a wife, mother, and teacher of young children. I thank God for His promise "that God makes all things work together for the good of those who have been called according to his decree" (Rom 8:28).
- Denise Lawrence, Rices Landing, August, 1994
Even though I had been saying "the Office" before, it now took on new meaning to know I was praying with and for the Benedictines. Fathers Leopold, Jim, and James and now Father Conan have all been a blessing to me with their teaching and their friendship. It is beautiful to pray the Office with my fellow Oblates, and our discussions of the books we read together have been a learning experience for me.
Most of all, I value the friendship, love, and caring of my fellow Oblates. It is good to share one another's burdens and pray about them. I feel that we are all family, not only among our little group here in State College but also with all the Oblates and all the monks at St. Vincent. It is a joy to know that I am being remembered in the daily prayers at the Abbey. I don't get to St. Vincent very often, and I don't know many of the monks; but whenever I do visit, I always have the sense of belonging and of coming home. I cherish being an Oblate. With the help of St. Benedict I seek to learn the Rule and to live by it in my life.
- Angela Letzeisen, State College, August, 1994
- Paul P. Mayercsik, Johnstown, October, 1994
- Rita Mayercsik, Johnstown, October, 1994
It was at my mother's and father's knees and from their simple, beautiful faith that I was led to become aware of God's goodness in everything, and this awareness was fostered by the prayer life and simplicity of the monks at the Abbey so that I was brought to want to learn more and to become part of that loving communion with the Lord.
Becoming an Oblate was like icing on the cake for me. It was the extra sweetness of the touch of the Lord to make something already beautiful more complete and fulfilled.
- Jacqueline Milko, Latrobe, February, 1995
- Dolores Monaco, Norfolk, Virginia, May, 1994
- Nicholas Parrendo, Pittsburgh, September, 1994
An Oblate receives many blessings and graces through the prayers and good works of all the other Oblates as well as of the priests and brothers of St. Vincent Archabbey.
- Martha Pollick, St. Marys, May, 1994
I am grateful to be a member of the extended Benedictine family as we pray and work toward our goal: to seek Christ first and to share His love with others.
- Diane Riccobene, Baltimore, May, 1994
The living example of the above words was my first experience with the way of Benedict. I experienced it with the sisters at St. Emma when I made my first retreat there a few years ago. At St. Emma the Holy Spirit touched me with His love through the love of the sisters.
After my third retreat at St. Emma I was drawn to return that love which I had experienced by becoming a volunteer. Because I am a nurse, I volunteered to help with the sick. While volunteering, I was also reading books about the Benedictine way with the guidance of Mother Mary Anne. After reading a pamphlet about the Oblates, I decided I wanted to become an Oblate affiliated with St. Emma. I feel so at-home at St. Emma, and I desire to love as the sisters love.
On the next weekend retreat that I attended, I spoke with Rachel Kosko, who invited me to an Oblate meeting at St. Vincent. St. Vincent is a "brother monastery" to St. Emma; thus, since St. Emma doesn't have an Oblate group, I wanted to join St. Vincent's Oblate group.
At St. Vincent I continue to experience the Holy Spirit guiding us. Thus this month, when I became an Oblate after being an Oblate novice for a year, I have fulfilled my desire by following Benedict's way to become a person of love and eventually of complete union with the living Christ, whom I see reflected in the Benedictines.
- Jane Siatkosky, Pittsburgh, July, 1994
However, Fr. Justin died in 1949, and over the years I gradually lost contact with St. Vincent as I raised my family. I was alienated and felt no closeness.
And then the Oblates in St. Marys were reactivated during the 1980's. My husband, Len, who had been an Oblate since 1936, became involved, and so did I. And I could almost feel my beloved big brother's satisfaction that I was "becoming a Benedictine."
We went to the first Oblate retreat at the Archabbey. And then the most wonderful thing happened. We were sitting in the choir stalls praying with the monks, and all at once I seemed to be aware of Fr. Justin's presence and his saying, "I'm here. I'm still here. You haven't lost me." And it was true; once again the Abbey is dear and familiar to me.
- Rita Sorg, St. Marys, May, 1994
I've enjoyed the yearly retreats with various companions. I have treasured the friendship of the Benedictine monks and learned much from them.
St. Vincent is truly another home for me.
- Leonard Sorg, St. Marys, May, 1994
I feel honored to have been inducted into the biggest "gang" in the whole universe, "Benedict's Gang for God"! As a member of this "gang," I am privileged to serve the greatest leader of any "gang," God Himself. Also, I am sponsored by truly one of the greatest men of all times, St. Benedict. Who has a greater closeness to the ear of God than St. Benedict? As you know, in our society, that counts.
I can support this "gang" with all my heart, soul, prayers, and good works without getting into trouble. I can give every minute and hour of my day to this great leader, God, without this commitment's ever interfering with my daily activities.
My benefits as a member of "Benedict's Gang" are as numerous as the stars and are received at no cost to anyone but me. What is the cost, you may ask? All it costs me to be a Benedictine Oblate is to follow the Rule of St. Benedict and to offer myself and all my good works each day to my leader, God the Father, through Jesus Christ.
I guess that about sums up my feelings about being an Oblate.
- Ada Steinbach, St. Marys, October, 1994
- Edward & Joanne Zehler, Baltimore, June, 1994
- Anonymous, Johnstown Deanery, October, 1994
Reading the daily Office is a challenge to the seriousness with which I take my commitment to pray, but I do try to keep up with it.
Our discussions after Evening Prayer have helped to motivate me to study Scripture, and now I never tire of reading the Bible.
- Anonymous, Johnstown Deanery, October, 1994
- Anonymous, Johnstown Deanery, October, 1994
- Anonymous, Johnstown Deanery, October, 1994
- Anonymous ("1987 Oblate"), Johnstown Deanery, October, 1994