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Oblates of Saint Benedict are Christian men and women who strive to live in the secular world according to the spirit of the Rule of St. Benedict. Although they are not monks or nuns, they draw inspiration from the Rule and from their ongoing affiliation with a particular Benedictine community for the task of living out the Gospel of Christ in their families and at their workplaces. Through their oblation or gift of themselves to God, they become part of the "extended family" of a particular Benedictine monastery, and share in the prayer and work of that community. Thus an oblate is not simply someone who is interested in monastic spirituality: like a monk or nun, the oblate is part of a particular monastic community which he or she regards as his or her spiritual home. This does not mean that the monastery in any sense competes with or could ever replace one's local parish. Instead, oblates carry Benedictine spirituality back to their parish communities, and share with their monastic community the fruit of their life in the parish and in the world.
The Oblates of Portsmouth Abbey find a pattern for their own spiritual lives in the rhythms of silence and speech, solitude and hospitality, contemplative prayer and liturgy, which characterize monastic practices at the Abbey.
Oblates of Portsmouth Abbey meet approximately six times a year for prayer, liturgy, conferences and fellowship at the Abbey. Retreats are held periodically. A typical Oblate day of recollection takes place on a Sunday beginning with attendance at the Abbey conventual mass. After mass the Oblates share breakfast which is followed by a conference. A period of time for private prayer and reflection gives way to The Midday Office with the community. After a social lunch the Oblates have more time for private prayer, adoration of The Blessed Sacrament and the sacrament of reconciliation.
For more information on the Oblate program at Portsmouth Abbey contact the Oblate Director, Dom Philip Wilson, O.S.B. by telephone at 401-683-2000 or write to Father Philip at:
Dom Philip Wilson, O.S.B.
Portsmouth Abbey
285 Cory's Lane
Portsmouth, Rhode Island 02781
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