Living the Rule in the World: The Oblates of St. Benedict’s Abbey Part II of II

A Call for the Whole Church

Discerning a call to become an oblate often begins with a desire for deeper connection to God, to prayer, and to Benedictine spirituality. Those who are interested can reach out to Br. Florian or other oblates, attend monthly meetings, and spend a year in formation before making their oblation.

Br. Florian encourages anyone who feels hesitant not to let fear hold them back. “Someone once described the Rule of St. Benedict as opening up monasticism to the weak,” he says. “If God is calling you to this, it’s not about being worthy, it’s about receiving what God is giving you. Benedict says, ‘Everything should be set up so that the strong have something to strive for and the weak have nothing to run from.’ There’s nothing to run from. Come and see. If it isn’t for you, that’s okay. But maybe there’s something here for you.”

A Witness in a Noisy World

In a fast-paced and often divided world, oblates serve as a quiet but powerful witness to the peace and stability found in Christ. “In a world of division, they witness to peace and unity,” Br. Florian reflects. “In a world of distraction and self-indulgence, they witness to silence and prayer. In a world where people feel meaninglessness and disconnection, they witness to rootedness and stability.”

Through their lives, oblates show that Benedictine spirituality isn’t only for monasteries. It’s for anyone seeking peace, joy, and a deeper relationship with God. “In a world that’s hurting,” Br. Florian adds, “they witness to the joy of following Christ with their whole lives.”

Parish communities also benefit from the presence of oblates. Their lives demonstrate the fullness and variety of vocations within the Church. “Oblates can witness to the importance of prayer and the connection between laypeople and religious,” Br. Florian says. “We are both part of the Church and united in prayer.”

Learn More

Those who feel drawn to this way of life are encouraged to learn more through the Abbey’s website or by contacting Br. Florian Rumpza, O.S.B., Oblates Director. “I just want to foster whatever God’s doing,” Br. Florian says simply.

For those who long to bring the peace and wisdom of St. Benedict into the everyday world, that might be exactly where the call begins.

A Prayer for Discernment

Regardless of your own plans to join our community as an Oblate, we invite you to pray for discernment that will help strengthen you on your path to holiness, no matter what your state of life may be. We offer, as a suggestion, the following prayer composed by Metropolitan Philaret Drosdov, who served as the Russian Orthodox Archbishop of Moscow from 1821 to 1867. 

O Lord, I do not know what to ask You. 

You alone know my real needs,
and You love me more than I even know how to love. 

Enable me to discern my true needs,
which are hidden from me. 

I ask for neither cross nor consolation;
I wait in patience for You. 

My heart is open to You. 

For Your great mercy's sake,
come to me and help me. 

Put Your mark on me and heal me;
cast me down and raise me up. 

Silently I adore Your holy will
and Your inscrutable ways. 

I offer myself in sacrifice to You
and put all my trust in You. 

I desire only to do Your will. 

Teach me how to pray,
and may you, yourself, pray in me.

Amen.