2010

Feb 20

Paula Holmes, our delegate at the 2nd Oblates World Congress has published her report.

After Compline, during a Faringdon Oblate Chapter meeting at Douai Abbey, Andreas Groeger was enrolled as an oblate novice.

2009

Dec 15

After Compline this evening, at a Faringdon chapter meeting, Sian Oram, Paul Sheppy & Matt Tinker were invested as oblate novices.

Douai Oblate Newsletter no 32 is now available.

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The second Oblates Retreat led by Sr Miriam and Sr Judith, co-oblate directors of Turvey Abbey, on St Benedict's teaching on humility took place. It included the celebration of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. In the forground is the visual display which served as a meditative focal point. Photo by Ali Wrigley.

Two of our novice oblates, Richard Guion and Fodhla McGrane graduated with MA in Christian Spirituality at Heythrop College, University of London on the same occasion as Br Christopher.

Two oblates from the north visited the Julian Chapter meeting at Costessy, Norfolk, to see how meetings are run there, with a view to starting a chapter in Lancashire. photo by Ali Wrigley

Neil Pearson became an oblate novice after Compline, during a Faringdon Chapter meeting.

At Conventual Mass Klara & Franz Thomas Brunnhuber and Anne Ishikawa made oblation.

Paula Holmes, our representative at the Second International Oblates Congress in Rome, came to give a report in the afternoon.

The first of two retreats given by Sr Judith & Sr Miriam, oblates directrices of Turvey, on the topic of 'Humility'.

We heard today that our oblate Deacon Peter Lattey had died suddenly two days ago. RIP.

Janine Turner became an oblate novice after Compline, during a Faringdon Chapter Meeting.

Fr Gervase was present at a full day meeting of the Julian Chapter at St Walstan's church, Costessy, Norfolk. Kevan Browne made oblation during Mass. Ron O'Toole was elected coordinator for the coming year. There were eighteen people present, including oblates of Buckfast, Stanbrook and Pecos, New Mexico.

Douai Oblate Newsletter no 31 was published to day.

The Second International Oblates Congress opens today in Rome, Paula Holmes attending as our representative, and Zina Neagle is the National Coordinator and member of the organising committee. Please pray for the success of this congress.

The British oblates website has been updated.

Beverly Olsen made oblation at Conventual Mass, during an Oblate Retreat.

A new Oblate Chapter has been started in the North West. It will meet at Ormskirk parish. Four persons attended the inaugural meeting.

At Conventual Mass this morning Mary Overington made oblation, taking the name 'Anna', and in the evening after Compline Madelaine Lee was invested as an oblate novice.

Veronica Bell made oblation during Conventual Mass, taking the patronal name, Hilda, during an oblates retreat led by Br Simon. Standing left to right Monica Wilson, Fr Gervase, Ron O'Toole, Veronica Hilda Bell, Brendan Grimley, Pam Grimley, Br Simon, Paula Holmes, Richard Guion. Seated Nicola James, Barbara Hardy, Inge O'Toole, Barbara Stocker. photographer Ali Wrigley.

After Compline during a meeting of the Faringdon Chapter, Bernadette Lister became an oblate novice.

A new Benedictine Forum has gone live.

Thea van Dam was received as an oblate novice after Compline on the eve of the Solemnity of St Benedict.

An oblate retreat, which includes the Solemnity of St Benedict, is being led by Br Simon Hill.

2008

Dec 1 - 3 & 12 - 14

Two National Oblate Retreats took place at Douai, given by Mgr Richard Moth, an oblate of Pluscarden. Six Douai oblates attended.

Oblate Retreat: Derek Vidler,Michael Blackburn (on ground), Francis Buxton, Roderick Guion, Mary Overington, Ali Wrigley (on ground), Roger Williamson, Prior Boniface Moran, assistant oblate director who led the retreat.

Roderick Guion was invested as an oblate novice after Compline, during an oblate retreat.

A handbook for Oblates The Oblate Life has been co-published by Canterbury Press and Liturgical Press and edited by Fr Gervase. Several of our oblates have contributed articles. It was launched at Douai Abbey this afternoon, in the guest refectory,an occasion at which a number of our oblates were present. The picture shows some of the visitors at the reception. Click to see more photographs.

Oblates on a walk in the woods during the retreat.

At Conventual Mass, during the retreat, Loretta Bunce made her oblation, Fr Prior Boniface standing in for Fr Abbot who was away.

After Compline, at the start of an oblate retreat, Gillian Davis was invested as an oblate novice.

It has been proposed to start a London chapter. The first two meetings are planned for Tuesdays October 21 & December 9 at 18.00. For information please contact Simon Bryden-Brook brydenbrook@talk21.com

During an oblate retreat, Franz & Klara Brunnhuber and Anne Ishikawa were invested as oblate novices.

The GB & I Oblate Co-ordinators Team now has a website with Congress information.

A group at an Oblates retreat at Douai. Back row left to right Mary Overington, Brendan Grimley, Zina Neagle, Richard Guion. front row Pamela Grimley, Fr Gervase, Loretta Bunce, Barbara Stocker missing Ali Wrigley photographer, Bernadette Lister.

After Compline Fr John Ashman was invested as an Oblate Novice.

The latest Oblate Newsletter no 30 is now on line.

At Conventual Mass, during an oblate retreat, Fr Abbot received the oblation of David Francis Rees.

At Conventual Mass today Fr Abbot received the oblation of Inge Julian O'Toole and Paula Frances Holmes. In the picture from left to right, Fr Boniface, assistant oblate director, back row, Ron O'Toole, Barbara Stocker, Loretta Bunce, Francis Buxton, Kevan Browne, front row, Paula Holmes holding her oblation certificate, Veronica Bell, Inge O'Toole holding her certificate, Fr Gervase, oblate director and Derek Vidler; Ali Wrigley took the photograph.

An oblate retreat took place, led by Fr Gervase on the subject of oblates being counter-cultural. The picture shows Francis Buxton, Loretta Bunce and Barbara Stocker on a walk with Fr Gervase on a very cold afternoon; Ali Wrigley took the photograph.

The Great Britain and Ireland National Oblate Co-ordinators Team held a meeting in the Bl Hugh Faringdon Conference Centre.

The latest Oblate Newsletter no 29 is now on line.

2007

December 3 - 5

At a mid-week Oblates Retreat we watched the film 'Into Great Silence', which was well received.

Fr Maurice Twomey, who became an oblate novice in October 2002, has at last been able to visit us and Fr Abbot received his oblation after Midday Prayer. He is wheel-chair bound and lives in a nursing home in Romsey, Hants. He was brought by oblates Philip & Philomena Sheppard. We were delighted he was able to come.

Fr Boniface, assistant oblate director, visited the Wulstan Chapter meeting at Studley, Warks.

Kevan Browne and Martin Tullett were enrolled as oblate novices after Compline, during an Oblate retreat, picture on the right.

On the left: back row Inge O'Toole, Barbara Stocker, Kevan Browne, Brian & Pauline Stewart (oblates of Buckfast), Betty & Tony Daly (oblates of Pecos), Derek Vidler, Fr Boniface, front row Barbara Johnson, Francis Buxton (reclining), Ali Wrigley, Paula Holmes, Martin Tullett and Ron O'Toole. Michael Blackburn took the photograph.

Loretta Bunce became an oblate novice after Compline during the autumn retreat.

Veronica Bell became an oblate novice after Vespers at a Julian Chapter meeting held in the church of Our Lady & St Walstan, Costessy, Norfolk.

Oblate Maurus Teresa Vaughan died this morning in Warwick Hospital after having had a stroke.

Brendan Anselm Grimley made oblation at Conventual Mass today, during an oblate retreat. The topic of the retreat was 'work'.

Fodhla McGrane made oblation at conventual Mass today during an Oblate Retreat. The topic for the retreat was 'work'.

Douai Oblate Newsletter No 28 is now available.

After Vespers Beverley Olsen and Inge O'Toole were enrolled as oblate novices during a mid-week oblates retreat.
Photo on the right taken by Ali Wrigley shows front row Veronica Bell & Paula Holmes, middle row Beverely Olsen, Fr Gervase, oblate director, Ron O'Toole, Inge O'Toole & Fr Boniface, assistant director, back row Tony Howes, Derek Vidler & Francis Buxton.

An article by Fr Hilary Ottensmeyer OSB of St Meinrad Archabbey on Stability for Oblates is available in the Newsletter of the St Gregory's Oblate Chapter, Perth, of New Norcia Abbey.

During an oblate retreat David Rees was invested as an oblate novice after Compline.

Oblates walking in the monastery woods.
Photo on the right, left to right: Maria Caneda, Loretta Bunce, Zina Neagle, Philip Sheppard, Brendan Grimley, Philomena Sheppard.

2006

Dec 13

Evelyn Nicholson, from our parish at Kemerton, was invested as an oblate novice during a midweek retreat.

Patricia Ferguson made oblation during conventual Mass, taking the name Joan of Arc

Another small retreat owing to ongoing building work.

Douai Oblate Newsletter No 27 is now available.

A very small oblate retreat with only eight people this time, because of shortage of rooms due to building work.
Picture on the right: Fr Gervase, Myra Cottingham, Betty Blum, Phliomena Sheppard, Renata Clayton, Philip Sheppard, Zina Neagle.

Brendan Grimley and Paula Holmes were invested as oblate novices in the Abbey Church after Compline, during an Oblates Retreat.

Douai Oblate Newsletter No 26 is now available.

During a weekend retreat Br Christopher spoke about the spirituality of Augustine Baker OSB. On the right a group of the oblates on a walk. Photo right: Philip Sheppard, Myra Cottingham, Philomena Shappard, Brendan Grimley, Br Christopher, Tony Howes, Francis Buxton.

2005

December 14

During a midweek retreat Barbara Stocker made oblation at the conventual mass, taking the name Hildegarde.

Br Simon took a small group of oblates for a walk during their weekend retreat.

Fr Gervase spent the day with members of the Julian Chapter at Sacred Heart Church, Dereham, Norfolk. The day began with Mass at 9am. Lauds, Sext and Vespers were sung at the appropriate times during the day. The picture shows the group outside the church.

Douai Oblate Newsletter no 25 is now published.

Oblates Congress, Rome.
We have received two photographs of some of the English speaking group, including the Douai representatives Sylvia Parkes, Ali Wrigley and Zina Neagle posed before going for a meal in a restaurant and during the meal.

After Compline in the Abbey Church,during an oblates retreat, Gill Hall became an oblate novice.

Oblate Michael Blackburn has set up a website of his religious writings.

During an oblates retreat Mary Overington was received as an oblate novice.
Zina Neagle reported on the International Congress.

Three oblates, Zina Neagle, Ali Wrigley and Sylvia Parkes, attended the first International Oblates Congress in Rome.

Miniatures of all the photos taken on the Obalte Day are now available for reference purposes. Click to view.

The first meeting of the Woolhampton Chapter met at Douai Abbey. The chapter will meet once a month.

The first Oblates Day. In addition to those on retreat a number of other oblates came for the day. We gathered in Cottage garden, where several of the monastic community joined us for a picnic lunch and tea. After Midday Prayer in the Abbey Church all oblates present renewed their oblation. In the afternoon oblate Simon Bryden-Brook presented a paper in the Conference Centre. The day was organised most efficiently by the committee, Jim O'Mara, Mary Macauley, Simon Bryden-Brook and Zina Neagle. Click for photographs.

After Compline Fodhla McGrane was received as an oblate novice.

A large number of Oblates gathered for a retreat at Douai.

A small group of oblates and interested persons attended a mid-week retreat at Douai.

Douai Oblate Newsletter no 24 is now published.

At Conventual Mass, during a weekend retreat, Dick Donnison made his oblation, taking the name Bede, Dick is a member of the Wulstan Chapter. The picture shows a group setting out on a walk, left to right, Mary Macauley, Zina Neagle, Myra Cottingham, Dick Donnison, Renata Clayton, Betty Blum and Joy Nye.

2004

December 7 - 9 & 10 - 12 We held two oblates retreats this week, both on the Psalms. Here is a picture taken outside the Abbey Church of a small group preparing for a walk.

Thursday December 9

At Conventual Mass today Abbot Geoffrey Scott received the final oblation of Deacon Peter Griffiths , who took the name Aidan.

Barbara Stocker became an oblate novice at a ceremony before Vespers.

Douai Oblate Newsletter no 23 is now published.

At Conventual Mass during an Oblates Retreat, Sylvia Head made final oblation.

Fr Gervase and Fr Francis led a study session for the Wulstan Chapter at Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire.

Fr Gervase led a study day for the Julian Chapter at Cromer, Norfolk.

During a weekend retreat three oblate novices made their final oblation at the conventual Mass this morning: Anna Charles taking the name Hilda, Pamela Young taking the name Gertrude and Fr Derek Vidler becoming Theodore.

Oblate Ron O'Toole celebrated the silver jubilee of ordination to the diaconate at Cromer, Norfolk. Bishop Michael Evans of East Anglia presided at the Mass. Several oblates and Fr Gervase were present.

Douai Oblate Newsletter no 22 is now published.

At Conventual Mass today, during an oblates retreat, Fr Abbot received the final oblation of Marie-Louise Bland, who took the name, Frances (of Rome) and Renata Clayton who took the name Mechtilde. This was the first time oblations had taken place at Mass, a sign of the higher profile that oblates are to have.

Fr Gervase gave the annual retreat for the oblates at Minster Abbey, Kent.

Douai Oblate Newsletter no 21 is now published.

Twenty two oblates attended a retreat. We welcomed Br Laurence Ezeilo OCSO of Mount St Bernard's Abbey as an observer. Br Laurence is writing his thesis on Benedictine Oblates and Lay Associates. On Sunday before Midday Prayer Patricia Ferguson was received as an oblate novice.

Fr Abbot appointed Prior Francis Hughes to be Associate Oblate Director.

2003

Saturday December 13

At a ceremony in the Abbey Church after Compline Helen and Daniel O'Connor made final oblation.

Twelve oblates attended a weekend retreat.

Twelve oblates attended a midweek retreat.

The Julian Chapter met for a full day session with Fr Gervase, oblate director, at Our Lady of Refuge church hall, Cromer, Norfolk. The subject for discussion was the talk by Sr Joan Chittister OSB given at Trinity Episcopal Church, New York on Benedictine spirituality for today's world.

Ali Wrigley and Deacon Paul Hirons made oblation in the Abbey Church after Compline. Ali chose the name Godric and Paul chose Edmund as their monastic patrons

Allen Jagiello made his oblation after Midday Prayer in the Abbey Church during an oblates retreat taking the name Jacob. Some of the oblates are shown in the photo with some of the monks who were present.

The Midlands chapter at a meeting at Stratford-upon-Avon decided to adopt St Wulstan, benedictine bishop of Worcester, as their patron and henceforth will be known as the Wulstan Chapter.

During an Oblate Retreat, Sylvia Head became an Oblate Novice and Philomena Hildegarde and her husband Philip Julian Sheppard made their final oblation in the Abbey Church after Compline.

The Abbot Primate, Notker Wolf, spoke to those oblates who were able to be present in a session before the Conventual Mass. In his talk Abbot Notker spoke about the growth of the oblate movement world wide, and invited Douai oblates to take part in the International Oblates Congress being planned to be held in Rome in 2005. He pointed out the importance of stressing the spiritual aspect of life in the contemporary world where God is becoming increasingly ignored.

Many of the oblates took part in the Mass celebrating the centenary of the community's arrival in England. Oblates served teas for all the visitors and put away the extra chairs in the Abbey Church after the Mass.

An oblate chapter has been established in Alcester and Studley, Warwickshire. A meeting was held in the presbytery at Alcester from after 10am Mass. At the end of the day, before Evening Prayer, four oblate novices were enrolled by Fr Gervase: Anna Charles, Dick Donnison, Peter Lawrence Griffiths and Pamela Young. The chapter will meet every four weeks on a Thurday evening at 7pm, alternately in Alcester and Studley, beginning on July 3 in Studley.

Douai Oblate Newsletter no 19 is now published.

Eighteen oblates attended a retreat at Douai, pictured on the right.
Barbara Blythe-Smith
Sylvia Bullivant
Francis Buxton
Susan Fisher
Fr Antony Hayne
Anthony Howes
Colin Johnson
Patricia Johnson
Beryl Mitchell
Diana Stubbs
made their final oblation,
and Fr Derek Vidler
became an oblate novice, in the Abbey Church after Compline on Wednesday May 14.

Seceral oblates attended the Funeral Mass for oblate Tom Barrow at St Edward's Church, Windsor.

Please pray for Oblate Tom Barrow who died in Wrexham Park Hospital, Slough, after a long illness. He had been suffering from colon cancer and diabetes. He was in his 81st year.

Saturday April 5 2003

During an Oblate Retreat, after Compline, Renata Clayton and Iain Campbell-King became oblate novices and Michael Garrity made final oblation and all oblates present renewed their oblation.

Saturday February 15, 2003

Douai Oblate Newsletter no 18 is now published.

Friday December 13 - Sunday December 15 2002

Twenty-four oblates attended the Advent Oblates Retreat at Douai.

Thursday December 5 2002

Fr Gervase attended the monthly meeting of the Julian Chapter of Douai Oblates at the church of Our Lady of Refuge, Cromer, Norfolk; eighteen attended.

Sunday November 17 2002

The Benedictine nuns of St Gertrude's Monastery, Cottonwood, ID have set up Online Retreats, one on Benedictine spirituality for lay people and a second on Julian of Norwich.

Sunday November 3

Douai Oblate Newsletter No 17 now available.

Saturday November 2, 2002

Oblate Novice, Marie-Louise Edmondson was married to Benjamin Bland in the Abbey Church. Fr Gervase, Oblate Director, officiated.

Tuesday October 22, 2002

Fr Maurice Twomey, priest of Portsmouth Diocese was received as an oblate novice after Vespers.

Thursday October 3, 2002

At the monthly meeting of the Julian Chapter in Cromer, Norfolk, Deacon Paul Hirons, his wife Joan Hirons and Sylvia Bullivant were received as oblate novices.

Friday September 27 - Sunday September 29, 2002

  There were some twenty oblates taking part in the retreat at Douai Abbey. On Sunday after Conventual Mass Dan & Helen O'Connor and Allen Jagiello were received as oblate novices, Dan and Helen are cousins of Fr Godric Timney OSB. The photo shows some of the retreatants outside the Abbey Church after the ceremony.

Wednesday August 21, 2002

Oblate Ron O'Toole sent this picture of some of the Julian Chapter of Oblates who meet under his direction at Cromer, Norfolk.

Friday June 28 - Sunday June 30, 2002

Several Oblates, including some from the Norfolk Chapter, attended a retreat at Douai, which coincided with the celebation of Fr Oliver's silver jubilee of ordination.

Wednesday May 29, 2002

Douai Oblate Newsletter no 16 has been published on line.

During an Oblates Retreat, after Vespers in the Abbey Church

Michael Aloysius Blackburn made final oblation

and Ali Wrigley and Fr Antony Hayne became oblate novices.

Saturday April 6, 2002

During the Oblates Retreat Deacon Peter Lattey made final oblation

Michael Gerrity became an oblate novice and

Tom Barrow transferred his oblation from Buckfast to Douai.

Thursday February 28, 2002

Douai Oblate Newsletter no 15 has been published on line.

Fr Gervase travelled to Cromer, Norfolk, to meet a group who have been meeting monthly under the leadership of Oblate Deacon Ron O'Toole to study Benedictine spirituality. After a talk from Fr Gervase and praying Vespers together in the parish church of Our Lady of Refuge eight of the group became oblate novices:
Barbara Blythe-Smith
Francis Buxton
Sue Fisher
Anthony Howes
Colin & Patricia Johnson
Beryl Mitchell
Dinan Stubbs
The group will continue to meet monthly in the parish hall of Our Lady of Refuge, Cromer, under the patronage of St Julian of Norwich and with the encouragement of the parish priest, Fr Peter Brown.

Zina Neagle made her final oblation in the Abbey Church after Compline; oblates present at the retreat then renewed their oblation.

Sunday November 4, 2001

Douai Oblate Newsletter no 14 has been published on line.

Lynne Sedgemore more her oblation in the Abbey Church before Midday Prayer.

Douai Oblate Newsletter no 13 has been published.

Saturday April 7, 2001

In St Mary's Church Richard Cavanagh made final oblation,
Philip Sheppard
Philomena Sheppard
and Deacon Peter Lattey
became oblate novices.

Sunday February 4, 2001

Douai Oblate Newsletter vol 2 no 4 has been published.

After Compline Sylvia Parkes made final oblation and
Zina Neagle became an Oblate Novice: the abbot and monastic community were present.

The Latest issue of Douai Oblate Newsletter has been published.

Mary Macauley
Oliver Mead
Katherine Ryan
made their final oblation in the Abbey Church after Compline during an Oblates' Retreat. Most of the monastic community were present.

The Latest issue of Douai Oblate Newsletter has been published.

Richard & Jan Cavanagh and Lynne Sedgemore were received as Oblate Novices in the Abbey Church after Compline.

Tess Vaughan made her oblation at St Gregory's Church, Stratford-on-Avon, a Douai parish.

Friday February 18, 2000

The latest edition of Douai Oblate Newsletter has been published.

Saturday December 4, 1999

After Compline in the Abbey Church
Nicky Dillon
Linda & David Pollard
made their final oblation and
Sylvia Parkes
Jacqueline Pullen
were received as novice oblates by Fr Gervase Holdaway, the Oblate Director.
All oblates present at the retreat renewed their oblation.

Douai Oblate Newsletter no 8 is available on line.

after Compline Michael Blackburn was received as an oblate novice.

at a ceremony in the Abbey Church before Compline
Joy Nye
Jim O'Mara
made their final oblation and
Mary Macauley
Oliver Mead
Katherine Ryan
were received as novice oblates.

Douai Oblate Newsletter no 7 is available on line.

Jaakko Bashmakov was received as an oblate novice for Douai at the Orthodox church of St Nicholaos and St Alexsander Nevsky in Tampere, Finland. Jaakko has been keeping in touch with us by e-mail having learned about us from our web site.

Tess Vaughan was received as an oblate novice in our parish of St Gregory the Great at Stratford-upon-Avon.

Douai Oblate Newsletter no 6 is available on line.

Saturday December 12 1998,

at a ceremony in the Abbey Church before Vespers:
June Bartlett
Betty Blum
Simon Bryden-Brook
Barbara Hardy
Bill Heaton-Armstrong
Paul Jenkins
Carol Lewis
made their final oblation and
Nicky Dillon
Jim McManus
David & Linda Pollard
were received as novice oblates.

November 1, 1998

Douai Oblate Newsletter no 5 is available on line.

Kit Davies
Pat Du Plergny
Elizabeth Martin
Steve Miller
Joy Nye
Jim O'Mara
were received as Oblate-Novices, and
Martin Simpson
transferred his oblation to Douai Abbey.

May 25, 1998.

The 4th newsletter Douai Oblate has been published and mailed to all those on our Oblate Mailing list. It contains articles on

• St Frances of Rome, Patron of Oblates
• 'Let the brethren serve one another', Service in St Benedict's Rule
• Recommended Book St Benedict for the Laity by Eric Dean

Saturday December 13 1997,

at a ceremony in the Abbey Church before Vespers we welcomed:
June Bartlett
Betty Blum
Simon Bryden-Brook
Barbara Hardy
Bill Heaton-Armstrong
Paul Jenkins
Carol Lewis
Tom Ryan
Benjamin Standish
who were received as Oblate-Novices by Fr Gervase, the Oblate Director.

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Registered Charity No.236962

revised 15/02/10

Oblate Director, Douai Abbey, Upper Woolhampton, Reading, Berks. RG7 5TQ
e-mail: douaiabbey@aol.com