DOUAI OBLATES

has inspired the lives of Christian women and men for fifteen centuries.

Besides those who live in monasteries, countless others, married and single, cleric and lay,
who live 'in the world', finding inspiration in St Benedict's Rule, become Benedictine Oblates.
This Rule, characterised as it is by moderation and humanity, becomes their guide in life.

Its opening words, "Listen, my son, to the instructions of your master,
turn the ear of your heart to the advice of a loving father" are an invitation to everyone.

The Rule offers a way of life for all "who seek God" and "yearn for life".

The key to this life is "moderation in all things"; St Benedict invites us to an integrated life.

Oblates undertake to seek God by the daily living of the threefold Benedictine spirituality

• prayer - praying part of the monastic community prayer each day
  
• work
  
• lectio divina - spending some time in the prayerful reading of Scripture.

OBLATES

• help bring Christ into their world, their homes and work places.

• always remain fully committed members of their parishes or churches.

• are affiliated to a particular monastery
  and become part of the community's extended family,
  giving each other mutual support in prayer and other ways.

• keep in contact with the monastery, through visits,
  if they live close enough, and by e-mail or post.
• aim to make a retreat at least once a year.

LOCAL CHAPTERS

• the Julian Chapter meets in Norfolk,
  
• the Wulstan Chapter in Warwickshire
• the Faringdon Chapter in Berkshire
  
• the Erkonwald Chapter in London.
  

Click for details of meetings.

BECOMING AN OBLATE

The process of becoming an Oblate parallels that of becoming a monk:

• first a period of discernment
• then a novitiate of a year or more
• before asking to make oblation.

If you are interested in the possibility of becoming an oblate of Douai
or would like more details, please contact the Oblate Director at douaioblate@aol.com

Douai Oblates have a new website.

INTERNATIONAL OBLATES CONGRESS

Two international Oblates Congresses have been held in Rome in 2005 & 2009
and a third is planned for 2013.

RESOURCES FOR OBLATES

Information about oblates, and the different Benedictine monastic communities in Great Britain and Ireland.

Oblates Website with much information and useful links.

Benedictine Oblates

Lectio divina - spending some time in the prayerful reading of Scripture.

Benedictine Bibliography

The oblates of the Monastery of the Ascension, Idaho, have created a most useful Oblate Manual.

Oblate Resources and News.

More Resources.

Benedictine Forum.

Oblate Newsletters of many monasteries.

History of the Oblate Movement.

For further information about Oblates.