How to Become an Oblate of Our Monastery
Becoming an oblate of Mother of the Redeemer Monastery is a way to draw closer to Christ through Benedictine spirituality while remaining faithful to your responsibilities in family, work, parish, and community life. Oblates are connected with the monastery through prayer, formation, and a personal commitment to live the Gospel according to the spirit of Saint Benedict.
At the Mother of the Redeemer Monastery in Plaisance, Louisiana, this journey unfolds within an Olivetan Benedictine community devoted to the praise of God. An oblate does not become a monk or live under monastic vows. Instead, an oblate seeks to carry the monastery’s prayerful rhythm into ordinary life and to remain spiritually united with the monks.
The path requires discernment, patience, and a willingness to learn. It is more than joining an organization or attending occasional services. It is a gradual response to a call toward prayer, stability, conversion of life, and closer participation in the Benedictine family.
Understanding Oblate Life
An oblate is a layperson, religious, or member of the clergy who associates with a Benedictine monastery through a formal spiritual commitment. The word “oblate” comes from a Latin term meaning “offered.” This offering is made freely, as a way of placing one’s life, work, relationships, and daily duties before God.
Oblates generally remain in their homes and continue their existing vocations. Parents, spouses, professionals, retirees, students, and parish leaders may all find a place within Benedictine oblature. The commitment is adapted to each person’s circumstances, while its foundation remains the same: prayer, conversion, service, and communion with the monastic community.
At Mother of the Redeemer, an oblate’s relationship with the monastery can include participation in the liturgy, spiritual reading, visits, correspondence, community events, and prayer for the monks. The goal is a lasting spiritual bond shaped by the monastery’s charism and the wisdom of Saint Benedict.
Discern Your Call
Discernment begins with an honest examination of desire. Consider why you are drawn to the monastery and what you hope to receive from Benedictine spirituality. A desire for deeper prayer, greater stability, a stronger sacramental life, or guidance in living the faith may be signs that this path deserves further attention.
It is helpful to visit the monastery when possible and participate in its liturgical and prayer life. Quiet observation can reveal whether the community’s worship, silence, hospitality, and rhythm resonate with your spiritual needs. You may also want to learn about a monk’s daily life to understand the prayer and work that shape the community you would be joining spiritually.
Discernment should also include practical reflection. Oblature requires consistency, not perfection. Ask whether you can make regular time for prayer, attend formation opportunities, communicate with the monastery, and accept the ongoing work of conversion. A conversation with a priest, spiritual director, or monastery representative can help clarify your readiness.
Learn The Benedictine Way
The Rule of Saint Benedict provides the central spiritual framework for Benedictine monastic life and oblate formation. Written for monks, the Rule also offers enduring guidance for anyone seeking a balanced life of prayer, humility, obedience, hospitality, work, and moderation. Read it slowly rather than treating it as a set of instructions to master quickly.
The traditional Benedictine promises are stability, conversion of life, and obedience. Oblates express these principles according to their state in life and the expectations of their monastery. Stability can mean remaining faithful to the spiritual relationship formed with the monastery. Conversion of life means a continual turning toward Christ. Obedience means listening attentively to God and responding with humility.
For a helpful overview, explore the Rule of Saint Benedict as a guide for bringing ancient monastic wisdom into modern circumstances. This preparation can help you recognize how Benedictine values apply to family decisions, professional responsibilities, parish service, technology use, and personal prayer.
Follow The Formation Path
Each monastery establishes its own process for welcoming and forming oblates. At Mother of the Redeemer, prospective oblates should contact the monastery directly for current details about eligibility, meetings, reading, orientation, and the form of oblation. The process may include a period of inquiry followed by more intentional preparation before a formal commitment.
Formation commonly introduces the history of Benedictine monasticism, the life and teaching of Saint Benedict, the Olivetan tradition, the liturgical year, lectio divina, and the practical meaning of the oblate promises. It may also help candidates develop a prayer rule that is faithful to the Church and realistic within their responsibilities.
| Stage | Purpose | Possible Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Inquiry | Learn about oblature and the monastery | Visit, attend prayer, speak with a representative |
| Preparation | Study Benedictine spirituality | Read the Rule, join formation, establish regular prayer |
| Commitment | Make a formal offering of your life | Follow the monastery’s oblation ceremony and guidance |
| Ongoing Life | Grow in fidelity and communion | Pray for the monks, participate when possible, continue formation |
The length of preparation can vary. A slower process often allows a candidate to distinguish a lasting vocation from a temporary enthusiasm. Formation is not merely academic; it should gradually shape habits, priorities, and relationships.
Make Benedictine Practice Ordinary
An oblate’s commitment becomes meaningful through daily practice. Prayer may include Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, the Rosary, Eucharistic adoration, Scripture reading, or a period of lectio divina. The important question is not how many practices can be added, but which commitments can be sustained with reverence and steadiness.
Benedictine spirituality also reaches beyond formal prayer. An oblate seeks to recognize God’s presence in work, family life, hospitality, suffering, and service. The monastery’s rhythm can inspire a more deliberate approach to time: beginning the day with prayer, pausing for recollection, limiting distractions, and ending the day with gratitude and examination.
Oblates should expect setbacks. Missed prayer, changing work schedules, illness, and family needs do not invalidate the commitment. The response is to return peacefully and begin again. Stability is shown through faithful perseverance rather than an appearance of flawless discipline.
Remain Connected To The Monastery
An oblate relationship grows through communion with the monks and with other oblates. When distance allows, attending Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, retreats, conferences, or monastery gatherings can strengthen this bond. When regular visits are not possible, prayer, correspondence, online resources, and participation in the Church’s liturgical life can preserve a meaningful connection.
The monastery also depends on the generosity of people who value its prayer and mission. Oblates may support the community through intercessory prayer, practical service, hospitality, and financial assistance. Those who wish to contribute to the monastery’s needs or chapel expansion can learn about ways to support the community according to their circumstances.
Helpful habits for an oblate include:
- Pray daily for the monks, the monastery, and fellow oblates.
- Read a brief passage from the Rule of Saint Benedict regularly.
- Participate in the Eucharist and the Church’s sacramental life.
- Practice hospitality, humility, and attentive listening at home and work.
- Keep in contact with the monastery and continue opportunities for formation.
These practices are means of communion, not tests of spiritual achievement. Their purpose is to help an oblate remain oriented toward Christ and to make Benedictine values visible in ordinary life.
Begin Your Oblate Journey
If you believe God may be drawing you toward oblature at Mother of the Redeemer Monastery, begin with prayer and a direct conversation with the community. Share your interest, ask about the current formation process, and learn how prospective oblates may visit or participate in the monastery’s liturgical life.
Allow the journey to develop at a faithful pace. Read, pray, visit when possible, and seek wise counsel. In time, you may discover that an oblate commitment offers a stable spiritual home: a way to remain rooted in Christ while sharing in the prayer, history, and mission of this Olivetan Benedictine monastery. Contact Mother of the Redeemer Monastery to take the first step toward discernment and formation.