THE SAINT VINCENT OBLATE NEWS Saint Vincent Archabbey

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THE SAINT VINCENT OBLATE NEWS
Saint Vincent Archabbey
300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA 15650-2690
May - July, 2013
724-805-2291
Volume 66, Number 2
e-mail address: svaoblates@email.stvincent.edu ; web site: http://www.svaoblates.org
Please note fliers with form for registration for July 11, with sign-up for Directory, and with entry for forthcoming commentary.
THE HOLINESS OF EATING AND DRINKING:
DO WE PARTAKE WITH REVERENCE AND GRATITUDE?
Dear Oblates, Oblate novices, and Friends,
(Our risen Lord’s meals with His disciples)
The partaking of meals is frequently recorded in the
Bible. In his witness to Cornelius and his household
(Acts 10:28-43), St. Peter mentions that the risen Christ
had been seen, “not by all, but only by such witnesses
as had been chosen beforehand by God – by us who ate
and drank with Him after He rose from the dead” (Acts
10:41). In the Resurrection accounts, Our Lord is indeed
reported to be eating and drinking with His disciples, just
as He did during His earthly life. St. Mark records only
that “as they were at table, Jesus was revealed to the
Eleven” (Mk 16:14). St. Luke writes that when the
disciples traveling to Emmaus encountered Christ,
although they did not recognize Him, they invited Him to
stay with them, perhaps in an inn; He “seated Himself
with them to eat” and “then took bread, pronounced the
blessing, then broke the bread and began to distribute it
to them” (Lk 24:30). The scene seems very much like a
Eucharistic celebration. It was at table that the two
disciples recognized Him and decided to go back to
Jerusalem to tell His other disciples about their sacred
encounter. Later the risen Lord, coming to the Eleven in
a surprise appearance, ate a piece of cooked fish in their
presence (Lk 24:43), apparently to show them that it was
really He. St. John records an early-morning breakfast
provided by the risen Christ after a miraculous catch of
fish. The Lord invites the astonished apostles to join their
catch of fish with the meal that He has already prepared
for them; he beckons them, “’Come and eat your meal’”
(Jn 21:12).
Other references to meals in the Gospels
All these incidences of meals shared by the risen Lord may
remind His disciples (and us) of the times when Jesus ate and
drank with them during His years of ministry: after the
multiplication of loaves and fishes, at a meal at a Pharisee’s
home (Lk 14:2), in the report that He “welcomes sinners and
eats with them” (Lk 15:2), at a banquet with Mary, Martha, and
Lazarus (Jn 12:3), and most especially at the Last Supper.
Also, Our Lord tells many parables involving meals: the
instruction on “taking the lowest place” (Lk 14:7-11), the
teaching about inviting the underprivileged to meals (Lk 14:1214), and the stories about banquets to which invited guests
refuse to come. At times Christ also speaks about selfishness
in eating, as with the rich man “who feasted splendidly every
day” (Lk 16:19) but ignored the beggar Lazarus and as with the
rich man who built bigger barns and said to himself, “Rest, eat,
drink, be merry!” (Lk 12:19) before God summoned him to
meet his death.
What can we conclude from all these references? Since Our
Lord ate and drank with us human beings, the activity of eating
is sacred. Just as the risen Lord surprised His disciples at
meals, so is Our Lord present to us at our meals. Just as many
of the meals in the New Testament have Eucharistic
overtones, so must all our meals be regarded as symbolic of
the Holy Eucharist, which is the paradigm for all meals and “the
source and summit of Christian life.” Since the process of
eating and drinking is in principle sacred, we should partake of
every meal with reverence and gratitude. At each and every
meal God abundantly provides gifts to nourish us and, in
Christ, is present in a special way. Thus meals can and should
be a part of our journey to holiness. More than giving strength
to the body or pleasure to the taste buds, meals give us
occasions to abide more deeply in Christ.
Experience from retreat
We can learn much about ourselves and our ordinary
activities when we step away from them for a while.
When I was on a silent retreat this past March, I ate
every meal in silence for five days, and most of the time I
was also alone. By chance (or by grace), during some of
those meals I happened to be meditating on those
sections of the Holy Rule that deal explicitly with meals,
that is RB 38-40. In the atmosphere of silence and
solitude, I could feel, to some extent, the sacredness of
those simple meals, especially since (as is the case in
our monastic community) they were served shortly after
times of communal prayer. Since, to my embarrassment
(though I learned to accept it and be grateful), I was
often served individually, I experienced the sacredness
of the time of waiting before meals, when I tended to
meditate on Scripture or the Rule. I recognized God’s
hand in the love with which the food was cooked and
served to meet my rather particular needs. I also
perceived my disordered dispositions. Despite the slow
pace of being on retreat, I tended to rush through my
meals as if I needed to be in a hurry to go to the next
activity. (That is usually the case, or so I think, when I
am at St. Vincent!) I also found my mind cluttered with
worries and fears instead of recollected and grateful for the
giftedness of the whole experience. At times I was wondering
what others were thinking or how I would arrange the rest of
my day or the next day. I sometimes caught myself rushing
grace in order to save time as if I had to be in a hurry. Thus
even on retreat I realized that eating with reverence, gratitude,
and mindfulness was difficult! Changing ingrained habits is not
easy. Still, I learned lessons that I hope I am at least starting to
implement in the more normal environment of being in others’
company and conversing with them. You and I can learn from
such experiences to pay more attention to what really matters.
Meals in the Holy Rule
The Holy Rule contains many chapters that deal with
meals, and that frequent occurrence indicates that meals
are indeed an important part of one’s “spiritual life.”
Eating and/or drinking are mentioned in RB 4:35-36,
24:5-6, 25:1, 31:1&16, 35:9, 37:3, 43:13-17, 49:7, 51:1,
53:10-11&16-18, and the whole of Chapters 35, 38, 39,
40, and 56. All this legislation tells us that how one eats
and drinks has a definite impact on one’s relationship
with God. What are some lessons that we can learn from
these passages?
In RB 4:36, 31:1, 39:7-9, and 40:5-6, St. Benedict warns
against overindulgence in matters of food. In our culture eating
immoderately is surely a far greater problem than ever. For
most people in our society, food of all kinds is readily available,
perhaps too much so. Yes, as part of Christian liturgical cycles,
there are occasions for feasting as well as for fasting; but even
the times for feasting should not be occasions for abusing the
body. During the Easter Season we must be especially careful
not splurge just because we practiced healthful restraint during
Lent; some of the disciplines that we learned during Lent may
be part of the “newness of life” that we put on during Easter. Of
course, what constitutes overindulgence will vary from person
to person, but we must all set some appropriate limits on our
eating and drinking at all times as one realm of God’s plan for
our health and wholeness.
In RB 4:35 and in all of RB 40, St. Benedict legislates for the
drinking of wine, which (probably diluted) was the common
drink at meals in Italy at the time. St. Benedict would prefer
that monks do “not drink wine at all” (40:6); but he realizes that
he could not impose such a rigid norm and so states that
monks should “at least agree to drink moderately” (40:6). For
us, that could mean that, if we have the strength to abstain
from alcohol, we should, with humble gratitude for the gift that
God has given us. Those who are alcoholic, of course, need to
abstain completely. All should be careful not to drink to excess.
Fasting and abstinence on this earth remind us that Christ is
our real joy and that no food and drink in this world can
completely satisfy us. (We need to be especially vigilant when
we are tempted to indulge in “comfort food or drink” to relieve
us from distress; God did not make food for that purpose!) It is
discipline and moderate self-denial, performed out of love for
Christ and care for our bodies, that can lead us even now to
“run on the path of God’s commands, our hearts overflowing
with the inexpressible delight of love” (Prol:49). Healthful selfrestraint can also help us to keep looking forward to the
genuinely fulfilling eschatological banquet in the Kingdom of
heaven.
In his disciplinary code St. Benedict imposes a penalty
of being excluded from the common table; this is a
matter of eating alone and at a later time than the other
monks eat (24:5). In our present age of individualism,
such a provision would generally be counterproductive.
One unhealthful symptom of our individualism is the
practice of preferring to eat alone. Sometimes we must
eat alone out of necessity, but sometimes we might just
prefer to cling to our individual schedules, to save time,
or to avoid dealing with other people. Unless we are on
retreat or in other special circumstances, it seems that
we should do all we can to eat with others. St. Benedict’s
penalties remind us that it is a grace and blessing to eat
meals in community. When we pray grace (as indeed we
should), it might be good to remember that we should
thank the Lord for the gift of company at table, that the
risen Lord is indeed present, and that we can help to
make the meal grace-filled through charity in
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conversation, opportunities to pass items to others
thoughtfully (cf. 38:6-7), and the care to eat only what is
truly healthful. To eat a meal in intentional accordance
with God’s will and in the company of others (perhaps
sometimes not to our liking) can be an occasion of real
growth in charity!
St. Benedict also addresses the issue of eating out.
When a monk is on a short journey within a day’s time,
“he must not presume to eat outside, even if he receives
a pressing invitation, unless perhaps the abbot has
ordered it” (51:1-2). In our society, although eating out
can on special occasions bring people together to
celebrate memorable events, it can also be abused in a
way that keeps people away from their families and
communities. Likewise, “eating on the run,” though
perhaps necessary on occasion, should not become a
regular practice since it detracts from the sacredness of
the food and of the time during which we partake of it.
People in families need to do all they can to preserve the
family meal as a norm and as a marvelous, divinely
ordained occasion for communication and deepened
communion; eating out should be the exception. Just as
prayer binds a Christian family together, we could also
add, “The family that eats together stays together.”
A number of the Rule’s references to meals involve
setting the times for eating. Today, too, fixed times can
be a blessing, both for our bodies and for our souls. Not
all of us can follow a monastic schedule of eating, but we
can all benefit from striving for a certain regularity that
keeps balance in our lives and puts food in its proper
place. Outside of times when we must plan meals (if we
happen to have that ministry), the less we think about
food, the better. In our generally affluent society, there is
seldom a need (except for those with certain health
conditions) to eat between meals, and certainly it is not
spiritually beneficial to think about meals between meals.
Such inappropriate thoughts need to be “dashed against
Christ” (cf. Prol: 28 and 4:50) so that we can focus on
the task that God has given us at any moment and avoid
making food an idol.
Moderation and even generosity, as well as frugality, are also
characteristic of meals in the Rule. St. Benedict recommends
two or three kinds of food served at the day’s main meal, in
addition to bread (cf. 39:1-6), but he does forbid monks (except
the sick) from eating red meat. Whether or not we feel called to
abstain from meat, St. Benedict’s wisdom reminds us that we
should practice a certain frugality (cf. 39:16) in our eating even
while we should not be stingy with ourselves or with others.
Both to avoid scandal and to nurture a sense of solidarity with
the poor, we may wish to exclude certain exotic or expensive
foods from our diet. Concern for the poor and the hungry is a
legitimate factor in choosing what we eat. Also, Scripture tells
us, “Better a poor man’s fare under the shadow of one’s own
roof than sumptuous banquets among strangers” (Sir 29:22).
That saying asserts that the fellowship that we experience with
others is more important than the food itself. Again, overattachment to earthly food and drink can prevent us from
looking forward to our ultimate destiny of living in communion
with the saints. In that context, we can rejoice if, as we age,
our diets may become more and more limited. Perhaps God
allows our appetite for food to wane precisely so that we
can hunger and thirst for the “food that remains unto life
eternal” (Jn 6:27)!
Summary: meals as opportunities to encounter Christ
Learning to regard meals as sacred opportunities to
grow in communion with Christ and our table
companions can be a difficult task, especially if we are
immersed in habits that militate against such a
disposition. However, with God’s grace growth in this
realm is surely possible. Little by little, we can learn to
stop gobbling, to pray grace with attention and
reverence, to pay kind attention to other people at table,
to eat only in joy-filled moderation, and to experience
heartfelt gratitude for the God-given gifts of food and of
our table companions. Let us overcome our reluctance
to receive these gifts. Let us strive to glorify God more
and more, even by the way we eat and drink. Let us
seek to make all our meals holy. Has not God told us
through St. Paul, “Whether you eat or drink – whatever
you do – you should do all for the glory of God” (1 Cor
10:31)?
Your brother in Christ and Saint Benedict,
Fr. Donald S. Raila, O.S.B.
Director of Oblates
P.S.: Since St. Benedict says, “It is … with some uneasiness that we specify the amount of food and drink for others” (RB 40:1), some
of what I wrote above must be taken with a grain of salt, depending on real individual needs. I can consider myself to be blessed with a
very restricted diet (because of digestive problems) since having fewer options can make one freer to think less about food; but I must
never try to impose my regimen on others! For an in-depth commentary on the Rule’s chapters on food and drink (31-42), see the book
by Sr. Aquinata Böckmann, O.S.B., Around the Monastic Table: Growing in Mutual Service and Love (Liturgical Press, 2009).
A MESSAGE FROM ARCHABBOT DOUGLAS
Pentecost 2013
Dear Oblates and Friends of Saint Vincent,
In reflecting on Pentecost, Pope Francis asks us “to become aware of the action that the Holy Spirit
accomplishes in guiding the Church and each one of us to the Truth.”
Living in an age of relativism and skepticism regarding the existence of real truth, Pope Francis notes
that “it is the Holy Spirit, the gift of the Risen Christ, that helps us to recognize the Truth.” He invites us to live
our faith more fully: “Do not be a ‘part-time’ Christian, at certain moments, in certain circumstances, in certain
choices – be Christian at all times!”
In this Year of Faith, let us pray more fervently that we may be filled with the Light of the Holy Spirit.
Faithfully in Christ,
Archabbot Douglas, O.S.B.
________________________________________________________________________________________
RETREATS OF POSSIBLE INTEREST, May 17-19, May 31-June 2, and June 7-9
It may not be too late to register for this year's retreats. The retreat on Benedictine spirituality is to be held on May 1719, 2013, and Fr. Donald will also offer a silent retreat (on the Year of Faith and the Catechism) on May 31-June 2, 2013.
Registration (and all other special arrangements) should be done through the St. Vincent Retreat Program, and not
through the Oblate Office. Also of possible interest to Oblates is a retreat weekend with spiritual direction available from
June 7 to 9, with Fr. Thomas Acklin being the retreat master. Oblates are no longer automatically placed on the
Retreat Program’s mailing list; so if you would like to receive retreat brochures, please contact Br. Hugh at the
Retreat Office at 724-805-2139 or hugh.lester@email.stvincent.edu. You may also wish to see the retreat website
at www.saintvincentretreats.org.
OBLATE DAY 2013 ON SEPTEMBER 22; DAY OF RECOLLECTION ON OCTOBER 12
This year's Oblate Day will be Sunday, September 22, and Fr. Jacques Daley will be the speaker. The fall day of
recollection is scheduled for Saturday, October 12, and Fr. Boniface Hicks is to be the retreat master.
TALKS PRESENTED TO LATROBE DEANERY AVAILABLE ON C.D.’s AND D.V.D.’s
Thanks to Fr. Andrew, talks given at Oblate meetings in Latrobe (when the presenter is willing and when someone is able to
videotape) are available to those who desire to have C.D.’s or D.V.D.’s. Orders will be taken only by St. Vincent College Book Center
unless one attends monthly meetings in Latrobe (where orders will still be taken for recent presentations). Please see the order form on
the flier attached to this newsletter. Those who used to attend the Bible studies of Fr. Robert Roche, who died in December, 2012,
might wish to know that his talk on lectio divina from January, 2012, is among the presentations available on D.V.D. or C.D.
SOLEMNITY OF ST. BENEDICT AT THE ARCHABBEY, THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2013
A number of Oblates and their guests, some 60 people, joined the extended Benedictine community for the annual
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celebration of the Passing of Our Holy Father Benedict, Abbot. At the concelebrated Mass at 4:00 P.M., Most Rev.
Lawrence T. Persico, the recently installed Bishop of Erie, presided and preached about the radical following of Christ and
call to persistent prayer evidenced in the life of St. Benedict.
After dinner, Oblation ceremonies were held at 6:15 P.M. in the Archabbey Basilica, during which Fr. Donald received
the following:
Oblates:
Oblate novices:
Michael (Desiderius) McKay of Pittsburgh, PA
Bonita “Bonnie” (Simeon) Morgan of Sunbury, PA
Patricia “Pat” (Therese) Pope of Pittsburgh, PA
Lora “Lori” Whalen of Mt. Pleasant, PA
Devren A. (Joseph) Yener of State College, PA
Rebecca J. Baker of Somerset, PA
Vincent Thomas of Munhall, PA
M. Diane Zelenak of Greensburg, PA
There were also two others ready for investiture or Oblation who could not attend because of illness.
Next the group prayed Vespers with the monks at 7:15 P.M. After that they enjoyed a social in Placid Dining Room B, where
Archabbot Douglas and a few other monks spent some time visiting with those present.
FEAST OF ST. BENEDICT AND CELEBRATION OF JUBILEES OF OBLATION, JULY 11
All Oblates, Oblate novices, and their guests are welcome to attend the festive Mass for the Feast of St. Benedict at the
Archabbey Basilica at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, July 11. The Mass should include the profession of solemn vows by
several of the monks. Oblates are invited to stay for lunch and for a meeting at 2:00, for Evening Prayer at 5:00, and for
supper. If you are coming for Mass, lunch, or supper, please fill out the form on the insert and send it to Nancy Premoshis
by July 4. (Even if you are coming only for Mass, it is good for the sacristans to know how many pews to reserve for the
Oblates.) The meeting at 2:00 will include a reflection by Br. Jeremiah on monastic vows and the eighth annual ceremony
to honor Oblates who this year celebrate 5, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 55, or 60 or more years of Oblation. There will be time
for photographs after the jubilarian ceremonies.
Those needing overnight room reservations should call Fr. Donald at the Oblate Office (724-805-2291).
NOVICE TO PROFESS FIRST VOWS ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 5:00 P.M.
Oblates are welcome to attend the ceremony for the profession of first vows at Evening Prayer in the Archabbey
Basilica on Wednesday, July 10. Those wishing to stay for supper should contact Fr. Donald.
APOLOGIES FOR SLOWNESS OF CORRESPONDENCE
Because of duties involving a revised Vespers for the Easter Season and other activities, Fr. Donald has been unusually
slow to answer correspondence. Some letters from last summer are still unanswered. He will try his best to answer all
letters. Some have a higher priority for a fairly prompt response; so others may need to wait for four or five months or
longer. Thank you for your patience!
DIGITIZATION OF OBLATE DATA: INDEFINITELY POSTPONED
The project of digitizing the information in the files of Oblates and Oblate novices has been put aside, at least for the
time being. Resources from the college that were needed to implement the project have not been available. We thank
those of you who submitted information for the computerized files. In the meantime, we can rejoice that one less project
means more time available to do other essential tasks!
ITEMS AVAILABLE FROM THE OBLATE OFFICE
(1) pamphlet “God’s Love for You” with message of evangelization – free
(2) booklet St. Benedict for Busy Parents – $.40 each
(3) booklet of Oblates’ reflections on verses of the Rule – free or with donation for postage
(4) booklet of the histories of Oblate deaneries – free or with donation for postage
(5) cards with colored picture of St. Benedict and with prayer for a happy death; also St. Benedict & St. Scholastica cards from the
sesquimillenium celebration in 1980.
(6) copies of the book Lessons from Saint Benedict (from Oblate newsletters), $12.00 each if picked up at Oblate Office
(7) copies of the book Study Guide to Lessons from Saint Benedict, $10.50 each if picked up at Oblate Office
PHONE PRAYER CHAIN AND E-MAIL PRAYER CHAIN:
Oblates in the Latrobe/Greensburg area have had a prayer chain by telephone facilitated by Oblate Anthony Sunseri since 2009, and
later there was begun a prayer chain that transmits intentions by e-mail facilitated by Oblate Maryann Cherubini. If any Oblate or Oblate
novice in the area would like to join the weekly prayer chain by phone, please contact Anthony Sunseri at (724) 832-0868 or (by email) at ajsdms@verizon.net . If you wish to be a part of a weekly e-mail prayer chain, please contact Maryann Cherubini at
macherubini@comcast.net or (by phone) at (724) 837-3142.
BROTHER JEREMIAH TO BE ORDAINED A PRIEST ON MAY 25; OBLATES ARE WELCOME
Br. Jeremiah Lange, Assistant Director of Oblates, is to be ordained a priest at Mass at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, May
25, in the Archabbey Basilica Any Oblates who wish to attend will be welcome. Those who wish to stay for the luncheon
should notify Br. Jeremiah by using the Oblate e-mail address or by phoning 724-805-2291. On May 10 Br. Jeremiah
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earned a Master of Divinity degree with high honors at the commencement ceremony of St. Vincent Seminary. He also
earned the Honorable Judge Bernard F. Scherer Award for generous service and general excellence. Our congratulations
are with Br. Jeremiah!
FIRST ASSEMBLY OF DEANERY REPRESENTATIVES TO BE HELD AT ARCHABBEY, JUNE 7-9
Each deanery affiliated with the St. Vincent Oblate Program is invited to send one or two delegates to the Archabbey
from Friday, June 7, to Sunday, June 9, for the first weekend meeting of deanery representatives. (Oblates from near-by
deaneries who do not wish to stay overnight may choose to come on Saturday only.) Each deanery should decide which
one or two Oblates will be attending. To register, do not contact the Oblate Office; rather phone the Events and
Conference Services Office at St. Vincent at 724-532-5030, or register online from the Oblate website.
PLANS FOR THE 2013 NAABOD MEETING: July 12-17, 2013 in Bismarck, ND
The 2013 meeting of the North American Association of Benedictine Oblate Directors will take place at Annunciation
Monastery in Bismarck, ND, from Friday, July 12, to Wednesday, July 17, 2013. Our Oblates who have offered to attend
as guests are Robert & Mary Catherine Hoover of Patton, PA. Please pray for the fruitfulness of this semi-annual meeting.
OBLATES RECEIVE 10% DISCOUNT AT BASILICA GIFT SHOP
If you are shopping at the Basilica Gift Shop and are an Oblate or an Oblate novice, mention your affiliation with the Oblate
community to the volunteers at the shop, and you will receive a 10% discount on your purchases.
RENEWALS OF OBLATION
Fr. Donald and Br. Jeremiah are grateful for the many Oblates (over 100) who have renewed their Oblation by using the form in the
last newsletter. If you have not recently been in contact with the Oblate Office or your local deanery and have not renewed your
Oblation at St. Vincent during the past year, please renew your Oblation privately and send in the renewal form.
ADORATION FOR VOCATIONS
Oblates in the Latrobe/Greensburg area are welcome to participate in Eucharistic adoration in St. Gregory Chapel every Sunday from
1:00 to 3:00 P.M. to pray for vocations to the religious life and the priesthood, especially for vocations to St. Vincent Archabbey. Oblates
are encouraged to participate especially on those Sundays of Oblate meetings.
RECOMMENDED READING (volumes available in the Oblate Library)
- James G. Paharik (Oblate), The Long Journey: In Search of Justice and Peace in Jerusalem (Collegeville, MN:
Liturgical Press, 2009)
- Scott Hahn, First Comes Love: Finding Your Family in the Church and the Trinity (N.Y.: Doubleday, 2002)
NEW (OR NEWLY DISCOVERED) BOOKS ON BENEDICTINE SPIRITUALITY – both highly recommended
- Fr. Guy-Marie Oury, O.S.B., St. Benedict, Blessed by God (Collegeville, MN: The Liturgical Press, 1980)
- John Michael Talbot, Blessings of St. Benedict (Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2011)
OBLATE BOARD OF ADVISORS
The Oblate Board of Advisors met at the Archabbey on Friday, April 12. They discussed various issues, including terms
of office on the Board, the collection of photographs, the reading list organized by Lawrence Cuda, registration for the
Assembly of Deanery Representatives, the forthcoming Directory, providing for those who cannot drive to meetings in
Latrobe, and planning to honor deceased Oblate Nadeem Feroze from Pakistan. The next meeting of the Board is
scheduled for Friday, June 14, at 6:30 P.M. in Brownfield 203.
MENTORING PROGRAM AND PRAYER-PARTNER PROGRAM: The Mentoring Program for guiding inquirers and
Oblate novices in Benedictine spirituality is in need of volunteers to be mentors. If you would like to serve as a mentor or if
you are an inquirer or an Oblate novice who would like to have an Oblate mentor, please contact Mary Ann Kaufman.
(See the flier for the Directory.) Those who offer to be mentors receive a booklet of guidelines. Also, if you would like to
have another Oblate (novice) or a monk as a prayer partner, please contact Mary Ann.
OBLATE MEETINGS AND CLASSES IN LATROBE
All Oblates and their guests are welcome to attend monthly meetings of the Latrobe (St. Gregory the Great) Deanery,
held at 6:45 P.M. on Sundays in Brownfield 202 at St. Vincent. All are also invited to the classes on Benedictine spirituality
that begin in the same place at 3:00 P.M. The next four sessions will be held on May 19, June 23, July 21, and August 18.
(Note the change to the fourth Sunday in June to avoid meeting on Father’s Day.) Those wishing to be present for
Vespers and supper should phone Fr. Donald (724-805-2291) in advance.
THOSE WHO CANNOT DRIVE TO MEETINGS IN LATROBE
Those who would like to have a ride to meetings in Latrobe are urged to sign up for the 2013 Oblate Directory and to
mention their specific needs. Oblate Deborah Johnston will try to find someone to drive you to monthly meetings.
2013 DIRECTORY OF OBLATES: AIM FOR COMPLETION BY END OF JUNE
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Since most entries involve e-mail addresses, the 2013 Directory of Oblates will be distributed by e-mail to everyone
listing an e-mail address unless a hard copy is requested. (Those who did not list an e-mail address will receive a hard
copy.) The Directory is revised about every two years, and copies are sent only to those who wish to participate. For
security reasons copies are not sent to prisons. Oblate Mary Ann Kaufman is the compiler; so if anyone has any
comments or corrections, please contact Mary Ann by June 15 by using the form on the flier. Her e-mail address is:
305makaufman@gmail.com , or she can be contacted at 305 Harvester Circle, Pittsburgh, PA 15241 (412-835-8977).
OBLATES WELCOME TO CONTRIBUTE TO FORTHCOMING COMMENTARY ON THE HOLY RULE
At the suggestion of one of our Oblates, we are planning to publish a new “commentary” on the Rule, that is a set of
reflections written according to the division of the Rule into 122 parts for daily reading of the whole Rule three times per
year. Archabbot Douglas has approved of this project. Monks of the Archabbey and Oblates are being asked for which
section(s) they would be able to compose a thoughtful spiritual reflection, one or two paragraphs long. We are not now
asking for the actual compositions since we need to assign everyone a different section so that all 122 sections
will be covered. Please let the Oblate Office know, by using the form on the enclosed flier, on which sections you would
be willing to compose a reflection. All entries will be subject to editing by Fr. Donald. Some of you already submitted an
entry from the last newsletter; if so, you should not submit again.
OBLATE RADIO PROGRAM
Radio station WEDO, 810 AM, offers an almost daily program of reflections especially geared for Oblates. Oblate John James
manages the station and offers this program. The program is scheduled at 8:45 A.M., Monday through Friday.
OBLATE GROUP IN CAMBRIDGE, ONTARIO, CANADA
Oblate Cathy Mayled reported by e-mail on January 31, March 5, and April 27 and by U.S. mail on March 22. The group
continued to discuss the book Songs of the Heart, including the topics “mercy and justice” and “enlightenment.” Each
meeting closed with the praying of Compline.
Five people attended the meeting on February 28. After an opening prayer they continued the discussion of Songs of
the Heart with a reflection on “Simplicity.” The evening ended with Compline.
At the special meeting on March 19,
Colette (Scholastica) Vilandré of Cambridge, Ontario,
made her final Oblation in the presence of Fr. Robert R. Sims, who also received the renewals of Oblation of the four
Oblates present. The group then gathered for Mass with Fr. Bob. Then seven people met to discuss the chapter on selfacceptance. The meeting closed with the praying of Compline.
Seven people attended the meeting on April 27, which involved a discussion of “Talent” from the same text. The
meeting ended with the praying of Evening Prayer.
OBLATE GROUP IN PHILADELPHIA, PA
Fr. Vincent de Paul Crosby, O.S.B., reported on April 29 about the meeting on April 6. At that gathering Fr. Vincent led a
discussion on the importance of community in our life of faith. He had sent out some reading material prior to the meeting,
and the result was an abundance of reflections on our faith that brought in insights from the Gospels and the Holy Rule.
Toward the end of the meeting, the group took some time to discuss what the group had become. The group is
ecumenical, and not all feel called to become Oblates. They decided to call themselves “Companions on a Journey:
reflecting on Gospel life guided by the wisdom of the Holy Rule of Saint Benedict.” The next meeting was scheduled for
10:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 1, at St. Mary’s Church, 600 E. Cathedral Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19128.
OBLATE GROUP IN MORGANTOWN, WV
Oblate Pauline Lanciotti reported by e-mail on February 18 and 21, March 19, and April 18.
Pauline first summarized events from the meetings in November and January. The initial meeting on November 28 drew
five people in addition to Fr. John Peck and Br. Jeremiah Lange. Br. Jeremiah gave a thorough overview of the Oblate
Program along with a handout that he distributed. A question-and-answer session followed. Finally, Fr. John distributed
copies of the Rule and had those present take turns at reading sections of the Prologue.
Fourteen people joined Fr. John for the meeting on January 16, which began with Evening Prayer. He then gave a talk
about the history of monasticism from the time of the early desert fathers to the present. He focused largely on St.
Benedict’s era and the cultural milieu that led to his founding of a monastic community and writing of the Rule. After a
question-and-answer period, Fr. John read the opening of the Prologue and assigned a reading of the whole Prologue for
the next meeting. Finally, there was a social with refreshments. Several people expressed interest in the Oblate Program
and a desire to learn how to pray the Liturgy of the Hours properly.
(continued)
At the meeting on February 20, Fr. John and the twelve people who joined him began by praying Evening Prayer. The evening’s
discussion consisted of four segments: reading RB 49 and sharing insights about it (how to keep a continuous Lent in moderation and
how to practice “compunction of heart”); Fr. John’s reading the section “Who Is Called to Be an Oblate?” from the Oblate Formation
Booklet; Fr. John’s reading of an excerpt from Pope St. Gregory’s life of St. Benedict (with reflections on how people can influence the
world in the footsteps of St. Benedict); and Fr. John’s reading from a transcript of a recent talk on fasting by Fr. Thomas Hart. After a
closing prayer there was time for cookies and conversation, and Pauline helped two people to learn to use their breviaries.
At the meeting on March 13, at which Fr. John could not be present, the four attendees prayed Evening Prayer and then watched a
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short, engaging D.V.D. about St. Benedict. Then there was a lively discussion on the first three paragraphs of the Prologue of the Rule.
The group worked to define “obedience” and “sloth of disobedience.” They agreed that the Rule provides a disciplined (but not harsh)
approach to people’s Christian vocations; God’s love and discipline necessarily go together. Fr. John came in towards the end of the
meeting and oriented the discussion to “listening.” He used the analogy of a college student’s attending lectures, taking notes, and
following a syllabus to lead the group to a general understanding of how we listen. He closed with a prayer.
At the meeting on April 17,
Pauline (Frances Hildegard) Lanciotti of Morgantown, WV,
made her final Oblation in the presence of Fr. John Peck, O.S.B., and fourteen other witnesses. The ceremony was held
in St. John Church, and a casual reception followed.
NEW OBLATE GROUP IN SOMERSET, PA
Oblate Jeffery reported on February 13 that a meeting for Oblate inquirers was held at St. Peter-in-Chains Parish in Somerset on
February 12. Besides Chaplain Msgr. James Dugan and Jeff, 36 inquirers attended. Many picked up application forms and other
materials. Jeff spoke about the life of St. Benedict, the Holy Rule, and what it means to be an Oblate, with quotes from the Rule and the
Oblate Formation Booklet. Jeff also shared how much being an Oblate had changed his life, especially regarding finding the balance
offered by God. Then Fr. Dugan offered an explanation of lectio divina, and he and Jeff answered many questions for over a half-hour.
It was planned that future meetings would be held on the third Tuesday of each month from 7:00 to 8:15 P.M.
In his report on March 28, Jeff mentioned that Fr. Dugan, Jeff himself, and 16 inquirers attended a meeting on March 12, which began
with a recitation of Psalm 46 and Jeff’s leading of a prayer for religious liberty. Jeff then led a discussion on the meaning of being an
Oblate, with emphasis on the call to holiness and the necessity of obeying God’s word in order to be a disciple of Christ. Fr. Dugan then
gave a teaching about Lent, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Also, Jeff distributed a lesson on “Holiness and Being an Oblate of St.
Benedict,” read from the Catechism about baptismal promises, and explained how becoming an Oblate had changed his life. The
meeting closed with “Attende Triduum” and the Lord’s Prayer.
On April 29 Jeff reported on the meeting on April 9, attended by one Oblate and eleven inquirers, which began with a prayer to St.
Benedict, an Our Father, a reading of Psalm 56, and a discussion of the question, “What does it mean to be a servant?” Then Luke: 110 was read, with a discussion following about the attitude of a servant. After other readings and reflections, the meeting closed with
prayer.
On April 12 all of the inquirers and 30 others attended a “Mercy Fire Retreat” led by some Eudist Servants of the Eleventh Hour. The
leaders encouraged all in attendance to listen for the possible call to join the Oblate Program.
On April 30 Jeff reported that in a private ceremony on April 30 at the chapel in Somerset, Msgr. Dugan invested
as Oblate novices:
Robert Scott Fadden of Somerset, PA
Christian Gagnon of Somerset, PA
John Liebel of Somerset, PA
VISIT TO OBLATES IN LANCASTER
Fr. Donald and Oblate Richard Hanula of Brownsville visited Oblates in Lancaster, PA, at St. Joseph Church on April 18.
After the praying of Vespers the group went to the adoration chapel, where Fr. Donald invested
Joanne M. Servansky of Lancaster, PA,
as an Oblate novice.. Donald then gave a presentation on “The Presence of God and Fear of the Lord in the Rule of St.
Benedict.” The Oblates in the Lancaster group are mostly affiliated with St. Meinrad Archabbey although several are
affiliated with St. Vincent.
NEWS FROM OBLATE DEANERIES
Albion, PA (St. Paul Deanery) -- monthly meetings at chapel in Albion
There was no report.
Annville, PA (St. Placid Deanery) -- meetings at 3 P.M. on 4th Sunday of each month, St. Paul the Apostle Church, Annville.
Secretary Mary Ann Bingeman, the new secretary, reported on February 24 and April 28. At the meeting on February
24, ten people joined Fr. Job, who began by leading Vespers. Then there was a brief social and a business meeting. It
was announced that the group would collect donations for the St. Benedict Education Foundation. Fr. Job then gave a
brief history of Sant” Anselmo in Rome and addressed a question from an inquirer, “What is an Oblate?” Finally, the
attendees read and discussed Chapter 1 of the Rule (on the kinds of monks), and Fr. Job blessed some religious articles
that had been brought to the meeting.
Twelve people joined Fr. Job for the meeting on April 28. During Vespers
Camille LaVoie of Shiremanstown, PA,
made her final Oblation in the presence of Fr. Job and the others who were present, including her son Fr. Raymond
LaVoie. Also, all the Oblates present renewed their Oblation. Then, at a brief business meeting, it was found that no one was able to
attend the Assembly of Deanery Representatives at the Archabbey; a note of thanks from the St. Benedict Education Foundation for a
donation of $200.00 was read; one Oblate announced her moving to Montana but her desire to remain close to the Oblate community; it
was reported that six Oblates would attend the May 17-19 retreat at the Archabbey; and one Oblate recommended the book Living with
Contradiction. Fr. Job than stressed the importance of Oblates’ praying the Divine Office, especially Morning Prayer and Evening
Prayer, as well as the Office of Readings when possible. St. Benedict, he said, wished to be a hermit but was called to lead
communities of monks. Fr. Job encouraged the group to pray the Office in a group when possible. (At St. Paul Church Lauds and
Vespers are prayed with Eucharistic adoration on certain days.) Then the attendees discussed Chapter 3 of the Rule, with comments
on Catholic pastors’ need to seek counsel, on the “chapter room” at St. Vincent, on the various roles of the Archabbot of St. Vincent,
and on Pope Francis’ establishment of a council of eight cardinals to report directly to him.
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Asheboro, NC (St. Joseph / St. Gabriel Deanery) – anticipated meetings at St. Joseph Church
There was no report.
Baltimore, MD (St. Walburga Deanery) -- meetings at 3:00-4:30 on 3rd Sun. of month, parish house, St. Benedict Church
Secretary James Wells reported by e-mail on February 18, March 18, and April 22, and Oblate Dale Dombrosky reported by mail on
February 8. At the meeting on January 13, Fr. Paschal Morlino, moderator, gave a lecture on the spirituality and symbolism of the
Benedictus, the Magnificat, and the Nunc Dimittis, all New Testament canticles used in the Divine Office. He also gave some reflections
on lectio divina.
Sixteen people attended the meeting on February 17, at which Fr. Paschal continued a presentation on lectio divina. The group used
Luke 4:14-15 to practice group lectio, with the questions, “What is certainty for you? How do we arrive at certainty of what we are
taught?” There was time for silence and discussion. At the end of the session Fr. Paschal commented that lectio is about listening and
letting the Holy Spirit speak to our hearts. Then he gave out some materials for reflection during Lent.
On March 17 the nine people who attended the meeting heard a presentation on prayer by Deacon Brian. He examined Enoch from
the Old Testament as an example of the active side of prayer (“walking with God”) and Mary as an example of contemplative prayer.
The experience of contemplative prayer generally overflows into active charity. After some discussion Fr. Paschal joined the group and
led some reflections on newly elected Pope Francis. During Vespers, which began at 5:00,
Jennifer (Gertrude) Woo of Westminster, MD,
made her final Oblation in the presence of Fr. Paschal and the others who were present.
Twelve people joined Fr. Paschal for the meeting on April 21, which began with his presentation on Easter and the readings from Acts
and Revelation used at Mass during the Easter Season. He challenged the group to ponder how the readings relate to our lives today.
He concluded that they proclaim a message of loving one another unselfishly as the Christian solution to the struggles of life. There
were then some questions and discussion, followed by Vespers in the church at 5:00 P.M. It was decided not to schedule meetings for
May or June.
Butler, PA (St. Hildegard Deanery) -- monthly meetings at St. Fidelis Church hall, generally the 3rd Thurs. of month
Lay leader Ethel Galli wrote on April 8. At the meeting on February 28, the group discussed the chapter “The Christian Life” from the
book Life Lessons from the Monastery by Abbot Jerome Kodell, O.S.B. Much of the discussion focused on the verse Mk 8:32 ,
“Whoever wishes to come after Me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.” Then the group listened to a C.D. from the
Archabbey with Fr. Bonaventure’s talk about obedience. The meeting closed with prayer and fellowship.
Because of a conflict with Easter’s being on March 31, the “March” meeting was held on April 4. The group discussed the last chapter
of the book, namely “The End and Beyond,” with reflections on the ongoing nature of work and prayer and the importance of the
communion of the saints. Then the group listened to a C.D. of Br. Jeremiah’s presentation on poverty and simplicity. The meeting
ended again with prayer and refreshments.
Carrolltown, PA (Sacred Heart Deanery) -- monthly meetings at St. Benedict Church, in the church and/or a meeting room, on
Sunday evenings at 6:00.
There was no report.
Charleston, SC – monthly meetings at Daughters of St. Paul headquarters,1st Sat. of month at 10:00 A.M.
Lay leader Marsha Boles reported by phone on May 7. There were no meetings in March or April, although a few
Oblates continued to meet for Vespers. Fr. Parker had to resign as moderator because of poor health. Please pray that
Marsha soon be able to find a capable priest or deacon to serve as moderator for the deanery.
Chincoteague, VA (Our Lady of Guadalupe Deanery) -- monthly meetings at St. Andrew Church, Thursdays, 4:15 P.M.
Lay leader Mary Hoffken reported on February 25. The meeting on January 10 was attended by five people. It was
announced that the problem of access to meeting room had been resolved by the issuing of a key to Mary. Then a D.V.D.
on “conversion of heart” presented by Fr. Justin Matro at the Archabbey was viewed for 25 minutes and then discussed.
The meeting ended with the praying of the Lord’s Prayer.
Six people attended the meeting on February 14. The group viewed a D.V.D. on “obedience” presented by Fr.
Bonaventure at the Archabbey. Attendees expressed approval of the format of viewing and discussing presentations on
D.V.D. from St. Vincent.
Cyber Deanery
There was no report.
Frackville, PA (St. Dismas Deanery) –meetings on 2nd & 3rd Wednesdays at 6:00 at chapel in Frackville
Oblate novice Richard Walter, secretary, reported on February 18, February 28, and April 1. At the meeting on January
2, attended by two Oblate novices and two inquirers, Fr. William Seifert, moderator, spoke about the Church calendar. At
the meeting on January 16, with the same attendance, Fr. Seifert spoke about the life of Christ in the Gospel of St.
Matthew.
Fr. Seifert opened the meeting on February 6 with prayer, and then the group viewed the first part of a 10-part video on
Catholicism by Fr. Robert Barron. On February 13 a meeting followed an Ash-Wednesday service. Three Oblate novices
and three inquirers attended. Deacon Mercado gave a talk and led the group in viewing Part 2 of the set of videos on
Catholicism. At the meeting on February 20, the six attendees heard Deacon Mercado speak about the readings for the
First Sunday of Lent, the three temptations of Christ, and the meaning of these on our lives, especially concerning the role
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of Satan in tempting us. The seeking of God’s help is crucial. The meeting on February 28 began with Deacon Mercado’s
Thomas Corbin, Jr., of Frackville, PA,
investing
as an Oblate novice. Then the group talked about the life of Fr. Joseph Kentenich, his devotion to the Holy Trinity and to
the Blessed Mother, and the impact of the Blessed Mother on his life.
On March 6, three Oblate novices and four inquirers joined Fr. Seifert for an opening prayer and his reflections on the Bible and its
translations. The group then watched Part 3 of Fr. Barron’s series, on “the ineffable mystery of God.” The meeting on March 13 began
with a prayer led by Fr. Seifert and his reflections about the new Pope and his name, Francis. He then led a discussion on “building a
church.” On March 21 a group of seven men met with volunteer Tom Barrett, who led an opening prayer and the praying of the Way of
the Cross. The attendees then viewed Part 4 of Fr. Barron’s series. On March 27 seven men met with Fr. Seifert, who spoke about how
the Gospels were written, with reflections on eye-witnesses and the handing down of tradition.
Johnstown, PA (St. John Gualbert Deanery) -- meetings on 2nd Monday of each month, 6:30 P.M., St. Benedict Church
Lay leader Carl Motter wrote on February 13, March 13, and April 10. At the meeting on February 11, Deacon Michael Russo,
moderator, offered a presentation about practices that could be chosen for Lent. The group planned, for future meetings, to review a
series of booklets called Notes from a Monastery: The Sacred Way Every Day published by St. Meinrad Archabbey. They also invited
Fr. Thomas Hart, O.S.B., of the Archabbey to lead a Lenten day of recollection on February 27
The meeting on March 11 began, as usual, with Evening Prayer. Then Deacon Michael led a discussion on an article “The Rule of
Saint Benedict, Our Call to Conversion” by Sr. Laura Swan, O.S.B. The exchange included the themes of conversion as falling in love
with God, relating to God in a new way, listening, self-awareness, freedom, and compassion, all of which were related to the attendees’
daily lives.
The meeting on April 8 began with Evening Prayer and continued with Deacon Michael’s leading a discussion on the Rule based on
the book Pursuing God with Passion. The group discussed the importance of good zeal along with the virtues of desire, drive, and
devotion, along with moderation. An inquirer who attended was quite interested in becoming an Oblate novice.
Latrobe, PA (St. Gregory the Great Deanery) -- meetings usually on 3rd Sunday of month, 6:45 P.M., Brownfield 202
Only about 12 people attended the regular meeting on February 17, possibly because of snow squalls and white-outs. The group
continued a discussion of “Benedictine Values for Oblates” from the Oblate Formation Booklet, the values considered were peace,
glorifying God in all things, community lectio divina, reverence for Scripture, hospitality, “holy leisure,” the Liturgy of the Hours, the
Eucharist, care for the poor, prophetic witness, and care for the environment.
Some 20 people attended the meeting on March 17, during which the group concluded a review of the formation booklet. Fr. Donald
summarized the history of the Oblate movement and of the Oblate Program at the Archabbey and commented on the material in the
appendices of the booklet. A number of people agreed to write reflections for the forthcoming commentary, and volunteers were asked
to bring food for the social on March 21. As usual, the meeting ended with Compline in the basilica at 8:15 P.M.
N.B.: Shut-ins or others who cannot drive but who would like to attend monthly meetings in Latrobe should contact Oblate
Deborah Johnston at 724-454-5887.
Nearly 24 people attended the meeting on April 21, at which the group began a study of the book Cherish Christ above All: The Bible
in the Rule of Benedict by Fr. Demetrius Dumm, O.S.B. Fr. Donald led a discussion of the foreword and part of Chapter 1, with
comments on St. Benedict’s devotion to Scripture, the fact of Benedictine spirituality’s being “Biblical to the core,” the Bible that St.
Benedict probably used, and problems with modern Biblical scholarship.
Early in May Oblate Nancy Premoshis of Latrobe agreed to serve as the new lay leader of the Latrobe Deanery. She
succeeds Oblate Christine Karem, who had served for a number of years before she resigned last January because of
other pressing duties. We are grateful to Nancy for her willingness to serve and to Christ for her years of generous
dedication to the tasks of lay leader.
Lessons in Latrobe at 3:00 P.M. before Oblate Meetings
On February 17 Fr. Alfred Patterson, chaplain at Westmoreland Hospital and formerly a pastor or parochial vicar at parishes for some
years, presented a talk on “Simplicity in Benedictine Spirituality.” He began by stating how difficult it can be to become “simple”; he
remembered in high school doodling the phrase “I seek the simple life, but I have a complicated time getting there.” Fr. Alfred
connected the theme with the season of Lent, with fasting and the receiving of ashes as forms of seeking Christian simplicity. Simplicity
is also related, he asserted, with overcoming materialism and the desire to become rich, striving for humility and obedience, battling
against distractions, practicing silence, and seeking stability, especially in terms of the famed Carmelite Br. Lawrence, author of The
Practice of the Presence of God. Monasticism (the term coming from the Greek monachos, derived from the word for “one”) is
especially geared to aspiring to simplicity. As Fr. Alfred’s novice master once reminded him, the only question that ultimately matters in
monastic life is “”Do you seek God?” The audience of some 24 people offered a number of comments and questions.
On March 17 Br. Hugh Lester, Director of the Retreat Program, gave a very thorough presentation to some 25 people on “conversion
of heart (conversatio morum).” Referring to the parable of the prodigal son, he began by stressing the need to recognize sin and to
repent. Today the Sacrament of Reconciliation facilitates conversion. Br. Hugh emphasized that the amendment of one’s life is a
continual process. A key factor is the avoidance of the near occasions of sin, whether they be places, events, or (in some cases)
people. He noted that making small sacrifices can help to bolster one’s resistance to sin. The Rule of St. Benedict, particularly the
instruments of good works, shows that conversion can be facilitated by “doing good things.” While we need to pray for God’s help to
receive His mercy and forgiveness, we also need to be actively engaged in works that benefit others and counteract sin. Most
especially, it is important to live in faith and humility since spiritual progress is impossible if one lives in self-sufficiency and pride.
On April 21 Br. John Paul Heiser, six days before his ordination as a deacon, gave a very thorough explanation of lectio divina as a
key element of Benedictine prayer. After explaining the four traditional elements of lectio, he quoted Dei Verbum with the reminders that
our interpretation of Scripture should be in line with the living tradition of the Church and that our conclusions should be in line with the
Church’s teachings. He then described different ways of doing lectio, mentioned how lectio works “ex opera operantis,” and showed
how elements tied to the practice of lectio can be related to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.
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Niagara Area, Ontario, Canada (St. Henry/St. Gertrude Deanery) -- meetings on 4th Friday, meeting room of St. Thomas
Aquinas Church, St. Catharines, Ont.
Secretary Kathy Golchuk reported by e-mail on February 27, and lay leader Brian Chisholm reported by phone late in March or early
in April and on May 6. The meeting on February 25, attended by eight people, began with a welcoming of Deacon Jack Gauthier, who
was considering serving the deanery as moderator. He gave an overview of his life and his experience as a deacon. Then it was
mentioned that Divine Mercy devotions would be held on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 7, at the Cathedral of St. Catherine. Then the
group continued a study of the Rule based on the course by Fr. Terrence Kardong, Asking Benedict. They studied the Prologue, with
Brian’s stressing the need to use lectio divina in conjunction with study and with Deacon Jack’s reference to the Prologue as an
“ancient baptismal homily.” Also, Brian emphasized the importance of looking up the Biblical references in order better to understand
the Rule. The meeting ended with prayer and a blessing from Deacon Jack.
The meeting originally scheduled for March 28 was cancelled because it fell during Holy Week. Also, there was no meeting in April
because of deaths and other business.
Pittsburgh, PA (St. Peter Deanery) -- meetings on 2nd or 3rd Wed., Our Lady Queen of Peace Worship Site.
Lay leader James Perini reported by e-mail on February 14, April 4, and May 3. The meeting planned for February 21
was to continue a discussion on Lessons from St. Benedict with reflections on the fourth chapter. Two new inquirers were
expected to attend.
A monthly meeting was to be held on April 9 at the rectory of St. Peter Church after the praying of Vespers in the
church. The group planned to discuss Chapter 5 of Lessons from Saint Benedict. At the meeting planned for May 6, the
group was to discuss Chapter 7 of the same book. The meeting was to begin with Vespers at 7:00 in the church.
St. Marys, PA (St. Maurus Deanery) -- meetings on Thurs. before 1st Fri. of month, Queen of the World Church, 7:00 P.M.
Lay leader/secretary Peggi Gabler wrote on May 8. Ten people attended the meeting on May 2, which followed Evening
Prayer and Benediction in the church. After the “Oblate prayer,” there was a reading of minutes from the November
meeting. Then Fr. Thomas More, moderator, read from the RB Prologue: 35-44 and commented that St. Benedict lived in
disastrous times, much like today’s times, with much corruption and loss of faith. Our response may be not so much to
change the world but to change ourselves in terms of our relationship to God and our example for others. Our adherence to
the truth may also cause us suffering. During the lively discussion that followed, the themes of God’s being in control and our need to
persevere to the end surfaced. The meeting closed with a prayer to St. Benedict and a blessing from Fr. Thomas More.
Saint Vincent College (Mary, Mother of Wisdom Deanery) – monthly meetings during the school year, usually in Mary, Mother of
Wisdom Chapel
Fr. Killian Loch, O.S.B., moderator, reported on May 12 concerning activities during the spring semester. The Oblate
group met with Fr. Killian once a month during January, February, March, and April. The Oblate novices continued their
study of lectio divina, and several of them became part of a group that met weekly with Mimika Gareshché and some
seminarians for group lectio. Beginning with the February meeting, there was a general invitation to students to come to
meetings to learn about the Oblate Program. Three additional students have expressed interest; they may become Oblate
novices in September after the beginning of the fall semester. Several of the current Oblate novices have been joining the
monastic community for Vespers, and some have become more involved in Campus Ministry’s “Breakfast with Benedict,”
in terms of both giving teachings and contributing to discussions. During the summer Fr. Killian will continue formation by
way of e-mail reflections and discussions. .
Savannah, GA (St. Katherine Drexel Deanery) -- special monthly events at Sunday Vespers at Benedictine Priory
Moderator Fr. Ronald Gatman reported by e-mail on January 30 with a summary of meetings since September. He also
sent e-mails on February 27, April 23, and April 25. The September meeting involved Fr. Ronald’s celebration of a Mass in the
priory chapel, followed by a covered-dish supper. In October Deacon Ray Moreau gave a presentation during Vespers. In November Fr.
Jason Adams, a newly ordained priest, celebrated Mass and gave a homily. In December some of the Oblates volunteered to help put
on the priory’s annual pre-Christmas party for the school’s administration, faculty, and staff, as well as some longstanding friends of the
priory and school. On January 27 Fr. Frank, prior and headmaster, offered Mass for the Oblate group.
On February 24 Jenny Williams, a daughter-in-law of Oblates Mike and Lori Williams, gave a presentation about her
spiritual journey and her struggle with lung cancer. In March 24 Fr. Mark Van Alstine, the Director of Vocations of the
Diocese of Savannah, gave a presentation during Vespers. On April 21 the group came together for a day of recollection
from 2:00 to 5:00, which included a prayer service, two reflections on the Holy Rule by Oblates, a talk by Fr. Ronald, time
for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and the celebration of Mass. After the homily at Mass,
James (Phillip) Pennell of Beaufort, SC,
made his final Oblation in the presence of Fr. Ronald and the other Oblates who were present
Selingsgrove, PA (St. Anselm Deanery) – monthly meetings at 2 P.M. on 2nd Sundays at St. Pius X Church in Selinsgrove
Pastor Doug Schader, filling in for secretary Marcia LaBant, reported early in April on the meetings in January,
February, and March. Although only two people attended on January 13, they discussed God’s presence in human lives
and prayed for a renewal of meetings and of the deanery.
The meeting on February 10, attended by eight people, began with Vespers in the chapel and continued in the parish
library with a sharing of thoughts on the Prologue of the Rule and of Chapter 7 of Lessons from Saint Benedict. There was
10
a lively discussion. The meeting closed with the “Oblates’ prayer” and the serving of refreshments.
Six people attended the meeting on March 10, which began with the “Oblates’ prayer” and a discussion of RB 49, on the observance
of Lent. The group also discussed Chapter 6 of Lessons from Saint Benedict, with some intensive reflection on Lent and dryness in
prayer. They then enjoyed some refreshments and a time fellowship, with some talk about plans by some to travel to the Archabbey on
March 21. The meeting closed with the praying of Vespers.
nd
Southern Pines, NC (St. Ephrem the Syrian Deanery) – monthly meetings on 2 Thurs. of month
Secretary Laura Lowder reported by e-mail on February 8. During the meeting on February 14 at St. Anthony of Padua
Catholic Church, Deacon Stephen Dozier, moderator, invested
Evelyn Baerje of Aberdeen, NC, as an Oblate novice.
State College, PA (St. Joseph Deanery) -- meetings on 2nd Mon. of month, Our Lady of Victory Church, St. Joseph Activity Center.
Secretary Kay Tittmann wrote on February 13, March 7, and April 9. The meeting on February 11, attended by seven Oblates, one
Oblate novice, and three inquirers, began, as usual, with Evening Prayer. Fr. David Griffin, moderator, led a discussion of three more
chapters of the book The Only Necessary Thing: Living a Prayerful Life. Chapter 6, “Listening,” led the group to reflect on the need for
discipline in the spiritual life and the importance, especially during Lent, of putting away electronic devices for a while in order to listen
to God’s voice in one’s heart. Similar reflections arose from Chapter 7, “Discipline.” Then there was some sharing about the resignation
of Pope Benedict’s resignation. The meeting closed with a prayer, a singing of the “Ultima,” the voicing of several prayer intentions, and
the reading of two thank-you notes.
The meeting on March 4 began with Evening Prayer. Fr. David could not be present because he was with some Penn State students
in Mexico to help poor children. Nine people were present. The group viewed a D.V.D. with a presentation on the Liturgy of the Hours
by Br. Albert at the Archabbey. After the hour-long presentation there was a short time for discussion.
(continued)
The meeting ended with a prayer, the “Ultima,” and prayer for several intentions.
The meeting on April 8 began with Evening Prayer for the Solemnity of the Annunciation. Six Oblates, one Oblate novice, and four
inquirers were in attendance. The group proceeded to discuss the chapters “Unceasing Prayer” and “Community” from the same book.
The attendees were especially enthusiastic about the theme of unceasing prayer and recommended that the chapter be read again and
again. The meeting closed with a prayer, the “Ultima,” and some voiced prayer intentions. Oblate Devren Yener was congratulated on
making his final Oblation at the Archabbey on March 21, and a note was read from Fr. David’s group of Penn State students who had
accompanied him to Mexico, with thanks for the group’s donation of $410, which was used to purchase a play set for poor Mexican
children.
Virginia Beach, VA (St. Scholastica Deanery) -- meetings on 1st Wed., 7 P.M., Damian Room, St. Gregory the Great School
Lay leader Delina Pauls reported by phone on May 8. There have been monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of
each month, now in the Damian Room of the school. There will be more information in the next newsletter.
Williamsport, PA (Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus Deanery) -- meetings on 2nd Sunday of each month, 2 P.M., St. Anne Church
Acting lay leader Sue Wykoff reported on February 25 by e-mail and on March 27 and April 14 by U.S. mail. The
meeting on February 10, attended by four people, began with Mid-afternoon Prayer and continued with a discussion about
St. Scholastica (it was her feast day) and about some web pages on the Liturgy of the Hours from the website of E.W.T.N.
Then the group listened to the first half of a podcast about the Liturgy of the Hours called “Carmelite Conversations: Pray
without Ceasing.” Finally, they talked briefly about the Lenten practices mentioned in the Rule.
By common agreement, a new format was followed for the meeting on March 10, which was attended by five people. After a praying
of the Office of the Readings, some news from St. Vincent was announced, and treasurer Helen Sammarco took up an offering for the
Archabbey. The group spoke about their connection with the Archabbey, and the Oblates renewed their Oblation. Then they listened to
the second half of the podcast, prayed the Angelus together, had some time for questions and answers after a break, and closed with
silent prayer in the church.
Nine people, including two inquirers, attended the meeting on April 14, which began with the Office of Readings. Then the group
viewed a D.V.D. from the Archabbey, namely Fr. Boniface’s presentation on “Poverty and Simplicity.” After some members had to
leave, the others stayed for some discussion and a viewing of the remainder of the D.V.D. The meeting closed with a praying of the
Angelus.
Various Locations
On April 25, 2011, Cheryl Anne (Frances of Rome) Richards of Carrollton, TX,
made her final Oblation in the presence of Deacon Louis Hoffman at Sacred Heart Church in Wasilla, Alaska. Deacon
Louis is her father. Cheryl was visiting her parents in Alaska at the time. Since then they have both moved to Texas
because of declining health, and Cheryl is caring for them. Please keep Cheryl and her parents in your prayers.
On February 24 in the crypt of the Archabbey Basilica,
Timothy (Bernard) Baldwin of Aberdeen, MD, and
Anthony (Anastasius) Seda of Aberdeen, MD,
made their final Oblation in the presence of Fr. Donald, novice Br. Lawrence, and a friend, Jacob Schwendinger.
On March 21 at Infant of Prague Church in Jacksonville, NC, Fr. Jeffrey Bowker, parochial vicar, invested
Michele Reintjes of Jacksonville, NC,
as an Oblate novice. Michele is the sister of Oblate David Reintjes. Two other members of the parish are also Oblates.
On March 29 (Good Friday) at St. James Catholic Church in Gadsden, AL,
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Alger “Al” (Jerome) Harris of Jacksonville, AL,
made his final Oblation in the presence of Fr. Gray Bean, pastor, and seven other witnesses. Al has found that several
other parishioners are interested in becoming Oblates.
On April 11 in the chapel in St. Marys, WV, Deacon Rue Thompson, chaplain, invested
Robert Jay Kirkman of St. Marys, WV,
as an Oblate novice.
On April 14 in St. Gregory Chapel at the Archabbey, Fr. Donald invested
Barbara H. Kane of Silver Spring, MD,
as an Oblate novice. Also present were Barbara’s husband, Ray, and Oblate novices Diane Zelenak and Lora Jacob.
On April 16 at St. John the Evangelist Church in Altoona, PA, Msgr. Michael A. Becker, pastor (and an Oblate),
invested John T. Hall of Altoona, PA,
as an Oblate novice.
SICK & INFIRM MONKS
Please pray for the following monks of St. Vincent Archabbey, who have been seriously ill during the past three months:
Fr. Paschal Kneip, Fr. Vernon Holtz, Fr. Jacques Daley, Fr. Athanasius Cherry, Fr. Francis Ehnat.
N.B.: Please also pray for the repose of the souls of Theresa Gallagher (mother of Fr. Richard Ulam) and Jacob L. Heisey (father of Br.
Bruno), who died recently, and for Fr. Richard and his brother and Br. Bruno and his mother. Thank you.
Reservation for Feast of St. Benedict on July 11, 2013
Name & Phone ____________________________________________________
___ I plan to come to St. Vincent for ___ lunch, ___ supper along with ___ guests;
I enclose _____ ($5.50 for lunch, $6.50 for supper, per person).
___ I plan to come only for 10:00 A.M. Mass on July 11.
___ I hope to be invested as an __ Oblate, __ Oblate novice on July 11. (If becoming a full Oblate, I choose
_______________ as an Oblate name. An application form is required.)
___ I am a jubilarian Oblate and hope to be present to receive a certificate. (Please contact Fr. Donald.)
Please send this form and a check made out to ST. VINCENT ARCHABBEY for meals before July 4 to:
Ms. Nancy Premoshis, 3021-2 Williamsburg Lane, Latrobe, PA 15650 (phone: 724-837-6647).
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If you would like overnight accommodations, please phone Fr. Donald at 742-805-2291. Please also contact
Fr. Donald if you plan to be invested as an Oblate novice or to make your final Oblation on July 11.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Schedule for Oblates, Feast of St. Benedict, July 11, 2013
10:00 A.M.
Mass, Basilica
12:00 P.M.
Dinner, Placid B (1st floor, Placid Hall)
(approximate)
2:00 P.M.
Conference & Oblation ceremonies (investitures, Oblations, honoring of jubilarians),
St. Gregory Chapel
5:00 P.M.
Evening Prayer, Basilica choir area
5:40 P.M.
Supper, Placid B (1st floor, Placid Hall)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------Donations to subsidize travel and room & board for the World Congress of Oblates in October, 2013
Donations are requested to help attendees for this October’s third World Congress of Oblates, both from the
Archabbey and also from monasteries in poor countries that might otherwise not be able to send delegates to the
congress. Please indicate if you would like a letter for tax credit for your donation. Thank you.
Name __________________________________________
Address __________________________________________
__________________________________________________
Enclosed is a donation of __________ to help those attending the October World Congress of Oblates.
_____ I would like a letter acknowledging my donation for tax-credit purposes.
(Please send checks to the Oblate Office and make them out to ST. VINCENT ARCHABBEY.)
Order Form for C.D.’s & D.V.D.’s of Presentations in Latrobe
Br. Albert’s talk on Liturgy of the Hours (November 20, 2011):
C.D.
_______ (number)
D.V.D. _____ (number)
Fr. Cyprian’s talk on the revised translation of the Mass (November 20, 2011):
C.D.
_______ (number)
D.V.D. _____ (number)
Fr. Boniface’s talk on poverty & simplicity (December 18, 2011):
C.D.
_______ (number)
D.V.D. _____ (number)
Fr. Killian’s talk on holiness & Benedictine spirituality (January 15, 2012):
C.D.
_______ (number)
D.V.D. _____ (number)
Fr. Robert Roche’s talk on lectio divina (February 19, 2012):
C.D.
_______ (number)
D.V.D. _____ (number)
Fr. Justin’s talk on conversion of heart (March 18, 2012):
C.D.
_______ (number)
D.V.D. _____ (number)
Fr. Bonaventure’s talk on obedience (April 15, 2012):
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C.D.
_______ (number)
D.V.D. _____ (number)
Br. Jeremiah’s talk on poverty & simplicity (May 20, 2012):
C.D.
_______ (number)
D.V.D. _____ (number)
Br. Canice’s talk on the Liturgy of the Hours (June 10, 2012):
C.D.
_______ (number)
D.V.D. _____ (number)
Br. Matthew’s talk on prayer in Benedictine spirituality (July 15, 2012):
C.D.
_______ (number)
D.V.D. _____ (number)
Fr. Philip’s talk on St. Benedict and his Rule (August 19, 2012)
C.D.
_______ (number)
D.V.D. _____ (number)
Fr. Edward’s talk on the Eucharist in Benedictine spirituality (September 16, 2012):
C.D.
_______ (number)
D.V.D. _____ (number)
Fr. Ananias’ talk on hospitality in Benedictine spirituality (October 21, 2012):
C.D.
_______ (number)
D.V.D. _____ (number)
Br. Joachim’s talk on work in Benedictine spirituality (December 16, 2012):
C.D.
_______ (number)
D.V.D. _____ (number)
Fr. Robert Keffer’s talk on holiness and Benedictine spirituality (January 20, 2013):
C.D.
_______ (number)
D.V.D. _____ (number)
Fr. Alfred’s talk on poverty & simplicity in Benedictine spirituality (February 17, 2013):
C.D.
_______ (number)
D.V.D. _____ (number)
Br. Hugh’s talk on conversatio morum (March 17, 2013):
C.D.
_______ (number)
D.V.D. _____ (number)
Br. John Paul’s talk on lectio divina in Benedictine spirituality (April 21, 2013):
C.D.
_______ (number)
D.V.D. _____ (number)
Please enclose $6.00 per D.V.D. and $3.50 per C.D. (Add 6% Pa. sales tax before shipping cost; then add $4.95 for
postage & handling per order.)
Enclosed is _________ for my order of ______ C.D.’s and ______ D.V.D.’s.
Name ______________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________
__________________________________________________
I will pick up my order ______
Please mail my order to me ______ (Remember to include tax & $4.95 for postage per order.)
Please order from Saint Vincent Book Center over the phone at 724-805-2557 or online at www.stvincent.bkstr.com , or by
mail (St. Vincent Book Center, 300 Fraser Purchase Rd., Latrobe, PA 15650-2690); or come in person to the Book Center.
Please make out checks to ST. VINCENT ARCHABBEY. N.B.: Those who attend monthly meetings in Latrobe will still be able
to order copies of recent presentations at a discounted price.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------DIRECTORY OF OBLATES: Application form
I would like to be included in the summer, 2013, edition of the Directory of Oblates affiliated with Saint Vincent
Archabbey. (Entries in the 2011-12 Directory will automatically be carried over.)The information that I would like to
have included in the Directory is as follows:
Name ______________________________
Phone ____________________________
Address ____________________________
e-mail address _________________________
___________________________________
Please send this form by June 15 to Mrs. Mary Ann Kaufman, 305
Harvester Circle, Pittsburgh, PA 15241 (412-835-8977); or send the information by e-mail to 305makaufman@gmail.com
+
OBLATES OF SAINT BENEDICT
Saint Vincent Archabbey
300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA 15650-2690
May, 2013
Dear Oblate/Oblate novice,
Peace and blessings be with you! The Oblate Office’s latest project is to assemble a book of reflections
on the Rule of St. Benedict based on the traditional division of the Rule into 122 sections. It is hoped that
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capable monks and Oblates (and Oblate novices) will be able to compose thoughtful reflections, one or two
paragraphs long, for each of the 122 sections. This idea sprang from the thoughtful suggestion of one of our
Oblates, who realized that many of our Oblates follow the suggested daily reading of the Rule as in the Leonard
Doyle translation and that a brief commentary on each of the sections would be of great help to many people.
I am inviting you to participate in this project if you are able and willing. The first phase is to specify on
which of the sections of the Rule you would feel ready to write a reflection of 100 to 200 words. After all the
entries are submitted from Oblates and monks, I shall assign one passage to you. I shall then edit all the
submitted reflections. (If you need a pamphlet with the traditional divisions of the Rule, please let me know by
phone or e-mail.) Please indicate below about which section(s) (you may indicate many!) you would feel ready
to write a reflection. If you already submitted your offer to write a reflection from the notice in the last
newsletter, you need not resubmit.
Thank you for listening to this request and for responding as best you can. If you have any questions
about this project, please feel free to phone me at 724-805-2291 or to send a e-mail message to Br. Jeremiah at
svaoblates@email.stvincent.edu .
Sincerely in Christ and Saint Benedict,
Fr. Donald S. Raila, O.S.B.
-----------------------------------------------------------------Name ____________________________________________________________________
___ Yes, I would be willing to write one reflection for the forthcoming book on the Rule. The sections on
which I would be willing to write are as follows (please indicate month and day along with the chapter and
verses of the Rule; you will be assigned only one.):
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
P.S.: Please reply by June 15.
P.P.S.: Please choose the sections not already chosen; the ones still available are: Prol: 14-44, RB 2 & 3,
4:62-78, 7:31-34 & 49-50 & 56-61; RB 8 – 15, 17-18, 21, 22, 24-28, 30, 31, 35:12-18, 37:1-3, 41:1-9, 42,
43:1-12, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48:22-25, 54, 55, 56, 59-62, 64:1-6, 65, 69, 70.
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