Oblate News
2024-2025 Oblate Program:
This year’s theme is Obedience.
Oblates Occurences: November, 2024
Reflecting upon our meeting on Election night, November 5, where we gathered in silent and spoken prayer pending the results of the Presidential votes, I thought of sharing this anecdote here:
A popular story drawn from the life of St. Benedict concerns his annual visit with his sister Scholastica. Apparently, she didn’t want him to leave on this particular night, and when he balked at her request, she prayed. That appeal effected such a rainstorm that Benedict was unable to depart, so they spent the night in conversation. Not many days later, a dove visited Benedict. He intuited, correctly, that Scholastica had died….
In the wake of the recent Presidential election, many are tempted to separate from, to leave familiar people and surroundings. We may not need a thunderstorm (perhaps we’ve already had one!) to remind us of how our plans are often upended by God, how storms often bring surprising outcomes, not to mention the power of prayer in the face of resistance. Let’s keep friends and family close. Let’s keep our opponents in our sights. Let’s remember that hospitality and love are cornerstones of Benedictine life, and that we’re all sisters and brothers. And be grateful.
BLESSED THANKSGIVING!
We hope these news notes will serve to keep the Glastonbury community current with Oblate activities further bonding us with the monastics and lay associates in mutual prayer, hospitality, service, and peace.
Louise (Benedicta) Deutsch, Obl OSB
For inquiries, please email: oblates@glastonburyabbey.org and a Steering Committee member will get back to you. Oblates meet the first Tuesday of every month September through July starting with Compline at 7:15 PM in the church, followed by our 7:30 PM hybrid meeting. The September meeting is the official start of our new year. During Compline, we celebrate new Novice commitments, new Oblates making their Oblation and current Oblates making their yearly renewal.
Oblate Steering Committee 2024-2025: co-chairs Jean McDonald and Karen Casale. Other OSC members: Carolyn Carpenter, Louise Deutsch, Jonathan Regan.
