Oblate News
2024-2025 Oblate Program:
This year’s theme is Obedience.
Oblates' Occurences: January, 2025
May all blessings for courage and grace surround each and all in this New Year.
The January 7 meeting brought Oblates Steven Tumolo (Glastonbury Abbey) and Julene Tegerstrand (St. Gertrude’s Monastery) to recount their adventures in Africa during the summer of 2024. Their visit to Rwanda, Nairobi, and Kenya was, in their words, “a life altering experience.”
Illustrating with PowerPoint slides, Steve and Julene recounted their travels in terms of both increased layers of awareness and personal transformation. They witnessed history and remembrances of the frightful genocide that took place in Rwanda and the outcomes that have provided some means of restorative justice, a process that has permeated education, courts, and churches. A chart showing “path to peace/path to violence” offered ways to move from indifference and violence to communication and reconciliation.
Both Steve and Julene have been inspired to “do something” in terms of communication and spiritual formation in both America and Africa. They currently use their talents to promote opportunities and programs emphasizing healing and peace efforts, such as prison projects, online courses, and presentations such as this one.
Awareness, service, transformation, and “love reaching for love” are hallmarks of their efforts.
What, if any, possibilities might be available for Glastonbury Oblates and the larger community in promoting peace, queried Steve and Julene in closing. Did their remarks “stir a call” among the audience? Positive responses followed.
Oblates are most grateful to the speakers. The Steering Committee invites follow up on what was a moving and inspiring presentation—more significantly, a vibrant witness to Christian mission and obedience in our day.
As always, reader comments and questions are welcome. Please contact Oblate Director Fr. Albrecht Nyce OSB or any members of the Steering Committee.
On behalf of the Oblate Steering Committee (OSC), Peace.
Carolyn Carpenter, Karen Casale, Louise Deutsch, Jean McDonald, Jonathan Regan
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.
