Prefer nothing to the love of Christ

The Benedictine Oblates: custodians of a spiritual heritage that humanises

The Secular Oblates, founded at Maredsous on 21 March 1884, are the Abbey’s second work, after the Abbey School. Without interruption to this day, the Oblates have always enjoyed the spiritual support of the community of monks.

The Benedictine Rule is not a Rule of Life reserved for monks, but ‘for you, whoever you may be’, as Saint Benedict tells us (Prologue, 3). The Oblate is therefore a Christian who has heard a specific call to deepen and live out their baptised faith under the guidance of the Rule of Saint Benedict, by placing themselves in ‘the School of the Lord’s service’ (Prologue, 45), in every aspect of their life: family, professional, social and ecclesial.

The Oblate offers his or her life in oblation through a rite recognised by the Church to follow the Benedictine monastic path whilst living in the world, where he or she strives to contribute, through prayer and action, to the transformation of society based on the fulfilment and emancipation of the human person: ‘Honour your brother in humanity,’ St Benedict reminds us (Ch. 4:8), and ‘Prefer nothing to the love of Christ’ (Ch. 4:21).

This particular vocation requires a lifelong commitment, which is set out in a Charter and accepted by the Community of monks. It is often the case that this personal calling is felt during a visit or a stay in the guesthouse, as there must initially be a tangible attraction to Maredsous Abbey.

Through a fraternal bond with the monks, the Oblates are thus, in their own right, part of the Community without being within the Community. In today’s religious context, this is a fruitful reality that is tending towards a more intense communion between the monastic Community and the Secular Oblate Community.

Becoming a Secular Benedictine Oblate

Any baptised lay person, whatever their circumstances, or a member of the secular clergy may consider joining the Oblature.

Following a period of spiritual discernment and once the application has been accepted, within a minimum of three months, the candidate may embark on a formation programme lasting up to four years.

Contact : oblature@maredsous.com