To pray, to meditate together is an integral element of Benedictine and Oblates try to attend a Christian Meditation group regularly where possible. When this is difficult or impossible there are a growing number of online groups.
The common life of the WCCM Oblate family is supported also by a twice-yearly Oblate Newsletter and Oblate retreats and pilgrimages which foster the ‘common life’. There is also a growing tradition of ‘Oblate Cells’, which are small groups of Oblates (two is enough) who meet regularly to reflect on the Rule and its influence on how we live. The ‘Cell’ helps to build the bond of a local Oblate community within the larger organic life.
What is a cell meeting like?
Cell meeting formats can vary, but a typical cell meeting puts at its heart a period of meditation, and includes saying a part of the Divine Office, reading a portion of the Rule of Benedict, and the practice of lectio divina.
Periods of ‘sharing’, in the spirit of lectio, are extremely important. This reflective sharing of each Oblate’s attentive response to the Rule, or to Scripture, allows Oblates to experience the power of wisdom in community. This experience is fostered by speaking authentically and being deeply and fully listened to. Thus, this sharing, which is actually a kind of mutual self-giving, is both supportive and transformative. This experience is something that those of us who are Oblates have to offer each other — this kind of sharing is, in fact, an oblation to each other.