The World Community is ecumenical and the Oblate community specially reflects this. However, the WCCM as a whole acknowledges a special relationship to the Benedictine tradition which was the first in the western Church to form a stable form of inclusive religious life and, in succeeding generations, has always adapted to the needs and circumstances of the age.
A Benedictine Oblate community has been part of the World Community family since the beginning. Oblates of the Community are committed to the basic practice of meditation twice a day. They also ground their personal lives in the Rule of St Benedict. In the wisdom of St Benedict and his 1600-year-old “Rule” they find an ongoing inspiration for living in ‘obedience, stability and conversion’ according to the circumstances of their lives. They integrate the times of meditation with the Daily Office and study of the Rule as well as their participation in the life of the WCCM Oblate community.
The WCCM Oblates express and deepen their commitment to their inner journey and life of service of others through this wisdom that is both ancient and contemporary. It is a unique form of oblation, however. WCCM oblates are not ‘attached’ to a physical monastery, but themselves form a global monastery without walls. They also play their role in the international Oblate community and take part in the regular Benedictine Oblate Congresses.
If you would like more information on the path of a WCCM Oblate contact your national WCCM Oblate Coordinator or the International Coordinator.
International Coordinator, Eileen Dutt: eileendutt@btinternet.com
Please find further information on the Oblate Path Booklet can be found here:
https://oblates.wccm.org/v2019/readings-and-resources/the-oblate-path/