Oblates in the UK hold a Community Day three times a year. These days strengthen our community by giving us the opportunity to come together to share fellowship and friendship with others on the oblate path. Until recently we met only in London, but on the 27th of April, we held our first meeting further north in Leeds.
The Day was very rewarding for all of those present. Oblates came from as far north as Glasgow and as far south as Dorchester. Members of the oblate community who had not been able to attend our meetings at St Marks or to come to Turvey were able to join us. Breda made a lovely focal piece bringing beauty to the rather utilitarian atmosphere of the room. It was wonderful to have Eileen with us. She gave us news of oblate happenings in other parts of the world and blessed us with the wisdom on her guiding hand. David, the UK oblate national coordinator, who is doing great work sharing the gift of meditation with all denominations and other faiths, is investigating other venues where oblate cells can meet. As usual in these gatherings the sharing was facilitated by different oblates. Angela introduce the first meditation session, Pam led the Lectio on the Scripture, Sandie led the discussion on the rule of St Benedict, Anita shared her oblate journey and Charles led evening prayers. Everybody contributed constructively and of course we enjoyed a more than adequate shared meal. Meeting together like this is very important, building up our sense of community and strengthening each of us in our commitment to the path of being an oblate of the WCCM.
Gilly Withers