O b l a t e s

G r e e t i n g s f r o m S r. C h a r l o t t e a n d

K a t h y F r i c k , O b l . S B , O b l a t e C o - D i r e c t o r s

St. Benedict Monastery, 9535 Linton Hall Rd, Bristow, VA 20136

I ns i de t h i s i s s ue :

Schedules for Oblate

Monthly Meetings

2

Prayers 4

Benedictine Comes In

Many Flavors

6

Book Reviews 8

NAABOD Meeting 10

Bedford Oblate

retreat

12

Richmond Oblate

Retreat

15

Reflections by an

Oblate 16

Another Day with

Father Benedict 17

Verni’s Lessons 18

Ordination 19

Email: oblates@osbva.org Phone: 703-361-0106

Fall 2017

One of the great treasures of St. Benedict’s Rule is how deeply

rooted it is in the Gospel values of caring, mutual respect and love for

one another. Benedict puts into very practical and specific terms how

we are to live together.

This year’s presentations will be looking deeper into the ways

that we can make Benedictine values more than

simply words. In addition to the presentation, we

will have time for lectio divina as part of our

monthly meetings. This will give us communal

opportunity for quiet time with God and with

each other.

Recently we were able to realize a

long-hoped for goal of having a dedicated

Facebook page just for the oblates affiliated with

this monastery. The Facebook page is open only to our oblates. This

new form of communication provides us with a more visual way to get

to know each other better no matter where we are located. At the same

time, it calls us to remember and practice those values of caring,

mutual respect and love for one another on our site. We ask that no

political or judgmental issues be discussed as this would be in conflict

with Benedictine spirituality. Rita Zimmerman, Seton Droppers and

Rose DeRango are the administrative representatives from each

deanery that you can contact for help.

During the coming year we will have our Oblate Retreat in

February with Sister Cecilia being our presenter and join the Sisters in

celebrating the 125th anniversary of St. Benedict’s Monastery in

Bristow and 150th anniversary of the Sisters in Virginia. We’ll be

providing more details on both events as time goes on.

We hope your summer was filled with relaxation and happy

times and we look forward to coming together again this Fall.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/OSBVAOblates

P a g e 2

Sacred Reading: The Ancient Art of Lectio Divina

by Michael Casey

Please read the assigned chapters in preparation for discussion at

the following monthly meetings. It will be helpful if attendees

highlight portions of the text, along with any questions, that they

wish to discuss at the meeting.

Reading and Discussion Schedule

September Preface

October Chapter 1, pp. 3-20

November Chapter 1, pp. 20-32

December Chapter 2, pp. 35-47

January Chapter 3, pp. 51-76

February No assignment

(Oblate Retreat this month)

March Chapter 4, pp. 79-100

April Chapter 5, pp. 103-127

O b l a t e s

Bedford Oblate Meetings Schedule

September 9, 2017 Rule: Prologue

October 14, 2017 Rule: Chapter 22 (The Sleeping Arrangements for Monastics)

Baking supplies to be delivered to the Monastery on this day

November 11, 1017 Rule: Chapter 72 (The Good Zeal of Monastics)

December 9, 2017 Rule: Chapter 69 (The Presumption of Defending Another in the Monastery)

Gifts for our Sisters in Training will be collected at this meeting

January 13, 2018 Rule: Chapter 61 (The Reception of Visiting Monastics)

February 17, 2018 Oblate Retreat (Bristow)

March 10, 2018 Rule: Chapter 49 (The Observance of Lent)

April 14, 2018 Rule: Chapters 33 (Monastics and Private Ownership) and Chapter 34

(Distribution of Goods According to Need)

April 2018 Retreat for Novices ONLY – Bristow (9:00 am – 4:00 pm)

May 12, 2018 Oblation Ceremony (Bristow)

July 14, 2018 Annual Summer Retreat

Schedules

P a g e 3 F a l l 2 0 1 7

OBLATE MEETING AGENDA

2017-2018

Bristow and Richmond

Deepening Our Benedictine Values Through

Prayer, Scripture and the Rule of Saint Benedict

Meeting Agenda

9:50 AM Welcome – Announcements

10:00-10:30 Presentation

10:30-10:45 Discussion

10:45-11:00 Break

11:00-11:30 Lectio Divina

Bristow Meetings Schedule

September 9, 2017 Prologue – S. Joanna

October 14, 2017 Chapter 22 (The Sleeping Arrangements for Monastics) – Kathy Frick

November 11, 2017 Chapter 72 (The Good Zeal of Monastics) – S. Charlotte Lee

December 9, 2017 Chapter 69 (The Presumption of Defending Another in the Monastery) – Paul Golder

January 13, 2018 Chapter 61 (The Reception of Visiting Monastics) – S. Andrea W.

February 17, 2018 Oblate Retreat (Bristow) – S. Cecilia

March 10, 2018 Chapter 49 (The Observance of Lent) – Pam Butler

April 14, 2018 Chapters 33 (Monastics and Private Ownership) and Chapter 34

(Distribution of Goods According to Need) – S. Julia

May 12, 2018 Oblation Ceremony

Richmond Meetings Schedule

September 16, 2017 Prologue – S. Kathy Persseon

October 21, 2017 Chapter 22 (The Sleeping Arrangements for Monastics) – Kathy Frick

November 18, 2017 Chapter 72 (The Good Zeal of Monastics) – S. Charlotte Lee

December 16, 2017 Chapter 69 (The Presumption of Defending Another in the Monastery) – Natalie Daniels

January 20, 2018 Chapter 61 (The Reception of Visiting Monastics) – S. Kathy P.

February 17, 2018 Oblate Retreat (Bristow) – S. Cecilia

March 17, 2018 Chapter 49 (The Observance of Lent) – John Votta

April 21, 2018 Chapters 33 (Monastics and Private Ownership) and Chapter 34

(Distribution of Goods According to Need) – S. Julia

May 12, 2018 Oblation Ceremony

P a t i e n t Tr u s t ,

e x c e r p t e d f r o m H e a r t s o n F i r e

P r a y e r o f Te i l h a r d d e C h a r d i n

O b l a t e s P a g e 4

Fr. Pierre Teilard de

Chardin, SJ

Above all, trust in the slow work of God. We are quite naturally impatient in everything to reach the end without delay. We should like to skip the intermediate stages. We are impatient of being on the way to something unknown, something new. And yet it is the law of all progress that it is made by passing through some stages of instability— and that it may take a very long time.

And so I think it is with you; your ideas mature gradually—let them grow, let them shape themselves, without undue haste. Don’t try to force them on, as though you could be today what time (that is to say, grace and circumstances acting on your own good will) will make of you tomorrow.

Only God could say what this new spirit gradually forming within you will be. Give Our Lord the benefit of believing that his hand is leading you, and accept the anxiety of feeling yourself in suspense and incomplete.

Prayers

P a g e 5 F a l l 2 0 1 7

A S u n d a y P s a l m b y S h a r o n Wa t k i n , O b l . S B Lord, we bless thee! Transcendent God O Three in One! Thou, our Home, Within; without,

Now here by grace we find Thou art. So nowhere need we to depart For thou hast been, and will ever be God-with-us, Eternal Holy Trinity. Come Thou Holiness, Come, abide in us. Be Thou our rest As we abide in Thee. Now, fed by Love, Emboldened to glorify Thy name By acts of Thine own charity. Come Thou Sweetness Come Thou Bread of Life! Conquer within Our resistant strife!

Bring soon Thy peace to every face, Transforming all Into Thy glory and praise, now and forever, by Thine Triune grace. Amen

O b l a t e s P a g e 6

B e n e d i c t i n e C o m e s i n M a n y F l a v o r s

( N e w b o o k s t o b e s a v o r e d )

b y K a t h y F r i c k , O b l . S B

For Benedictines books are a lot like potato chips – one is

not enough! Fortunately, several excellent Benedictine books

have been recently published to provide opportunities to indulge

our appetites.

Benedict Backwards: Reading the Rule in the 21st Century

by Terence Kardong, OSB, is proving to be the must read this

year. Kardong’s premise is that although Benedict started out

drawing from previous religious rules (notably The Rule of The

Master) by the end of his writing he had years of experience

living in community. The result is that the later chapters of his

Rule reflect the wisdom gained through those years and provide

the real flavor of Benedict’s spirituality. Some of the chapter

titles are intriguing: “Mutual Obedience,” “Simplicity,”

“Sharing Authority,” “Tardiness,” “Shame,” and “Sadness.”

In her latest book, Saint Benedict for Boomers: Wisdom

for the Next Stage of Life, Christine M. Fletcher, Obl.SB,

applies Benedict’s sensible guide for living for those of us who

are definitely more in the age group of boomers than

millennials. Among the chapter titles are: “Eat Less but Eat

Right,” “Purpose After Work,” “Witness of Life,” “Accepting

Our Cross, Hoping in the Resurrection,” and “The Art of

Dying.”

St. Benedict’s Guide to Improving Your Work Life:

Workplace as Worth Place by Michael Rock integrates

Benedict’s wisdom into business by encouraging workers to

value themselves as much as they do the value of work. Some

of the topics are outlined in the chapter headings: “The Pursuit

of Excellence: Building Worth,” “The Art of Listening: The

New Obedience,” “Being Present vs. Presenteeism: Attending

vs. Putting in Time,” and “Being True to Self and the Roles We

Play: Doing Who We Are.”

P a g e 7 F a l l 2 0 1 7

In her previous book, Cursing, Pleading, Praising, Irene

Nowell, OSB, made the Psalms easily accessible. Her latest

offering, Wisdom: The Good Life (Wisdom Literature and the

Rule of Benedict), blends the wisdom literature of the Bible and

Benedict’s Rule into opportunities for thoughtful reflection with

points for consideration and prayer. Among the chapter titles are:

“Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People? The Mystery of

Suffering,” “Wisdom in the Daily: Eating and Drinking,

Possessions, Relationships and Reconciliation,” “Wisdom and

Joy,” and “Christ: Wisdom of God; Center of Our Lives.”

The Rev. Dr. Jane Tomaine, Obl.SB, has selected portions

of the Rule for annotation and reflection. The Rule of Benedict:

Christian Monastic Wisdom for Daily Living is not a full

commentary on the Rule but provides an accessible introduction

to the Rule. While most oblates will already be familiar with the

material, this would be a nice volume to offer to friends who have

shown interest in Benedictine spirituality.

The final three book recommendations show how

Benedict’s Rule can provide guidance beyond the spiritual realm:

St. Benedict’s Rule for Business Success by Quentin Skrabec, Jr.;

Saint’s Benedict’s Rule for Fair Play in Sports by Larry Haeg; and

Sales Coaching by Benedict: Sales Success with Clear Structures

and With Heart by Karl Herndl. The sports book is especially

engaging in translating the Rule into useful applications: “As ath-

letes, we love the labor of training for competition just as we do

any other fruitful labor with our bodies, sacred vessels of the

spirit. We also cherish solitary exercise, such as running, for the

joy of it – called the ‘portable sanctuary’ and ‘moving

mediation.’ ” “Those who ‘warm the bench’ are as valuable to

the team as those on the field. All members of the team are val-

ued.” “Spectators are naturally passionate but must know the

difference between the two ‘zeals’ – the ‘zeal of bitterness’ and the

‘good zeal.’ They show the ‘zeal of bitterness’ when they chant to

ridicule or harass. They show ‘good zeal’ when they ‘loudly

proclaim’ for their team but not against the other team.”

A B o o k R e v i e w o n T h e B e n e d i c t i n e O p t i o n

b y N o r v e n e Ve s t , O b l . S B

O b l a t e s P a g e 8

A new book has recently been published called The

Benedict Option, by Rod Dreher. I am disappointed that Dreher

apparently spoke to few Benedictines (or oblates!) about his

thesis. Although he rightly emphasizes the value of community

for faithful Christians, in my view he distorts the purpose of

Benedictine community by suggesting that Benedictine life is

like building an ark capable of carrying us and the living faith

across the sea of “Dark Ages” like our own. It seems that

Dreher latched upon Benedict’s life and Rule to demonstrate

his own thesis, rather than praying and meditating on

Benedict’s Rule as a particular opening to the Gospel life.

In the first instance, he is not particularly faithful to the

events of Benedict’s life and Rule in his discussion, suggesting

for example that the Rule was written early in Benedict’s

monastic life when he was abbot of twelve monasteries,

whereas I read that episode in Benedict’s life as a time when he

learned with humility that a harsh and unyielding hand caused

such dismay to his faithful monks that they tried to kill him. A

careful reading of the Rule actually written almost 20 years

later reveals a man humble enough to offer that if his detailed

description of the daily office did not suit other communities, a

better plan might be arranged for their benefit. The Rule itself

is known for its emphasis on love of God as being the primary

motive for faithful living.

In the second instance, an inquiry into Benedict’s early

life in Norcia suggests the probability that Benedict learned as a

child to respect and appreciate the practical wisdom of the

immigrating pagan tribes, the people who were presumably

causing such chaos to the settledness of Rome. His remarkable

decision at Monte Cassino was to accept Gothic Christian men

into the monastery alongside sons of Roman Christian nobles,

with seniority determined only by the date of arrival. (See

chapter 1 of my Friend of the Soul for a likely scenario.)

Continued

Norvene Vest,

Obl.SB a nationally

recognized writer,

speaker, and retreat

leader

A B o o k R e v i e w o f T h e H a w k a n d t h e

D o v e b y D e n n y C u m b e r, O b l . S B

P a g e 9 F a l l 2 0 1 7

It is particularly troubling to me that Dreher interprets

Benedict’s Rule as a way to escape the difficulties of life, rather

than as a way to meet life’s difficulties with courage and faith in

God’s ongoing presence of blessing in our midst. I read the Rule

as a guidebook to learn to attend so deeply to scripture, other

persons, and life itself that we find the splendor of God revealed

within. Surely it is the case that as we progress in the way of life

and in faith described in Benedict’s Rule, our hearts shall

overflow with the inexpressible delight of love.

Early this year, my Women of Faith Book Club decided to read

The Hawk and the Dove by Penelope Wilcock. What a gift!

Through this book, the first in a series all set in an English

Benedictine monastery in the 14th century, I found myself drawn

into the lives of a wonderful cast of characters as they learned to

live together through the Rule of Benedict. The tales are full of

emotion, drama and compassion but basically about the journey of

monks toward Christ and the redemption and salvation we all seek.

At times, the depth of their struggles was so intense that it was like

prayer for me.

Penelope Wilcock is a former Methodist minister who lives

in England. Her in-depth knowledge of the Rule of Benedict is

amazing. She wove in each of the books of this series an

exposition of a biblical text:

Vol 1 The Hawk and the Dove 2 Corinthians 12:9

Vol 2 The Wounds of God Isaiah 53:5

Vol 3 The Long Fall Isaiah 45:3

Vol 4 The Hardest Thing To Do Colossians 3:13

Vol 5 The Hour Before Dawn John 20:17

Vol 6 Remember Me Luke 23:42

Vol 7 The Breath of Peace Ephesians 5:21-33

Penelope Wilcock

Minister and Author

N A A B O D M e e t i n g R e v i e w

b y K a t h y F r i c k , O b l . S B

O b l a t e s P a g e 1 0

During July, Sister Charlotte Lee and I attended the biennial North

American Association of Benedictine Oblates Directors. Hosting the

conference this year was St. Scholastica Monastery and College in Duluth,

MN. Each day was framed with Morning Prayer, Eucharist and Evening

Prayer with the Sisters of St. Scholastica. Each day had a keynote speaker.

The first-day’s speaker was Fr. (Dr.) Rene McGraw, OSB, who is an

Associate Professor of Philosophy at St. John’s, Collegeville, MN. An

engaging speaker, he began by quoting Robert Frost: “Home is where you go

where they have to take you in” (from Death of a Hired Hand) and then

expanded the theme by saying, “Home is something you don’t have to

deserve.” Home, like grace, is not something we can earn. We can come

home without presenting a list of our merits for admission.

Rene, as he preferred to be called, added that, for Benedictines,

stability is that gift of home. In exploring types of spirituality, Rene offered

two well-known songs as examples. For those who find “Eye Has Not Seen”

a favorite, Rene defines them as the “super contemplative” type. Such

individuals are focused on heaven and look forward to the City of God

coming after death.

For those who find “Let Us Build the City of God” more appealing,

their urge is to begin building the City of God now, albeit imperfectly and

limited by human effort. The goal is to make our monastery (or home) a place

where people can catch a glimpse of the City of God that is being created in

this place. This type of spirituality is attractive to those who seek home,

stability and hospitality. As Rene put it, “We are stay-at-home people who do

the same thing with the same people, forgiving each other, and celebrating

God in our midst.”

Rene concluded with a third type of spirituality that he characterized

as “storming the barricades!” These are the people actively working for

change in the world, welcoming immigrants, praying with others, all so that

people can see God NOW, even in a tiny way. They are being called away

from the domestic peace we have been cultivating (whether monastery or

home). Their theme song could be “All are Welcome.”

The next day, Sister (Dr.) Mary Reuter, OSB, of St. Benedict’s

Monastery, St. Joseph, MN, reminded us that Jesus lived in the ordinary

world and did ordinary things – touching those who were suffering, dealing

with relatives, observing plants, cooking fish for friends. If ordinary was

good enough for Jesus, Sister Mary said, surely ordinary is good enough for

us. As Benedictines, we are to develop a consciousness of the ordinary and

the now and in doing so grow into a recognition of God’s presence/action in

us daily. “What lens do we use to view our life and God?” Sister Mary asked.

The lovely grounds of

St. Scholastica Monastery

and College

The St. Scholastica Chapel

P a g e 1 1 F a l l 2 0 1 7

Sister Mary warned that in the ordinary, our need for significance

may be frustrated. But, she went on, “Isn’t that wonderful? Because God’s

encounters with us are myriad throughout the daily routine. We must keep

our thirst for more of God alive in our ordinary lives.”

The Rule is a perfect vehicle for finding God in the ordinary, Sister

Mary added. Using Benedict’s (and the Gospel’s) definition of “listen” as

“hear and respond,” we can develop a level of sensitivity to what is going

on around us. A sensitivity to people and to place. Sister Mary reminded us

that “God will break in on us. But our responsibility is to work on our

interior disposition to prepare for his intrusion.” She quoted Episcopal

priest Barbara Brown Taylor: “Earth is so thick with divine possibilities

that it is a wonder that we can walk anywhere without cracking our shins on

sacramental altars.” As Benedictines we listen, respond, trust in God’s

presence, and work to expand our hearts so we can dwell in God’s love.

One of the attendees offered a wonderful example of living in the

daily and growing in love. Sister Georgia, a 90-year-old member of her

community, suffers from dementia. Sister Georgia greets everyone she

meets with “I love you. Who are you?” When asked how she can say she

loves everyone since she doesn’t know who they are, Sister Georgia’s

response is: “It’s easy. I used to have some enemies, but I’ve forgotten who

they are.”

The final speaker was Sister Theresa Schumacher, OSB, of St.

Benedict’s Monastery, St. Joseph, MN. Sister Theresa led us through an

exploration of St. Scholastica as she has been interpreted in art throughout

the centuries. Sometimes shown as introspective and meek, St. Scholastica

has also been portrayed as bold, in active movement, and even regal in her

monastic authority. After Sister Theresa had us listen to the story of St.

Scholastica and St. Benedict’s last meeting, she invited everyone to offer

the words and themes they felt best described St. Scholastica. We then

offered our retelling of that story from St. Scholastica’s point of view.

One of the highlights of the conference was the Oblate Panel where

five oblates of the hosting community offered their thoughts on being an

oblate and the Benedictine way of life. One oblate’s reflection was a

wonderful example of lectio using a children’s nursery song. But, we’ll

explore that in the next newsletter.

With a free Sunday afternoon, Sister Charlotte, an oblate of St.

Vincent’s Archabbey, Latrobe, PA, and I went to Canal Park to see part of

Lake Superior, its’ two lighthouses, and visit the interesting shops and

restaurants. The highlight of the visit was a ride in a horse-drawn carriage

around the park and along the edge of the lake.

Sister Charlotte and I came home with lots of new ideas and will be

sharing them with our oblates when the new schedule unfolds.

Sr. Charlotte sitting in an elk-

shaped chair that looks like it is

not so comfortable

Sr. Charlotte and Kathy strolling

about town

O b l a t e s P a g e 1 2

B e d f o r d C h a p t e r ’ s A n n u a l R e t r e a t

b y P a t F i t z g i b b o n s , O b l . S B

Retreats

On July 7, twenty members of the Bedford, Virginia, Oblate chapter arrived at St.

Francis Springs Retreat Center in Stoneville, NC, for our summer retreat. Sr. Charlotte

led us throughout with the theme of Lectio Divina. We were provided some excellent

lessons on this topic and given ample opportunities to practice using various approaches.

The Friday night session focused on St. Benedict’s words

“Listen with the ear of your heart” (from the Prologue of the Rule).

Sr. Charlotte stressed that God is always speaking to us in countless

ways if we are attentive. He calls us through his words in the psalms

and readings in the Liturgy of the Hours and one another. He also

speaks to us in nature and daily events if we are observant. All of us

can miss His voice, distracted by our busyness and “monkey brain.”

But with His grace, we can open ourselves to being more reflective,

to slow down, to focus, and to listen for His voice. We should also

notice if we are mostly “in our head” (analytical) or moving to more

of a heart level, which is so vital.

God particularly speaks to us as we spend time with scripture. Steeping oneself in

the Word, like monastics have done over the centuries, infuses us with his voice as He

calls us to obediently put what is heard by our heart into practice. Over time we become

transformed into a reflection of His love.

On Saturday, Sr. Charlotte asked us to notice what speaks to us, “Lord, what are

you saying to me in this situation?” It could be a butterfly nearby that gives us hope as

we think about transformation and new beginnings. It could be a poster, a sacred

reading, an event, mysteries of the rosary, or something a person says, that sparks deeper

understanding. Seeking to be truly open to the voice of God speaking to us in various

ways throughout the day can lead us to a much deeper relationship with Him.

The group was given several guided experiences in reflecting on specific

scriptures. One example was reflecting on the story of Martha and Mary. Who did we

identify with? What lessons could we learn here from the words of Jesus to Martha?

The group then shared thoughts on what struck them during their reflection. Some said

they identified with Martha. For instance, one person has a family member that typically

does not “lift a finger” when there’s work to be done.

P a g e 1 3 F a l l 2 0 1 7

For me, I continue to ponder Jesus’ message to Martha. I ask myself if I am really

putting Him first, even when work and ministry is screaming for attention. Do I focus

primarily on loving Him and growing in intimacy with Him in my prayer time? Or am I

mostly asking for help with my needs and those of others? I think the challenge for me is to

hold on to the belief that if I give him the first fruits of my time and attention, He will take

care of the “small stuff.”

Our retreat schedule allowed for ample opportunities to practice what we were

learning from Sr. Charlotte. We were given time to listen for the voice of the Lord through

individual reflection. We could choose to walk the lovely outdoor trails, go to a small

chapel in the woods, meditate while following an outdoor labyrinth, or explore the religious

art in the retreat house. We also enjoyed time looking over books and gifts in the bookstore.

There were also plenty of opportunities to hear God in each other as we shared with fellow

oblates over meals and break times. Plus there was the peaceful rhythm of periodically

meeting together in the chapel for Liturgy of the Hours.

All in all, our retreat was a peaceful and inspiring experience and we were grateful to

Sr. Charlotte for her wise, gentle teaching.

O b l a t e s P a g e 1 4

Chapel at St. Francis

Spring Prayer Center

St. Francis Spring Prayer

Center

O u r O b l a t e R e t r e a t

b y C o l l e e n H e r n a n d e z , O b l . S B

I’ve been looking forward to our oblate retreat from

the time it was scheduled because as the St. Francis Spring

Prayer Center literature notes “to be renewed spiritually in

a sacred and welcoming environment” is something to look

forward to! After settling in our rooms Friday, we had time

to greet everyone before proceeding to evening prayer,

supper, and then our first session. In our opening prayer, we

prayed to our “Loving Father that we gladly surrender our

lives to you in prayer, reflection and silence.” For me this

retreat allowed for these things and more.

In our first session, Sister Charlotte spoke of how St.

Benedict gave us a daily plan to follow, so we are to listen

in Lectio, discerning God’s voice and acting upon it. In

other sessions, she shared several personal stories of how

by paying attention, a whole different path full of God’s

grace was opened for her and can be open to us. Sister

Charlotte also handed out her first meditation on “The

Samaritan Woman.” Boy, is that ever a lot to chew on!

Speaking of chewing, the food was great (and plentiful!)

and the opportunity for silence abundant.

All of this was very good. But what I took away

from the retreat most of all was the importance of

community in my life. I can, after all, read-pray-reflect all

by myself. The difference on this retreat is the gift of time

and grace to do this as part of a community. While we

prayed Liturgy of the Hours together, it seemed as if the

whole retreat was one continuous prayer. What a blessing

to spend time with Sister Charlotte, Sister Julia and my fel-

low oblates. My heart is full of gratitude. Thank you all for

so much hard work and your presence in my life. I pray we

continue listening to God’s voice with the ear of our hearts

and I appreciate your company on the journey.

R i c h m o n d O b l a t e S u m m e r R e t r e a t

B y R o s e D e R a n g o , O b l . S B

P a g e 1 5 F a l l 2 0 1 7

The Richmond Oblates met on July 15 for a summer retreat

at the St. Gertrude convent in Richmond. Annie McEntee, Obl.SB

led the retreat with a program on Hildegard of Bingen. The retreat

began with an excellent film about the life of St. Hildegard of

Bingen, an abbess in medieval Germany. The film was made by

Margarethe von Trotta, who extensively researched Hildegard. The

film was in German, with English subtitles, which only added to

the authentic feel of the film. Her life-long career in the monastery

was exciting and contained many unique twists and turns in her

life as shown in the video.

One of the key turning points in the film was when

Hildegard went to her confessor and requested he hear her

confession. Her confessor was puzzled as to what was troubling

Hildegard and asked her, "What is it you have done?" Hildegard's

response was, "It is what I have not done."

This caused me to ponder, how often have I committed the

sin of not doing something (omission)? It is easy to think of the

sins I have committed. It is harder to recognize the sins of not

doing what needs to be done.

After the movie, we formed small groups and found quiet

corners for intimate discussions and reflections on a set of

questions about Hildegard and her meaning to us as Benedictines

in the 21st century. Many of us had little knowledge about

Hildegard of Bingen and her life prior to the retreat. Learning

about her and her life was an enriching experience. Additionally,

we all were able to identify strengths and challenges that we have

as Benedictines, but in a modern world.

The day included dynamic dialogues and informative new

history. We shared Mid-day prayer and a pot luck lunch. Ten of

our members attended the day’s function; all of us agreed that

seeing the video was the greatest part of the day.

Relaxing on the porch at St.

Gertrude Convent

R e f l e c t i o n o f a n O b l a t e …

B y M y r t h o M e r c i e r, O b l . S B

O b l a t e s P a g e 1 6

References:

The readings on

Sunday, August 13,

2017 were: Book of

Kings 19:9a, 11-13a;

The letter of St. Paul to

the Romans 9:1-5;

Mathew 14:22-33

On August 13, I attended mass and the priest started the homily

with this quote from Pope Benedict XVI: “The world offers you

comfort. But you were not made for comfort. You were made for

greatness.”

This brought me to reflect on the purpose of my life, one as an

oblate. Do I want to stay in my comfort zone or do I want to look for

greatness?

Indeed, the world offers me comfort. I am grateful for a good

job and I am counting ten more years before retirement—to live

comfortably, but there is more to life. In Mathew 13:22-33, Peter had

the choice to stay in his boat watching Jesus walk on the water. This

would have been the easiest way to do it and any way, Jesus would

have walked toward the boat to meet all of them. But Peter decided to

meet Jesus, to leave his comfort zone: “Lord,” he said, “if it is you,

command me to come to you on the water.” Followed by a response

from Jesus inviting him to: “Come.”

We all know how difficult it is to leave behind material things

we worked for and start all over again in the unknown, but it does not

matter because like Peter, when we stumble, we stumble in the arms of

Jesus. A life of greatness is a life of generosity like the spiritual life

pursued by the saints, because we are all called to be saints. The

journey can be long and our strength will depend on the time we take

to nourish our soul with the God of Elijah. Like Elijah, we know that

God was not in the wind, not in the earthquake, not in the fire but in

the tiny whispering sound. God is present in our daily prayers and

delights in our silent prayers—the prayer too deep for words (Rom

8:26), the prayer as prescribed by Benedict himself: “Our prayer, there-

fore, ought to be short and pure, unless it happens to be prolonged by

an inspiration of divine grace.”

In search of greatness, this got me wondering how much silent

time am I taking to speak and to listen to my God? Ora et Labora

How often am I distracted by my search for comfort?

As Oblates, will we stay in the comfort of our lives or will we

take time to listen to our Creator simply inviting us to reach our

potential for greatness… “Come!”

Reflections

A n o t h e r d a y w i t h F a t h e r B e n e d i c t

b y L i n d a M a l o n e , O b l . S B

P a g e 1 7 F a l l 2 0 1 7

My day was beginning as usual as I was preparing to get

out the door for my day of visits at our local hospital where we

had a newly admitted gentleman awaiting a hospice initial

assessment. Oh decisions, decisions as I wondered which piece

of jewelry to wear this day?! Suddenly spying my St. Benedict

medal and chain, I said an immediate “yes” to wearing it. I

must confess, I have not been wearing my medal daily;

somehow, today I felt a strong urge to do so.

Arriving at the hospital, I entered the room of a middle

aged man, initially sleeping. I step out of his room to peruse

his medical chart, speak with hospital staff, and return to his

room to find his wife at his bedside and our gentlemen now

awake. After initial introductions, his wife’s eyes immediately

riveted on my St. Benedict’s medal with eyes that lit up saying

“you are a Benedictine,” to which I most emphatically said

“yes”!

His wife then related how her husband was from New

York, was taught by Benedictines, familiar with Benedictine

spirituality and Benedict’s symbolic medal. Immediately, both

this man and wife seemed to express a sense of “all will be

well.” One could sense a feeling of relief and ease from the

couple because we all had familiarity through this common

bond of being Benedictine.

What a true gift of healing from our Father in Heaven

and St. Benedict for this couple, I thought, at such a stressful

time. I left this interaction with belief in the gift of surprise

being the greatest gift we are afforded each day! I also have

been wearing my St. Benedict’s medal more often to help me

focus on the eternal now!

V E R O N I C A ( V E R N I ) G E I S C U L L E N L E S S O N S

B y G i l l i a n Q u i n t a n a , O b l . S B

Going into Verni’s room is a peaceful encounter. A hospital bed is in the center and chairs

are near it. Verni’s walls are a work in progress – one wall is the heaven wall – another is the

family wall – the third is the spiritual wall.

Hospice has been called in because Verni has been given a prognosis of just a short time

left to live. Cancer has taken over her body yet her mind is still so active and inquiring. She is

an inspiration to me. One day she was wondering why she was given this extension of life, and

said maybe I still have work to do. I responded, “Yes, Verni you are teaching us how to live and

how to die by your patience, inquisitiveness and gift of hospitality.”

She doesn’t complain or refer to the pain she is feeling. She always offers a visitor a seat

and always introduces new comers to each by sharing a tidbit of information about each that she

has gleaned from them.

On the heaven wall is a framed quote, “Grieving is not a full time Job.” There are other

pictures of dear ones and pets that have died. There is another picture of the “Sacred Heart of

Jesus.” These all lead to a painted canvass depicting a dream that Verni had of her two grand-

children who had died. The artist had painted half of the picture as a blue sky and the lower half

as a meadow. A little boy, Ryan, is leading Aniele by the hand into the blue sky, heaven. He is

showing her the way. Verni said she had shared her dream with the artist and this is exactly what

she had seen in her dream.

The spiritual wall consists of framed pictures of great people who have inspired her by

their lives and logic and wisdom and creativity-- Pope John Paul II, Thomas Merton, Pope

Francis, Mother Theresa, Einstein, RJ Tolkien, Nietzsche, the Dalai Lama, “The Sacred Heart of

Jesus.” When I visit, we talk about each picture and I always learn more from her insight.

The family wall consists of black and white photos in black frames. This is her legacy –

Her Husband; twin Sons and their Wives; Daughter and Son-in-Law and Grandchildren; Parents;

Dogs. You can see by these pictures the energy and fun that has been her life.

Verni still wants to learn – she said she doesn’t know too much about Pope Benedict;

could I get her something to read about him. I remember how excited she was to receive the

information I had down loaded from the computer. She remains

interested in life.

Verni shared an insight that her husband Barry had

encountered during a homily at a mass at All Saints Church. At

the time of death, her husband will be handing Verni to Jesus, just

as at her wedding her father had placed her hand in Barry’s, what

a beautiful image. What a blessing for me to know this beautiful

courageous couple from Ohio. They both exhibit Faith, Hope and

Love. I am blessed to bring Holy Communion into Verni’s room.

O b l a t e s P a g e 1 8

P a g e 1 9 F a l l 2 0 1 7

T h e O r d i n a t i o n o f M a r k E d w a r d K o w a l s k i ,

S o n o f J o h n K o w a l s k i , O b l . S B

“With praise and thanksgiving to Almighty God the Catholic Diocese of

Richmond joyfully announces the ordination of John Robert Christian,

Mark Edward Kowalski, and Jose Miguel Melendez Jr. to the Sacred Or-

der of the Priesthood through the imposition of hands and the invocation

of the Holy Spirit by His Excellency the Most Reverend Francis X.

DiLorenzo, Bishop of Richmond.”

Kowalski and Melendez family members and our friends, including

several oblates, gathered at the Roslyn Retreat Center in Richmond on Friday

evening, June 2, to prepare for the next day’s ordination liturgy. We prayed

evening prayer, ate dinner, and then prayed a Holy Hour before the Eucharist

for Mark, Miguel, and John.

Members of the Church of Richmond and family and friends gathered

at the Cathedral of Sacred Heart on Saturday, June 3, to celebrate the ordina-

tion liturgy. This celebration culminated 6 years of formation by these men.

The ordination liturgy began with the procession of seminarians and

clergy during which the choir and congregation sang in Latin “Lauda

Jerusalem”.

“Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem,

Praise thy God, O Zion, Hosanna to the Son of David”

The Rite of Ordination took place after the Liturgy of the Word. Fr.

Mike Boehling, Vicar for Vocations, formally presented the three candidates

to Bishop DiLorenzo and testified that they were worthy for ordination.

The Bishop responded:

“Relying on the help of the Lord God and our Savior Jesus Christ, we

choose these men, our brothers, for the Order of the Priesthood.”

The members of the congregation gave their assent through a spirited

and prolonged round of applause. Bishop DiLorenzo in his homily chal-

lenged the elect to be prepared for both successes and failures, to be like

Jesus and present a clear message but not be mean or harsh, and like Jesus to

have a strong work ethic. St. Benedict echoes the Bishop’s thoughts in the

Prologue to the Rule.

“…The Lord waits for us daily to translate into action, as we should,

his holy teachings.”

Continued

O b l a t e s P a g e 2 0

The Bishop asked the elect a series of questions to which they

answered “I do.” Next, as a sign of humility the three elect laid prostrate on

the floor in front of the altar with arms outstretched as the choir and

congregation chanted the Litany of the Saints. During the litany both Mark

and I especially remembered my wife and his mother Val who entered

eternal life in January 2013. We prayed for her and asked her to pray for us.

Although not physically present we know that she was present in spirit.

The elect next knelt before the Bishop who laid his hands on the

head of each man, followed by the all the priests who were present laying

their hands on the elect. The Bishop read the Prayer of Ordination. In part

the prayer reads:

“Grant we pray Almighty Father to these your servants the dignity of

the priesthood; renew deep within them the Spirit of holiness; may

they henceforth possess this office which comes from you, O God,

and is next in rank to the office of Bishop; and by the example of

their manner of life may they instill right conduct.”

The newly ordained men removed their deacon stole and were

vested with a priest’s stole and chasuble. Each man then knelt before the

Bishop and his hands were anointed with the Sacred Chrism. Each newly

ordained priest wiped the excess oil from his hands with a cloth

(Maniturgium) and then gave the Maniturgium to his mother “because she

was the first protector of the newly ordained priest during his time in her

womb. When the newly ordained priest’s mother is called home to

God, she is buried holding the Maniturgium so that all in Heaven and on

Earth will know that she is the mother of a priest.” I was honored to receive

from Mark the Maniturgium for Val. The newly ordained priests’ parents

processed to the altar with a paten containing bread and a chalice filled with

wine and presented them to the Bishop. The Bishop placed these in the

hands of the newly ordained and said:

“Receive the oblation of the holy people to be offered to God. Under-

stand what you do, imitate what you celebrate, and conform your life

to the mystery of the Lord’s cross.”

The Bishop, and then the all of the priests, gave each of the newly

ordained men the fraternal kiss. The newly ordained then in turn exchanged

the kiss of peace with their parents. Fathers John, Mark, and Miguel joined

the Bishop and other priests on the altar for the celebration of the Liturgy of

the Eucharist. After the final blessing, the newly ordained left the cathedral

to another round of spirited applause and remained on the plaza outside the

cathedral to offer individual blessings to their friends and family members.

P a g e 2 1 F a l l 2 0 1 7

Fathers John, Mark, and Miguel each celebrated their first Mass of

Thanksgiving the next day on Pentecost Sunday. Mark celebrated his

Mass at St. Bridget’s Church in Richmond along with several priests from

parishes he had been assigned to during his formation. Mark offered the

Mass for the repose of the soul of his mother Val. During his homily, Mark

challenged each of us to live the mission God has called us to.

“Each and every single one of us has been given a mission, a task, a

purpose to fulfill. When Jesus appeared to his disciples and was

about to give them the Holy Spirit, he said to them, Peace be with

you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.

Like them, he sends you and me as well. It’s true, the Lord has chosen

you, he’s chosen me, he chooses each and every single one of us for

a mission — and whatever it is, the full grace of the Holy Spirit is

available to each of us to go and live that mission.”

At the end of the Mass Mark presented me with the stole he wore

during the first confession he heard. “It was the father of the newly

ordained priest who first taught him about justice and mercy. When the

priest’s father dies he is buried holding the purple stole so that all in

Heaven and on Earth will know that he is the father of a priest.”

Mark and I are most grateful for all of the support and prayers over

the past several years for us and for Val from the Sisters and Oblates. No

doubt these prayers have borne fruit in our lives. We were honored by the

presence of many oblates and the oblate directors Sr. Charlotte and Kathy

at the ordination liturgy, the celebrations at the Roslyn Retreat Center, and

Mark’s first Mass of Thanksgiving on Pentecost.

Please continue to pray for all newly ordained priests and newly

professed sisters and for the men and women who are in formation for

priesthood and religious life.

“No one is to pursue what he judges better for himself, but instead,

what he judges better for someone else…Let them prefer nothing

whatever to Christ and may He bring us all together to everlasting

life.” (R.B. 72)