Frank R. Fisher, Obl OSB
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Why I became an Oblate.
I'm frequently asked why I became a Benedictine Oblate. The long version is reserved for sermon illustrations, but here is the short version. When i was ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament, my membership was transfered from a congregation to a presbytery. Presbyteries have some very good qualities. But for me it could not take the place of a body where I was a worshiper and where I was nourished in my faith. My first spiritual director had introduced me to the liturgy of the hours and I was very attracted to the timeless nature of monastic spirituality. I first tried being a part of a disperesed United Methodist order. Unfortunatly that order had only one other member in the county where I served. So I got back on the internet and began to search again.
When I found St. Benedict's website, I was immediately impressed. Particularly it attracted me because it was ecumenical. Among other things, that meant that I would be allowed to participate in the Eucharist. When I visited the abbey I was prepared to be skeptical. I fell in love with the community in about three hours. St. Benedict's is my spiritual home. It is the place that makes my heart sing.
On this page you will find other stories of how Oblates came to St. Benedict's. These stories will give you differing views of Oblate life in this monastic family.
When I found St. Benedict's website, I was immediately impressed. Particularly it attracted me because it was ecumenical. Among other things, that meant that I would be allowed to participate in the Eucharist. When I visited the abbey I was prepared to be skeptical. I fell in love with the community in about three hours. St. Benedict's is my spiritual home. It is the place that makes my heart sing.
On this page you will find other stories of how Oblates came to St. Benedict's. These stories will give you differing views of Oblate life in this monastic family.
Oblation Ritual