Oblates with Ampleforth Abbey
St Benedict's rule has been lived out for centuries, not just by vowed monks and nuns, but by many men and women lay people too.
Many people feel drawn to the Gospel life, guided by the Rule, and so have become an Oblate with a monastic community of their choice. Oblates are individuals who usually live in general society yet are dedicated to God and God's service.
There are currently around 70 active Oblates with Ampleforth Abbey.
Becoming an Oblate involves making a formal commitment to applying the Rule of St Benedict in your life. Though each person’s commitments are different depending on their situation in life, generally these include:
- Allowing time for prayer in the morning and in the evening
- Attend Mass regularly (with reflective prayer each week on the Gospel Sunday)
- Pray daily for the Monastic Community and its works and for fellow Oblates
There are three retreats each year at the Abbey to allow Oblates to come together as a group and share their experiences.
We ask each Oblate to renew their Oblation annually, either by sending us an email or by post, to let us know they intend to continue their commitment.
