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New Oblate Novices and Oblates. The two ceremonies were held during midday prayers March 6, 2011 at which the 2011 novices and Oblates were received by St. Leo Abbey. Group picture and videos.
Congratulations to the newest Benedictines in this ancient spiritual community. Abbot Isaac welcomed the new group by saying that they have become part of the second oldest institution, only the Church itself is older.
Those who were not received today as novices will be received at an upcoming Oblate Sunday. We will provide details and let you know.
Lent Book. Abbot Isaac said by next Oblate Sunday (April 3, 2011) we should have read all of "Benedict's Way: An Ancient Monk's Insights for a Balanced Life," by Lonni Collins Pratt and Fr. Prior Daniel Homan, O.S.B., of St. Benedict Monastery in Oxford, Michigan.
At the end of the day on March 6 Brother James who works in the Abbey Gift Shop said there were 26 books still available for purchase at the Abbey Gift Shop. The cost of the book for everyone participating in the Oblate program is $10.95.
Abbot Isaac designated this book as the Lent reading for the Oblate program. Lent begins Wednesday, March 9, 2011.
2011 Oblate Novice Classes. Abbot Isaac said he asked Brother Stanislaw who teaches and leads the Oblate novice class to add some additional subjects to his classes on what it means to be a monk so we may learn more of the Benedictine ways and how to apply them in our lives as lay people. If you have monk questions, bring them to the next Oblate novice class. Everyone: guests, visitors, and Oblates are welcome in the Oblate novice class, and it is especially designed for all novices.
Read Chapter 49 of Rule. Abbot Isaac suggested that we all read Chapter 49 (Chapter 49 at OSB.org) of the Rule as part of our Lent preparation.
Those Joyous Lenten Benedictines. St. Benedict's Chapter 49 on Lent speaks of abstinence and adding to our usual measure of service. But St. Benedict mentions twice in Chapter 49 that we are to be joyful during this time. This double reference must be to emphasize the proper Benedictine attitude during Lent. We are to offer our extra service with joy of the Holy Spirit and look forward to Easter with joy.
As the monastery is a school for the Lord's service, Lent is a school for joy in Christ's selfless love as we follow him to the cross.
Bona Opera (Good Works). An extra measure of charity should be part of our Lent, and Abbot Isaac suggested we should do extra acts of service for others.
Read Pope John Paul II Lenten Messages. Abbot Isaac said he has been reading Pope John Paul II's Lenten messages and suggested we do the same and enjoy these resources as we prepare for Lent. John Paul II Lent Messages are here: Lenten materials.
St. Benedict Medal Explained. At next Sunday's Mass, Abbot Isaac said he will distribute a sheet explaining the St. Benedict medal.
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Picture is Praying by *L*u*z*a*
and is used subject to license.
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