Oblate Spiritual Retreat 2012

 

Picture by Gladis on her way home

This year was Gladis' first Oblate Spiritual Retreat at Saint Leo Abbey.  Abbott Isaac taught all the conferences which were on the themes of "What is Love?" and "What is Prayer?"

On her way home Gladis saw the above message.

Above is from Saturday evening with Abbot Isaac.  Postulant Pepe, the newest member of the monastic community, is to right of Abbot Isaac.  Brother Sebastian, the newest novice monk, also attended the conferences with the Oblates.

Saint Benedict's altar in the abbey church.  

Sunday morning -- Oblates in the abbey dining room.  During a retreat the Oblates eat all meals on the same schedule as the monks.  Oblates also participate in the daily round of monastic prayers -- the divine office -- with the monks.

Scrambled eggs and bacon were part of the breakfast buffet on Sunday.

Early in the abbey church -- preparing for Lauds -- morning prayer.  Brother Benedict is standing.

Part of Lauds is the 150th Psalm:


Psalm 150 

Laudate Dominum in sanctis. An exhortation to praise God with all sorts of instruments. Alleluia.

Praise ye the Lord in his holy places: praise ye him in the firmament of his power. Praise ye him for his mighty acts: praise ye him according to the multitude of his greatness. Praise him with sound of trumpet: praise him with psaltery and harp.  Praise him with timbrel and choir: praise him with strings and organs.  Praise him on high sounding cymbals: praise him on cymbals of joy: let every spirit praise the Lord. Alleluia.


-- and an airplane!