Shirley Galey (second from left) made her oblation during the December Oblate Retreat at St. Meinrad on December 12. Also in attendance were her two sons and her daughter-in-law. An oblate’s vocation is both gift and mystery

A man wrote to me and choose to attach themselves to a specific told me that, for several Benedictine community and strive to live the years, he seemed to have spirit of St. Benedict’s Rule in response to this call of looking at this yearning. They offer themselves to God. the process of becoming an oblate, but he put it Your vocation as an oblate springs up “in off. Then suddenly he response to a particular gift which realized he could no accompanies the Father’s call.” St. Paul writes that “the gracious gifts of God and His Fr. Meinrad Brune, OSB longer put it off. calling, are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29). There is only one way to get wet: get into Our fidelity to his calling finds its strength the water and accept the invitation of daily in God’s unwavering fidelity to his becoming an oblate. In 1984, the abbots promise. “The search for God is never throughout the world met in the World finished, but God is always present” (D61). Congress and declared that oblates are We do not run the way of God’s commands persons who have responded to a vocation – alone, but join with one another and with a call. Oblates are reciprocal blessings to the many others who have become oblates monastic communities. They carry monastic before us. values into the world in their daily witness. Oblation is a mystery. Mystery is the The word “oblate” comes from the Latin revelation of God’s secrets – these secrets oblatus – an offering, someone or something were primarily concerned with the plan of that is given. Oblates of St. Benedict are salvation, which God realizes in human Christian women and men who yearn for a spiritual life deeply rooted in God. They Continued on p. 2

NEWSLETTER FOR BENEDICTINE OBLATES OF SAINT MEINRAD Winter 2016, Volume 22:1 A POINT TO PONDER FROM continued from p. 1 The second feature common to vocational history and which comprises the object experiences is a sense of assurance that God TheRule of revelation. will be faithful to those who endeavor to answer God’s call. The mystery in question is the coming of the kingdom conformable to God’s When we first heard the call to be oblates, “Listen carefully, plan. Entrance into the mystery is not a it may have seemed like this was my son, to the master’s matter of human intelligence; it is a gift something for other people – those who of God. Mystery denotes nothing less were holier, more committed, more than the object of the Gospel: the instructions and attend “religious” than we are. But gradually we realization of salvation by the death and to them with the ear resurrection of Christ. began to see that, if this is really God’s call, then God will enable us to accept it of your heart.” The Rule of St. Benedict is based and to live the life to which He calls us. So Rule of St. Benedict, Prologue 1 completely on the life of Jesus Christ the second response to our reflection and refers to his death and resurrection. might be trust in Providence. And the oblate is called to be part of the The Prologue to the Rule is mystery of Jesus Christ, living the Third, this call from God invites a decision Benedictine tradition, living Benedictine the cornerstone to all that based on faith and obedience. the aspiring monk and spirituality. This is the oblate’s call, God’s gift. oblate must adhere to in The oblate vocation involves personal dedication to the Benedictine ideal as their vocations. St. Benedict Oblation as a Vocation – An Overall View embodied in the Rule of St. Benedict. It is emphasizes the importance our way of being a disciple of Jesus, and When a person decides to become a of a complete focus on Benedictine oblate, it is usually not done we embrace it because we believe this is seeking God in all things. on the spur of the moment, nor should the particular pattern of Christian life to which God is calling us. Obedience, humility and it be. For most oblates, this decision is the result of a process that unfolds over a silence are accepted both period of time. It is helpful to look at Fourth, the vocational process is an openness by the novice monk and the this process to appreciate more fully the to personal growth and transformation. action of God in our lives and to renew novice oblate. The vocation our response to God’s call to oblation It is a call to adopt a new approach to life. then is all that a monk or with joy and enthusiasm. This means, in the case of oblates, a call oblate does to seek God gradually to understand and follow St. Fr. Bernard Head, an oblate of Saint Benedict’s admonition, “Your way of acting always and to prefer Meinrad Archabbey, wrote about the nothing to the love of process to be an oblate in the Summer should be different from the world’s way” 2006 issue of the Benedictine Oblate. He (RB 4:8). The call to live as an oblate does Christ. wrote about four features that all not require us to scorn ordinary life or to vocational experiences have in common. separate ourselves from human society. But Ben edictine Oblate is published four times it does mean consistently attempting to a year by Saint Meinrad Archabbey. First, God’s love reaches out and chooses the seek God in the people and events of our Editor: Mary Jeanne Schumacher individual. daily life (RB 58:7). Designer: Tammy Schuetter Oblate Directors: Fr. Meinrad Brune, A vocation is not our idea – it is God’s. It would seem proper to conclude that OSB and Fr. Joseph Cox, OSB At a particular time and place, this oblation is indeed a vocation. Oblates are Send changes of address and comments to possibility occurred to us. It may have called by God in love and assured by God The Editor, Development Office, been through reading, by meeting that following this call in faith and Saint Meinrad Archabbey, another oblate, by a visit to a monastery obedience will lead them to personal 200 Hill Dr., St. Meinrad, IN 47577, or via the Internet. However we became growth and transformation. (812) 357-6817, fax (812) 357-6325 aware of the oblates, we believe that it or email [email protected] Fr. Meinrad Brune, OSB was not an accident, but a result of www.saintmeinrad.org Director of Benedictine Oblates ©2016, Saint Meinrad Archabbey God’s Providence. 2 OBLATES New Evangelization In their own words begins with contemplative gaze

Fr. Meinrad Brune, remain the guardians of the gift of OSB, Janis Dopp contemplative prayer. Turning to the and Jennie Latta oblates, he encouraged them to provide a attended the bridge between the monasteries and the biennial conference world – to bring this gift of contemplative of the North prayer into the world. Fr. Jerome American emphasized that the gift of contemplative Association of prayer is not only for Catholics, but for Jennie Latta Benedictine Oblate everyone, and that the life of Directors at Subiaco contemplation begins for each of us right Abbey in Arkansas, July 10-15. The where we are. theme was “Nurturing Benedictine Spirituality: From Theory to Practice.” Fr. Jerome also offered some practical Oblate Carole Mattingly Corydon, IN The conference included a series of suggestions. He suggested that, unlike keynote speeches, together with time for theology, the life of contemplation is not personal reflection, liturgies and lots of knowledge about God, but knowledge of “Being an oblate has Benedictine hospitality. God. As with other relationships, we changed my everyday life, come to know God only through because I start out with The first keynote speaker was Fr. Jerome spending time with Him. Thus, each day Kodell, OSB, of Subiaco Abbey. He we must make the effort to put God first. the Liturgy of the Hours addressed his remarks to the New If only for minutes at a time, we must right away, early in the Evangelization, which, he noted, begins continually turn our gaze toward Him. with the contemplative gaze. The morning. That is the first contemplative gaze is the gaze of the heart, Jennie Latta, oblate thing that I do. I pray. which seeks Jesus and must know Him Memphis, TN first, before opening itself to the world. It has made my life very stable, and I have become Within each of us is an intersection more intimate with God. between time and the timeless. The timeless in the heart is the knowledge of Being an oblate has God. Fr. Jerome noted that Jesus invited helped me to be more the Twelve to be with Him before sending them out into the world. Pope friendly with all people. Emeritus Benedict and Pope Francis I have learned to go out likewise have emphasized the need to engage in contemplation, to turn the and reach out to new gaze inward, before turning it out upon people at church and the world. in the community. In an interesting turn, Fr. Jerome The greatest blessing of suggested that lectio divina (“divine the oblate community is reading”) may be seen as divine seeing. Lectio, he said, is the practice of coming that whenever I need to see the world as God sees it. Becoming prayers, I can just call or a saint is not so much doing things better as it is gaining the divine perspective. contact someone here and they are ready to help.” Fr. Jerome spoke to the religious in the Oblate Jennie Latta peruses a Liturgy of the Hours group, noting that monks and nuns book in the Oblate Library. 3 Caregiver recalls the virtues of oblation Nothing ever subsequent prayer life, augmented by said often that to give one’s life for prepared me for my Benedictine oblation, have been a another person is the highest the rigors and saving grace. expression of love. Essentially, this can trials of total be also said of the caregiving for a caregiving. In my My prayers ask God to give me the loved one. It is a fine example of the golden years, I patience that I need in my caregiver highest level of love. have been given responsibilities. This is where the vow a challenge by of humility has helped me to achieve a As a Benedictine oblate, I find that it level of patience that I was previously Thomas J. Rillo God to express is very natural to apply humility to my my love and care not endowed with. caregiving situation. The promises of for someone who is undergoing silence and obedience have been memory loss. It is physically and The vow of silence has helped me to equally of value. I open each day with mentally stressful. sustain the gentleness involved in saying: “O Lord, open my lips and my listening. That my spouse was saying mouth shall proclaim your praise.” I I have had to adjust to living a life “I cannot remember” had to be heard. know that He is testing my marriage that has completely changed from Obedience to the basic rules of caring covenant each and every day. He is what it once was. I have had to give for someone with memory loss also testing my covenant to up many activities that I dearly loved. emanated from my Benedictine Benedictine oblation and its inherent Proclaiming the readings for Mass as a oblation and the acceptance of the spirituality. lector was a hard one to give up. My vow of obedience. Thomas J. Rillo, oblate volunteer work at the YMCA, where I The Liturgy of the Hours or Divine Bloomington, IN was a physical rehabilitative trainer for Office has been a healing grace. My seniors, was another. wife and I once read through it together. I now pray the Liturgy of the My traveling on pilgrimages with my Hours by praying it aloud to her or wife was especially difficult to curtail. just by myself when she is sleeping. My writing for the Benedictine Oblate Excessive sleeping is characteristic of newsletter was also hard to accept, the disease of memory loss. although I continue doing so from afar. Most social life became My Benedictine oblation and my nonexistent. writing for the Saint Meinrad Archabbey oblate community have Now the question is: how have I augmented newfound time to be retained my sanity through the creative. The loss of a beautiful mind repetitive caregiving tasks that I do has been heartbreaking. This has been each and every day 24/7? First is my one of the most difficult things to love for my spouse and equally my accept. Stepping up my prayer life love of God and his son Jesus. My and my faith journey has helped a faith journey had to be strengthened. I great deal. had to decrease in order to increase. The change in my lifestyle has been Oblate Michelle Blalock, co-coordinator of the My marriage is a contract or a difficult to accept. The only constant St. Meinrad Oblate Chapter, listens to a fellow oblate. spiritual covenant. “For better or has been my prayer life, where the worse, till death do you part” are routine rituals dovetail nicely with my powerful words that imply an caregiving routine. This is where unwavering commitment. This has oblation has been so valuable in Smugmug not changed in its implicit application keeping me on course in caregiving. toward the challenges of total For more photos of caregiving. It is one of the most God has shown me that love for Saint Meinrad events, visit: challenging commitments I have ever another person and the care of that http://saint-meinrad.smugmug.com had to do. My faith in God and my person are gifts from Him. It has been 4 A look back: 72 Years Ago The bombing of Monte Cassino

PRAY FOR March 21 will be the glorious feast of the indestructible monument to St. our Holy Father St. Benedict. This Benedict. His glory must be that his VOCATIONS year will be a sad feast for us. When work and spirit still lives and we think of the tomb where his influences people’s lives. blessed relics repose, we shall sadly Photos, clockwise from top left: Oblate Mike Reffett We must make Benedict a living read from sacred Scripture during the ceremony of recall that it is buried under the ruins making Andrew and Malinda Rawls honorary of Monte Cassino. Some of the very figure of this day, and not a famous oblates. This honor was bestowed on them for all markers that date back to the time of remembrance of the past. On his feast the video-media work they have performed for the St. Benedict have been so destroyed day, let us promise him that, through oblate community and its programs. that we have no hope of restoring our Benedictine lives, many shall Fr. Meinrad Brune, OSB, poses for a photo with them. know that the fire he enkindled on oblate Christian Meyer and his wife Amy. Monte Cassino still burns on this If the Abbey of St. Benedict is earth. Oblates Jim and Rita Merk attended the investiture of Beverly Winner as an oblate novice. destroyed, we, his historical children, must assure him that his holy Rule still Michael Edwards, oblate Fr. Meinrad Brune, OSB, and oblate Msgr. lives. Our Benedictine lives must be Evanston, IN Robert Noon pose for a picture after Mass at the Lancaster, OH, Oblate Chapter.

5 Benedictine spirituality informs the idea of sustainability

Each of us has a stability and humility. I practice this of the universe, and architectural purpose. A friend wisdom as an architect. design is concerned with the concluded that meaningful imposition of order. mine was being a Hospitality sustains the person by sustainable welcoming them to community. They They have mutually beneficial goals, architect, an are welcomed as a unique mystery of but they are considerate of creation officious title life and invited to leave their before the Creator. An authentic that suggested I fingerprints, to imprint the design relationship with creation offers praise with their ideas, values and passions. Robert Siebenaller was on the front and thanksgiving to God first and care lines battling Their lives are welcomed as a gift and of each other second. This is living climate change, deforestation, asked to be shared as a gift. sustainably. desertification and rising sea levels. Stewardship sustains the person by Each of us has a purpose, and I find It is true; the profession of responsibly managing their God-given mine in the Collect of Week Four, architecture has taken aim at these gifts. Together we seek efficiency and Monday Lauds in the Liturgy of the impending global catastrophes by beauty while considering the impact Hours for Benedictine Oblates of Saint supporting a sustainability agenda that of the building socially, economically Meinrad Archabbey: focuses on three design principles: the and environmentally. Early in their conservation of energy, the architectural education, students are Lord God, conservation of water and the creation christened “Stewards of the who entrusted the earth to men of healthy environments. Environment,” an identity that to till and care for it, inspires responsible decision-making and made the sun to serve their needs: These principles, documented in a throughout their career. give us grace this day to work quantifiable rating system, were faithfully for your glory Stability sustains the person mentally, achievable. While we celebrated the and for our neighbor’s good. physically and spiritually by achievement of changing the way that Through our Lord Jesus Christ assimilating them into a multi- we design, we struggled with finding your Son, disciplined design team of individuals the inspiration to change ourselves. who lives and reigns with you seeking the realization of a common and the Holy Spirit, goal. This is a process of community What good is it to work, live or visit a God for ever and ever. Amen. building where the design sustainable building if we are not professionals gather together to seek a living sustainably day by day? And this Robert Siebenaller, oblate synergistic solution that relies on one is where my passion for sustainability Toledo, OH discipline to strengthen another. blazed: to help each person discover that the answer to living sustainably Humility sustains the person by was in his or her heart, “in here,” not helping them to ascertain their divine “out there.” mission and vision in architectural form as they build in harmony with It was not until I pledged to observe creation. With a vocation rooted in a stability of heart, fidelity to the service profession, an architect is monastic way of life and obedience to responsible for meeting the client’s the will of God as a Benedictine needs, as well as the needs of the oblate that I awoke to a language of public, protecting their health, safety sustainability that sustains the person and welfare. by touching the heart. The holy Rule illustrates a way to reach people by Sustainability is rooted in spirituality. practicing St. Benedict’s spiritual Andrew Kosegi and Bridget Kosegi were invested Sustainability seeks for us to be in as oblate novices in the Archabbey Church by wisdom of hospitality, stewardship, relationship with nature and the order Fr. Meinrad Brune, OSB.

6 Voices from the Past Editor’s note: The following is from an article that appeared in a 1925 issue of the oblate newsletter, as written by Fr. Henry Brenner, OSB. Oblate Michael Edwards of Evanston, IN, condensed the original article.

Pride, the firstborn of the devil, has, This force may possess the form of one pays any attention to them. When in turn, three children. The first is intrigue and mental trickery, by which a person is vain enough to seek praise presumption, the second is ambition a man, casting all conscience and for good deeds, then such vanity is and the third is vainglory. justice aside, aims at placing himself not only displeasing to God – it is also above others. This is often the contemptuous to man himself. No Pride being defined as “an excessive ambition that generates office-seekers one loves a boaster. ◆ love of our own superiority,” it follows unworthy of the public confidence. that presumption, ambition and Of such, Shakespeare said: “They vainglory all draw their own would circumvent God.” For divine conclusions from this parent principle. laws are to them as non-existing; their The principle, as we see from the own wishes and passions are the only definition, is inordinate self-exaltation. laws they acknowledge. Let us examine each of these three children of pride in turn. Vainglory is more personal and widespread than presumption or Presumption advises a man to go ambition, because it requires the least beyond his real power or ability, or at ability. Any person may be least to risk doing so. What is it but vainglorious, often by reason of a presumption, even in natural life, to merely ordinary aptness for make debts without weighing well one’s something, since in this pride he assets? Such a foolish person presumes, imagines himself very extraordinary. either on his own abilities, possessions or the like, or he presumes on the good Thus there are people who imagine From left are oblate novice Floyd Wiley and his will or possessions of others. that everybody is looking at them, wife oblate Pastor Carol Wiley and oblate novice Lisa Naffziger with her parents Robbie Carver admiring their figure, their looks, their and oblate Duane Carver. They all attended the In the spiritual life, presumption ways. However, the truth is that no investiture of the oblate novices. follows the same lines. A presumptuous soul goes ahead without thinking, doing this and that regardless of the possibility of injustice or lack of charity. It supposes of God what is not true, or what is at the most very doubtful. Such are those people who say: “Oh, we’ll all get to heaven; don’t fear.” To suppose that God will treat the good in the same manner as the bad is surely presuming, for it overthrows the idea of justice.

Ambition is an inordinate longing after positions of influence and honor. By it, a man lifts himself above his fellows by force, or at least tries to. This force may be in the form of source, as such, as in the case of a tyrant who compels everyone to do his bidding without the least hesitance, Oblate Ann Frances of Rome Geraty of St. Louis, MO, (center) is surrounded by her friends, oblates and no matter how unreasonable the oblate novices. demands may be. 7 Oblate News

Br. Martin speaks at New York oblate retreat On September 4-6, 2015, Fr. Meinrad Brune, OSB, director of the Saint Meinrad oblate community, and Br. Martin Erspamer, OSB, monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey, joined participants from New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Florida at the annual New York oblate retreat held at the Mariandale Retreat Center in Ossining, NY.

Br. Martin was this year’s retreat The New York oblates posed for a picture after the closing Mass of their annual retreat, during which master. He is a well-known liturgical two were invested as oblate novices and two oblate novices made their oblation. artist, whose art has been featured on the cover of Give Us This Day. He used art, humor and experiences in his Joseph, OSB, has agreed to be the will sell for $4 apiece and the pins are monastic life to inspire and guide keynote speaker on Friday night of the $10. For more information, see story participants in living more fully in the conference. on page 9. presence of God. Jennie suggested that possibly Chapter Fr. Meinrad then commented that Fr. This year the participants observed the 3 of the Rule, “The Calling of Mark O’Keefe’s recent article was sent ritual of investiture of oblate novices Brothers and Sisters to Counsel,” out to all “One Bread, One Cup” Fred Gervat and Marie Devine, as well would be appropriate to the theme of attendees. It was an expensive mailing. as the promises of oblation by the conference. The conference He also explained that there are no Florence and Ken Baney. general structure will include three future oblate presentations planned, sessions. Ron DeMarco, Jennie Latta unless they are requested from a “One Oblate Council discusses new ideas and Al Kovacs will be facilitators. Bread, One Cup” representative. for the oblate community After each session, the chapter coordinators will have the chance to Fr. Meinrad noted that next year’s The Oblate Council gathered at Saint participate in small group discussions. oblate chapter meeting dates have Meinrad for its 33rd meeting on been published in the oblate October 16, 2015. Janis Dopp chaired Mike Reffett and Pat Phillips reported newsletter. The Bloomington Chapter the meeting. Also present were Fr. from the Finance Committee that the dates were inadvertently omitted. They Meinrad Brune, OSB, Al Kovacs, Pat finances of the oblate community are will be published in the next newsletter. Phillips, Michelle Blalock, Jennie in a very healthy position. This is due, Latta, Ron DeMarco, Dennis Skelton in part, to record-setting gift giving The Saint Meinrad Alumni Office and Mike Reffett. Michele Reffett through renewals and Bona Opera. contacted Fr. Meinrad to ask for served as secretary. The average gift amount has increased permission to access the names and from prior years. addresses of oblate members. They The meeting opened with prayer by wish to include them in future Fr. Meinrad, followed by a unison Fr. Meinrad expressed that he is invitations to take part in the annual reading of the Oblate Council pleased with the response of chapter Saint Meinrad Day of Service. The Statement of Purpose. coordinators in utilizing the Council and Fr. Meinrad agreed to coordinators’ email group to release the information to the Alumni Planning for the Meeting of Chapter communicate with each other. Office. Jennie and Janis discussed the Coordinators (MCC 2017) to be held idea of “service” as being consistent in 2017 is well under way. Jennie He also expressed his excitement over with who we are as oblates. Latta reported that the MCC 2017 newly produced car decals and oblate theme will be “Taking Benedictine pins that he will take with him when Work on the new Facebook page for Spirituality to the World.” Sr. Karen going to chapter meetings. The decals oblates was discussed by Al Kovacs. 8 Decals and oblate pins available Two types of car decals are now available from the Oblate Office. The decal with the Archabbey Church picture is magnetic; the other is a vinyl decal for a car’s back window. They are $4 each.

The decals were suggested by Clyde Dorn of the Cincinnati Oblate Chapter. The Oblate Council was pleased with the suggestion from the Dorns. The Dorns are also the ones who suggested the idea of an oblate pin.

Archabbot Justin DuVall, OSB, talks with oblates Andy Rawls and Jennie Latta. Fr. Donald Walpole, OSB, (now deceased) of Saint Meinrad Archabbey, designed the pin and it was approved by 100 oblates who were on retreat at Saint Meinrad several years ago. The cost of the oblate pin is $10. You can order decals and pins from the Oblate Office. Handling/shipping will be added to the cost of the items.

Oblate publishes sixth book Thomas J. Rillo, an oblate from Bloomington, IN, has written and published a The oblate pin, window cling and car magnet can be purchased from the Oblate Office. sixth book of poems as He reported that Chris Topa has about “what do oblates offer?” Oblates prayers. developed a Facebook page for oblates. leading the prayers of the Liturgy of Surrender in It is presently a hidden, private page, the Hours in parishes could be a Trust: A and Fr. Meinrad will have the Saint successful way of having others see Collection of Prayers as Poems contains Meinrad Communications Office what oblates do. If this program is over 100 spiritual poems. review the page before it is made successful, it will be a template for public. When made public, Al and other oblate chapter parishes that wish The book’s artwork was created by Br. Chris will monitor the content. to participate. Martin Erspamer, OSB, a monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey and a long- Janis Dopp reported on a pilot The meeting closed with praying The time friend of the oblate community. program of using oblates to lead the Lord’s Prayer and a blessing by Fr. Liturgy of the Hours in selected Meinrad. The next meeting is All proceeds from the sale of the parishes. The idea occurred after Br. scheduled for April 23, 2016. books will be donated to the oblate John Mark Falkenhain, OSB, community of Saint Meinrad discussed ideas on how to interest Ronald (Ron) G. DeMarco, oblate Archabbey. The book may be future oblates to join the oblate Cincinnati, OH purchased directly from the author program. He suggested that we think 9 Oblate News


through the Benedictine Oblate Office pearl, the kingdom of heaven is He also pointed out that this is the or at oblate and other retreats. Rillo’s available to all, whether we were born second of two banquet stories that six books represent over 600 spiritual into the Church or happened upon it appear in Matthew 14. The first is a poems written by the poet. later in life. banquet that occurred in the palace of Herod. This is the banquet that Retreat examines parables of the Lord This parable occurs within two resulted in the beheading of John the “inversions.” Jesus’ encounter with the Members of the Oblate Council and Baptist. It was in response to the death rich young man ends with the Oblate Finance Committee gathered of John that Jesus went to a deserted comment, “[M]any who are first will for a time of retreat with Archabbot place by himself. Despite his need to be last, and the last will be first.” That Justin DuVall, OSB, on October 13 be alone with his sorrow, the people is the first inversion. The second and 14. He led three conferences that followed Him. occurs at the end of the parable of the highlighted the parables of the Lord. workers in the vineyard, where Jesus Moved with pity for them, the Lord Participants were invited to read the summarizes, “Thus, the last will be put aside his own needs, cured their passage, take time for silent reflection, first, and the first will be last.” The sick and invited them to join his listen to Archabbot Justin’s comments parable in between thus emphasizes banquet. Archabbot Justin noted that and then share their thoughts. Over how unexpected the way of the the two banquets could not be more the course of the weekend, we read kingdom is. different: the earthly banquet of Herod versus the heavenly banquet of and discussed the parables of the Even more surprising, perhaps, was buried treasure and the pearl (Matt. the Lord. The question implicit in the Archabbot Justin’s choice for the final stories is clear: which will you choose? 13:44-46), the parable of the workers reading. In fact, the reader asked in the vineyard (Matt. 20:1-16), and whether she was reading the correct Jennie Latta, oblate the enacted parable of the feeding of passage. We don’t usually think of the Memphis, TN the five thousand (Matt. 14:13-21). story of the feeding of the five thousand as a parable, because it is Benedictine oblate investiture is In each case, Archabbot Justin presented as a historical event. parish event encouraged us to avoid reading the Archabbot Justin suggested that it is, parables as fables or allegories and to On November 1, All Saints Day, in fact, an “enacted parable.” focus instead on the dynamism of the Beverly Winner was invested as a Benedictine oblate by Fr. Ted story. They tell us something about Just as Jesus should be seen as the what the kingdom of heaven is like. Machnik, pastor of St. Joseph’s Parish author of the other parables, He is in Circleville, OH. For example, the parables of the clearly the author of the action in the buried treasure and the pearl, when story of the feeding. Archabbot Justin Following the homily, Fr. Ted invited read together, show that some of us suggested that the action was not that Beverly Winner, Dr. and Mrs. James may stumble upon the kingdom, of a feeding (providing food to animals Merk and Mario Parise, a Benedictine while others actively seek it. or perhaps the hungry). Rather, this is brother from St. Andrew Abbey in a banquet. We know this, because the In each case, the kingdom is found to Cleveland, OH, to witness the men and women were invited to be worth more than all that we have. ceremony. Fr. Ted announced that the recline. This is an anticipation of the Put another way, the kingdom of parish was blessed to now have a heavenly banquet, where there will heaven is available now to all who are Benedictine oblate in their community. always be more than enough. willing to give their whole selves to it. After the Mass, a reception was held Although the story is often interpreted The parable of the workers in the for Beverly and all the parishioners as an anticipation of the Eucharist, were invited. vineyard is a different, darker story, Archabbot Justin pointed out that, in but it tells us something about what fact, the Eucharist is an anticipation of Dr. James and Rita Merk, oblates the kingdom of heaven is like. For the heavenly banquet. There we will Lancaster, OH example, attaining the kingdom is not not encounter the Real Presence under a matter of “justice,” as we know it. the species of bread and wine, but we OBLATIONS Rather, just as we discovered in the will see the Lord as He is, in his parables of the buried treasure and the August 22, 2015 – Jane Mary gloriously resurrected body. Magdalen Moyer of Fremont, OH; 10 and Linda Frances of Rome Spohr of September 28, 2015 – Jacqueline October 18, 2015 – Deacon Leonard Herkimer, NY Willetta Henderson of Tallahassee, FL William Baltes of Dayton, OH September 6, 2015 – Kenneth October 1, 2015 – Susan Campbell November 5, 2015 – Elizabeth A. Thomas Baney and Florence Lucy and Suzanne McConnell, both of “Bettye” Becker of Mt. Vernon, IN ◆ Baney, both of Bronx, NY Bloomington, IN UPCOMING EVENTS September 19, 2015 – Clintina October 4, 2015 – Jay VanHoosier of Marjorie Cecilia Irmina Adela Newburgh, IN March 20-22, 2016 – The March Cooper Simms of Fairfield Glade, TN Oblate Retreat will have Fr. Bede October 7, 2015 – Jeff Pace of Cisco, OSB, as the presenter. The title September 23, 2015 – Deacon John Columbus, IN of his retreat will be “Expanding the Andre Lyons of Middletown, OH October 10, 2015 – Andrew Kosegi Heart: A Monastic Miscellany.” September 24, 2015 – Megan Rose and Bridget Kosegi, both of Bernadette Ewell and Ronald Raphael Greenwood, IN April 16, 2016 – The Day of Francis Ewell, both of Burlington, KY Recollection for the Louisville, KY, October 14, 2015 – Scott McKee of area oblates will be held. Fr. Jeremy September 26, 2015 – Ann Frances of Greens Fork, IN King, OSB, will be the presenter. The Rome Geraty of St. Louis, MO October 21, 2015 – Daniel Bashore title will be announced later. October 24, 2015 – Judith Ann Line of Indianapolis, IN Davis-Fuller of Greenfield, IN; October 22, 2015 – John Kuhns of May 21, 2016 – The Day of Barbara John Paul McKeon and Columbus, OH Recollection for the Ohio Oblates will Daniel Joseph Oliver Plunket be held in the Dayton area. Fr. Adrian McKeon, both of Cape Girardeau, MO October 24, 2015 – Sarah Wuestefeld Burke, OSB, will present “Let them of Greenfield, IN November 8, 2015 – Timothy Francis prefer nothing whatever to Christ.” Hardigan of Portage, MI ◆ October 28, 2015 – Lisa Naffziger and Floyd Wiley, both of New Castle, IN June 13-16, 2016 – Saint Meinrad HONORARY OBLATIONS Study Days will be held at the November 1, 2015 – Beverly Winner Archabbey. Fr. Adrian Burke, OSB, October 18, 2015 – Andrew Rawls of Circleville, OH will be the presenter on “Let them and Malinda Rawls, both of Holly November 13, 2015 – Jonathon prefer nothing whatever to Christ.” Hill, FL ◆ Bradford of Elizabethtown, KY; Corey French of Carmel, IN ◆ July 11, 2016 – Saint Meinrad Day of INVESTITURES Recollection will have Fr. Barnabas June 12, 2015 – Francisco J. Gamboa ANNIVERSARIES Gillespie, OSB, as the presenter. His Felix of Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico topic is “Reverence in Prayer: Should On Saturday, July 18, 2015, oblates We be Concerned with Deportment August 29, 2015 – Grace Wiemann of James and Rita Merk celebrated their or Disposition, or Both?” ◆ Lexington, KY 60th wedding anniversary at St. September 3, 2015 – Elizabeth Bernadette Church in Lancaster, OH. VOLUNTEERS APPRECIATED “Betsy” Osborne, Dr. Alejandra Spir- They have been the coordinators of Recent volunteers in the Oblate Office Haddad and Dorothyann Strange, all the Lancaster, OH, Oblate Chapter ◆ were Saundra Duffee, Mike Edwards, of Bloomington, IN for many years. Dennis Skelton, Novice Tony September 6, 2015 – Marie Devine of DEATHS Wolniakowski, OSB, Novice Thomas Kings Park, NY; Fred Gervat of Fish, OSB, Br. Lorenzo Peñalosa, OSB, October 5, 2015 – Lawrence Joseph Pelham, NY Novice Timothy Herrmann, OSB, Humkey of Peewee Valley, KY. Mike Reffett, Michele Reffett, Mary September 14, 2015 – Charmaine Maillet, Jerry Maillet, Vicki Taylor, Wawrzyniec of Carleton, MI October 12, 2015 – Kathy Dorsey of West Chester, PA Janis Dopp, Pat Linder, Steve Hulst, September 16, 2015 – John Wilson Jim Hulst, Francis Shivone, Mike October 16, 2015 – Mary Selma and Sandra “Sandy” Wilson, both of Baxter and Candidate Joshua Leeuw. ◆ St. Meinrad, IN Steidle of Villa Hills, KY 11 Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE NEWSLETTER PAID Permit #3 St. Meinrad, IN 200 Hill Drive St. Meinrad, IN 47577

Reading Room The Way of Humility by Jorge Mario Bergoglio; translated acts, and finally he describes the forms of corruption Jesus by Helena Scott, San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2013. had to face in his time.

In this short collection of In “On Self-Accusation,” inspired by the writings of St. meditations written by Pope Dorotheus of Gaza, Francis describes the practice of self- Francis when he was Cardinal accusation and argues that it was our Lord himself, by Archbishop of Buenos Aires, the taking up the self-abasement of the cross and becoming Pope reflects on sin and burdened with our guilt, who justifies our personal practice corruption and the remedy for of self-accusation. sin – self-accusation. The book is divided into two sections, It is always, says Francis, an act of humility, but the person “Corruption and Sin” and “On who accuses himself makes room for God’s mercy to enter Self-Accusation.” Drawing on and is a person who will by necessity come close to others. Scripture and the teachings of The ideas contained in these reflections seem so simple, so Christ, Francis describes ordinary, so obvious, and yet are so profound. corruption and differentiates it from sin, recognizing that while we are all sinners, we do not all necessarily have a Understood properly, these words can lead one to recognize corrupt heart. and accept that we are all sinners, and yet we are not all corrupt, and so we can choose to live in a human Francis begins by suggesting that to understand community that is based in hope, reality, recognition and corruption, one must first recognize that “while respect for each other as children of God. corruption is a state that is intrinsically connected to sin, it is distinct from it.” Then he discusses the connection Catherine Byers, oblate between a corrupt heart and the way a corrupt person Nineveh, IN