Oblate History
Since the ninth-century people have been inspired by the Rule of St. Benedict to consecrate their lives to God according to the spirit of the Rule while remaining active participants in society and the world. The early medieval Benedictine confraternities enabled laypeople to spiritually unite and learn Benedictine spirituality, and tradition, to which they, in turn, offered their spiritual and material assistance to people in their everyday lives.
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In the early fifteenth century, St. Frances of Rome organized a group of laywomen interested in serving the poor into an association guided by the Benedictine Rule: they became known as the oblates of St. Benedict. Since that time Benedictine confraters and consorors have increasingly been called oblates, applying to themselves the term used in the Rule to describe young boys offered by their parents as monk-apprentices (oblati).
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In the tradition of St. Francis of Assisi, Oblates are known as Tertiaries or Third Order. They make up the largest order of the Franciscans.
Our Vision, Our Mission, Our Calling
Nurture Each Other in Faith and Prayer
The mission of the Oblates of Perpetual Light is to be welcoming, humble, compassionate, inclusive, and respectful to everyone - regardless of their beliefs. Through prayer, contemplation, and service, we bring the Universe closer to our hearts and closer to the hearts of those around us. As a fellowship of believers, we are to be most humble. We have the great honor of proclaiming the glory of the Universe to one another in a loving and caring setting.
Core Values
The Soul of the Oblates of Perpetual Light
We will strive to create a strong community driven by prayer, contemplation, and service. Through our faith, activities, and special community, we give our members the chance to become fully immersed in the wisdom and teachings of the Universe and to experience that at a deep level.