Benedictine Oblates - Issue 3, September 9, 2012

Annual Oblate Retreat - September 7-9, 2012

Discipleship and the Rule of Benedict

Father Matthew Luft, O.S.B., Retreat Master

Sister Mary DiMeglio, O.S.B., Oblate Co-Director welcomed Father Matthew and inspired us with these words, “Keep your notebooks handy and your hearts open.”

Father Matthew began by noting we are called by Christ for conversion and we are called to witness, to proclaim to everyone we meet.  This is our discipleship – we have received a personal invitation to conversion, metanoia and we respond with a witness.

And how do we do this?  Father Matthew went through the following list, gave us examples from Scripture, the Rule, sometimes a few questions, and then gave us time to think about each:

• Love of Christ and Love of Neighbor – Luke 10:25-37, RB80 Chapter 4 v1-2, Chapter 5 v10-12, and Chapter 7 V67-69 [What initial motivation brought me here? What brought me to the oblate life? How does this influence how I interact with others?]
• Prayer – A life marked by liturgy, lectio divina, and mindfulness – Luke 11:1-4, Acts 2:42-47, RB Chapters 20, 43, 48 [What is my prayer life like? Where is my silent time? What is my experience of prayer with the sisters?  What would I like to learn from my prayer?]
• Discipline – A way toward learning and freedom.  Set time aside for God and for prayer.  Matthew 16:24-28, RB Chapter 7 v31-33, Chapter 39 [What is my routine? Is prayer among them? Where is my attention being focused?]
• Humility – Knowledge of ourselves and our relationship with God.

1 Corinthians 1:17-25, RB Chapter 7 [Who do I see myself to be? Who am I?] Every person we encounter is a piece of God, a reflection of God.  Wisdom is approaching God, not being God.

• Stewards/Stewardship – Reverence toward the creation God has made.  Regard all as sacred vessels.  1 Corinthians 4, RB Chapter 31 [What gifts has God given to me?  Have I taken care of them as if they were sacred vessels?]
• Hospitality – Openness to others, receive all as Christ.  Matthew 25:31-46, RB Chapter 2, Chapter 36, Chapter 53, Chapter 63, Chapter 72 [How have you welcomed people into your life? How have you been received?]
• Community – We are always in community and surrounded by others.  We all contribute to the living body.  Matthew 10:5-15, RB Chapter 1, Chapter 72
• Stability – these last three are all part of the other seven.
• Conversatio – In these vows we find our calling to follow Christ together
• Obedience – How do we actually live this life? What is this life about? We can go to Scripture and the Rule of Benedict (RB) for answers.

Special Thank You

It took so many to make this retreat possible, from preparations by our Co-Directors and their council to the Baker Bees, Richard Jordan and his crew for room set up, Sister Ann, Heidi and the housekeeping staff, Dona and Lisa, our cooks, Sister JoEl for the prayer space and display case, all the Sisters for their behind the scenes set up, ministries, and support.  Because of all of you we learned first hand, hospitality, community, discipleship, and the Rule of Benedict.

Front Row L/R – Catherine Wood, Lois Buesgens, Hetty Corrigan, Anne McCormick Adams, Cyndy Ingram, Pat Lafferty, Sister Mary DiMeglio, O.S.B., Co-Director, and Carmen Nieves

Back Row L/R – Rosemary Kinnamon, Elizabeth Owens, Helen Hadley, Trudy Dean, Roy Dean, Margie Palazzolo, Fran Lucas, Pam McElwee, and Jean Lewis.

Retreat attendees absent from the photograph -  Mary Kibler, Ann Haywood, Carol Russell, Justine Armstead, and Flo Petroski, Dick Palazzolo.

Note:  The camera gremlins erased our wonderful picture of the oblates giving a blessing to Father Matthew before his departure.  Thanks be to God, the blessing was not erased as well.

Benedictine Oblates - Issue 2 January 8, 2012

Celebration of Sister Roni’s Time with the Oblates

Continuing on the Journey with Sister MaryLou

Oblate Margie Palazzolo presented a Mass card and a plant with lovely bright, yellow flowers to Sister Roni Daniels, O.S.B., our Oblate Directress since 2008, and spoke of Sister Roni’s special ministry with us and all the memories we will hold in our hearts.  Oblate Cyndy Ingram, with a few words on illumination, the Holy Spirit’s enlightenment, and a concurrence of Sister Roni’s willingness to be obedient to God’s direction, ended with, “instead of adding material items to your backpack, we would each like to lay our hands on you and give you our personal requests for God’s blessings to encourage and uplift you as you continue your journey.” as the oblates processed past Sister Roni.

Sister MaryLou began the main meeting with a definition of epiphany – epiphaneia, a manifestation, Jesus’ physical manifestation to the Gentiles. The Magi visited the baby Jesus – Balthazar, an Arab scholar, Caspar, a Persian scholar, and Melchior, a Babylonian scholar and then spread the word that the Messiah had come.

Then she gave us a few guidelines for our Lectio Divina:

• Pray daily – set time aside as we are creatures of habit
• Prayer space – use the same space each day, no need for elaborate set up but use items that will help you focus, bible, candle, sacred item, or just a quiet, peaceful spot.
• Relax – take a deep breath, be quiet, be at peace
• Ask God for a grace
• Scripture – Lectio Divina is Divine reading so be sure to use scripture; use one of the scripture readings of the day.  Choose a word, or a phrase. See an image, feel the story, hear the words.
• Remain with the passage, be with God, spend time as with a friend
• Listen – some things may fall into place for you
• Ask God to help you with the day

Lastly, in three groups we explored the following questions:

• What qualities should oblates exhibit? Obedience to the Rule; stand up for what is right; be welcoming, prayerful, grateful; listen with the heart and ear; be accepting of good and bad; connect with the Lord and his suffering; be a witness, share your faith, know through example of the sisters.
• What attracted you to become an oblate?  Divine guidance; hunger for more; we all came by different routes -  Bible study; visits to St. Martin’s Ministry; Sister Mary Paul; we knew the Lord and had a hunger for more.
• How do you live your oblate promise?  Help others; visit the sick; Lectio Divina; Mass, prayer for others; share welcome with others that the sisters share with us.

Benedictine Oblates - Issue 1 December 11, 2011

ANNOUNCEMENT of NEW OBLATE DIRECTRESS

Sister MaryLou Robino, O.S.B.

 

Sister Roni Daniels, O.S.B., our Oblate Directress since 2008, announced that she would be stepping down and that Sister MaryLou Robino, O.S.B. would be our new Oblate Directress beginning with our January 8, 2012 gathering.  We are very sorry to lose Sister Roni but we certainly understand that she is involved with many areas of St. Gertrude Monastery and we know that she has left us in capable hands.  Sister Mary DiMeglio, whom we have all known well over the years, will assist Sr. MaryLou in helping us travel the Benedictine way through the next several years.

 

Sister Roni expressed her joy in praying and working with us these last few years.  May we say that you, Sister Roni, brought us many moments of reflection, spirituality, wonder, and discernment.  You shared your stories and your life and the ebb and flow of the monastery.  You have been welcoming, a leader, a sister, and a friend.  We will miss you and we will always keep a part of you in our living of the Rule.  Thank you for giving us your time, and your talents, and your faith journey.

 

May the following from the Benedictine Sisters website, http://www.ridgelybenedictines.org/,, give you a short introduction to Sister MaryLou and Sister Mary DiMeglio as we continue our pilgrim journey with them and listen to their stories.

 

Sister MaryLou Robino, a native of Wilmington , Delaware , entered the community in 1955. Sister has a B.S. in Secondary Education and spent her early years as both teacher and principal. In addition, she directed the Girls' Choir for fourteen years. Because she felt called to work with people with social/emotional problems, Sister obtained a Master's Degree in Social Work and spent 26 years at a Catholic agency offering services to clients with a variety of needs. One of Sister's early desires was to be a school counselor; so in 1998, she became Holy Angels Elementary School counselor. Sister was a first-grade assistant at Saint Elizabeth's for six years where she enjoyed singing with and helping the children. Sister is very involved in community activities, and in her spare time she enjoys singing, theater, gardening, cooking, and crafts. She says reading and quiet times in prayer are what energize her most.

 

Sister Mary DiMeglio is the woman behind the music at Saint Gertrude's. You will hear her playing the organ, piano, or guitar during our liturgies. A native of Wilmington , Delaware , she has had many of our Sisters as her teachers at Saint Elizabeth. Sister entered the community in 1975. Sister Mary has an Associate Degree in Library Science and a B.S. in Communications. Sister earned her Masters in Special Education at Loyola College , Baltimore , Maryland . Sister Mary has been successful as a teacher of special needs children and teen-age clients. In addition to her role as community musician, Sister is the coordinator for retreats and housing arrangements for the Berg Center , a retreat center at the monastery. Sister Mary likes music and reading. In her younger years, she also had fun when she was whitewater rafting, hiking, and camping.

 

 

We were asked in our meeting to reflect on the first reading, Isaiah 61:2a 10-11.  We were asked as we read and reread this passage to ask How?...  When?...   Who?....How do I bring glad tiding to the poor, how do I heal the broken hearted, how do I proclaim liberty, how do I release the prisoner?  When was I poor, broken hearted, a prisoner? Who do I know that is poor, broken hearted, a prisoner?  What is liberty, what would free me, what would set my soul or heart free?  And REMEMBER, the spirit of the Lord is with each one of us.

 

 

Our main discussions in our groups were about caring for creation and all the things we can do to care for God’s creation.  We are asked to come to each gathering prepared to give tips about what we are doing in our own homes and in our lives.  Here are a few that were mentioned:

• Less chemicals on the grass and garden – science and technology have improved how we grow but many of the methods are harming the environment.
• Keep up with print, voice, and media – listen, don’t be afraid to write a letter or sign a petition
• Turn lights off, unplug appliances
• Wash larger loads of clothes or select less water options, take quick shower and less of them
• Make Christmas and holiday decorations from natural objects such as feathers, oyster shells painted, queen anne’s lace dried.
• Make one car trip to many places
• Share a meal
• Use public transportation
• Decide if you “need” or just “want” an item before you buy
• Serve fresh, local foods

 

Housekeeping –

^·          We would like to include more of the oblates in the presentation of topics throughout the year. Please consider speaking on one of our topics this year – if you think you might be interested send Sister MaryLou a quick email at marylourobino@hotmail.com

We pray for those who are ill, grieving, discerning, and thankful:

Hetty Corrigan’s daughters

Mary Schrecengost

Kibby Kibler

Flo Petroski & son Butch

Father Paul Mast

Sister Jeannette

Sister Catherine Higley

Sister MaryLou’s father

Others mentioned

  

Next Dates, Please Mark Your Calendars:

 

January 8, 2012

Gathering  - Oblate Brainstorming & Lectio Divina

 

February 12. 2012

Gathering  - Giving New Life to the Old Testament, Sister Patricia

March - no meeting

April 15, May 20

June 9, 2012 - Saturday - Day of Reflection, Sister Patricia Kirk, O.S.B.

 

September 7-9, 2012

Annual Oblate Retreat

St. Gertrude Monastery, Ridgely, MD

Retreat Master will be

Rev. Matthew Luft, O.S.B.

St. John’s Abbey

Collegeville, MN

Benedictine Oblates Begin New Season with Retreat

RB Notes Volume XXVII Number 2 - Fall 2011

What is an Oblate?  Oblates are any interested lay or cleric, single or married, male or female adult who wishes to follow the Rule of St. Benedict as their state in life permits.  Many oblates are Catholic as well as Episcopalian, Methodist, Lutheran, etc.  Oblates are affiliated with a local monastery or abbey.

The Oblates affiliated with St. Gertrude Monastery in Ridgely, Maryland  will begin their 2011-2012 season with an Annual Retreat, “Dealing with Stress the Benedictine Way” with the help of Retreat Master Ray Studzinski, O.S.B., Ph.D., September 16^th through 18^th .  If you are considering joining an oblate group, please join us on November 13^th to meet our current oblates (29), novices (4), and inquirers (25) as well as the Benedictine Sisters.

Sister Roni Daniels, O.S.B., Directress of the Oblates will lead at least four new novices through instruction on the Rule of Benedict.  The novices will look forward to celebrating their oblations at the end of 2012.

The oblates generally meet the second Sunday of each month for Praise, Mass, and Brunch followed by a meeting.  Some past topics for instruction and discussion have been the Rule of Benedict, Lectio Divina, prayer, saints, stability, humility, and listening just to name a few. 

Oblates attend an Annual Weekend Retreat (mentioned above), an Annual One Day Retreat, and also a North American Oblates gathering every other year.  Several oblates are selected to attend the North American Association of Benedictine Oblate Directors Biennial meeting; and in 2013, the Benedictine Oblates affiliated with St. Gertrude Monastery may be chosen to send two oblates to the Third World Congress of Oblates in Rome.  Yes, there are 10,889 Benedictine Oblates in the United States, and 25,481 all over the world!

For additional information, please contact Sr. Roni Daniels, O.S.B., Directress at 410-634-2497 x1418, email:  vdaniels50@hotmail.com or Cyndy Ingram, Obl. O.S.B. at 410-479-1739, email:  cynthia.ingram@benschool.org

Oblate Retreat - July 23-25, 2004 - Rest & Relaxation the Benedictine Way

The first weekend retreat of the Ridgely Benedictine Oblates  - Rest and Relaxation the Benedictine Way was held July 23 – July 25 , 2004.

From check in to check out, the oblates experienced prayer, praise, eucharist, community, adoration, silence, conference and discussion.

Ably lead by their Directress, Sr. Mary Paul, thought provoked by the retreat speaker, Abbot Aiden Shaw, pilgrim-lead to Norcia, Subiacco, Monte Cassino and Rome by past Directress, Sr. Patricia Gamgort and discussion-inspired by Sr. Miriam Ruth, past Directress and Sr. Roni, the oblates ran the gamut from conversatio to lectio, from Eucharist to Scripture, prayer to prayer and from meal to meal.

Abbot Aiden, from St. Anselm Abbey in Washington, DC caused us to ponder and discuss and even left us with an assignment to draw the house that is us.

After the first evening’s lecture, he asked us:

·        What does power mean?

·        How do I use it?  How does it use me?

·        Who has power over me?

·        How much power do I give others over me?

·        How much power do I give Jesus?

Power is my ability to produce an effect and my ability to or willingness to undergo an effect.

God’s love for us and ours for him must come before ALL else.  Love is at the top and showers down on everything.

Abbot Aiden handed out the following meditation by St. Irenaeus of Lyons:

It is not you who shape God.  It is God

Who shapes you.  If then you are the work

Of God, await the hand of the artist who

Does all things in due season.

Offer him your heart, soft and tractable,

And keep the form in which the artist has

Fashioned you.  Let the clay be moist,

Lest you grow hard and lose the imprint

Of his fingers.

Then the Abbot went on to say we should acknowledge what power the Bible has over us.  Scripture has as much power as we give it.  If we hear questions in the scripture but settle for non-answers, we are fooling ourselves but not God.  Remember, the Bible is good news, not just information.  We should let it shape us.  Are we willing to be the clay for God to use and shape?  Are we willing to use the scripture to shape us?  He then gave us a quote from Deuteronomy 32:12 – Choose Life and from St. John 13, an invitation from Jesus to:

·        Live in God – honor the discipline of prayer.

·        Bear fruit – He doesn’t ask us to succeed.

·        Receive an offering from Jesus for joy – a joy we will know when we bond with Christ and it is a practice of healing by God (not to hurt another – “please forgive me.”

An abbot friend of Abbot Aiden’s told him, “When you become Abbot, pull out all the words in the Bible you wish God had not said and then re-read those passages again and again and again.”

If you think self is involved in anything, go apart and wrestle with God (as Jacob did – SEE Genesis 32).  Even though you may sustain an injury, the result will be that we will become people with bigger hearts.

In St. Luke, in the story of Jesus and Zachaeus, we are all too something (too short, too tall, too prejudiced).  Admit your shortcomings, stop using it as a crutch or as a weapon.  Admit it is there, accept it and use it.

Memorize – It is not you who shapes God;

                   It is God who shapes you.

Saturday evening we went on a pilgrimage to St. Benedict’s hometown, where he was a hermit and where he established his monasteries.  Sr. Patricia brought paintings, frescoes and actual photos she had taken in Italy to bring the Beginnings of Benedictinism alive for us.  We went from Norcia (Nursia) where St. Benedict was born, to Subiacco where he became a hermit to Monte Cassino where he wrote the Rule.  Sister also took us to Rome, the Beginnings of Christianity.  We also found out that it is believed that St. Benedict and St. Francis knew each other.  At Monte Cassino there have always been monks from St. Benedict’s time until now.

The room where St. Benedict wrote his Rule was NOT destroyed during WWII – the doorway still stands.

In Rome, Peter’s bones are there as well as all the Pope’s.

The last morning, the lecture of the Abbot pointed out that whether we like it or not we were born into a metaphor – everyone has a vocation.  That is to live in union with God as we are.  And a secondary vocation of what one does with one’s life is a collaboration of God and me.

You were born a person, a metaphor for consciousness – it means I accept responsibility for what I am.  You and I can be metaphors for God, but it depends on us.  I must be:

·        Alive to the mystery of God

·        Alive to the mystery of Life

·        Responsive to what is my Vocation.

Our covenant is that we, by choice, are linked to one another (all others) and to God.

Hebrews 3 – You are God’s house – metaphor – our assignment:  to sketch the house you are.

Imagine yourself as a living house.  God comes in to

Rebuild that house.  At first, perhaps, you can understand

What He is doing.  He is getting the drains right and

Stopping the leaks in the roof and so on:  you knew that

Those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised.

But presently He starts knocking the house about in a

Way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make

Sense.  What on earth is He up to?  The explanation is

That He is building quite a different house from the

One you thought of—throwing out a new wing here,

Putting on an extra floor there, running up towers,

Making courtyards.  You thought you were going to be

Made into a decent little cottage:  but He is building a

Palace.  He intends to come and live in it Himself.

                                      Mere Christianity

                                      Book IV Chapter 9

                                      C. S. Lewis

I lived in a house

With two real windows and the other two painted on.

Those painted windows caused my first sorrow.

I’d touch the sides of the hall

Trying to reach the windows from inside.

I spent my whole childhood wanting

To lean out and see what could be seen

From the windows that weren’t there.

                                      Gloria Fuertes

Ring the bells that still can ring.

Forget the perfect offering.

There is a crack in everything—

It’s how the light gets in.

                                      Amnesty

                                      Leonard Cohen

May 1997 - Who or What is an Oblate?

from May 1997 RB "NOTES"

An Oblate of Saint Benedict is a Christian lay person who associates one's self with a Benedictine monastery in order to share in the spiritual and material good works of the community.  An Oblate does not live in community, nor take vows, but carries out the usual duties of one's particular state in life, wherever one is, continuing whatever profession or occupation in life one has while caring for family, friends and others.

The purpose of being affiliated with a Benedictine community is to receive help and guidance to develop a richer prayer life and to live a fuller Christian life.  Thus, the role of an Oblate in the Church is, to live in the world, to become holy in the world, and do what one can to bring the world to God.

May 1997 - An Enriching Journey with the Oblates of St. Gertrude Continues

from May 1997 RB "NOTES"

Picture 1 includes Betty and Gerry Millea, Fran Dunnington, Mary and Clarence Kibler, Susie Booze, ?, Rosemary Kinnamon, Mary Ann Palmer, ?Roland Fountain, Elizabeth Owens.
Picture 2 includes Sr. Barbara Ann Gondek, Sr. Mary Paul McLaughlin, and Sr. Claire Ableman

The transfer of leadership of the Oblates of St. Gertrude Monastery took place during the Annual Retreat Day in April.  Sr. Mary Paul McLaughlin, Prioress, presided over the ceremony in which Sr. Claire Ableman replaced Sr. Barbara Ann Gondek as Oblate Directress.

Sr. Barbara Ann first began working with the Oblates as an assistant to Sr. Miriam Ruth Wilk, her predessor, from 1988 to 1990.  In May, 1990, Sr. Barbara Ann became Oblate Directress, a position she has enjoyed for the last seven years.

Having a Scripture and teaching background as well as possessing a keen interest in the RULE of BENEDICT, had helped prepare Sr. Barbara Ann for this enrichign experience.

"Being Oblate Directress put into practice Benedict's concept of the monastery as 'a school of the Lord's service,'" noted Sr. Barbara Ann.  "Although my role was to be the facilitator, at times, I became the student.  The experience of being Oblate Directress was an exchange of gifts as Matthew says in his Gospel, 'The gift you have received give as a gift.'"

Sr. Claire Ableman, who has a Scripture and teaching background as well as many years of ...[continued on page 6 which is temporarily not available]

September 1992 - A Decade Ends for Oblate Directress

from September 1992 RB "NOTES"

Often in years past, Sisters had expressed the desirability of having Oblates of St. Benedict affiliated with St. Gertrude's.  Sr. Miriam Ruth Wilk was always the most ardent proponent of such a program.  During Lent of 1982, Sr. Patricia supported and encouraged her in inviting persons who might be interested in the idea.  Sixteen women and men responded by joining the Sisters for Mass and dinner on May 27 of that year.  Rev. Adrian Fuerst, OSB of St. Meinrad Archabbey, then discussed with them the meaning and advantages of Benedictine oblation.  A year and a half later, seven persons made their commitment.  Nearly every year since then, there has been a commitment ceremony for new Oblates.

During the first decade, Sr. Miriam Ruth directed the program.  Sr. Anselma Biskach has assisted, especially by her moral support and by chauferring.  Srs. Mary Joseph Dougherty, Marie Consolata Billingsley, and Mary Louise Robino have given invaluable help in meetings held in the Wilmington area.  More recently, Sr. Barbara Ann Gondek became co-directress and is now in charge of the program.

Although Sr. Miriam Ruth coordinated most of the monthly sessions, she often invited guest speakers, especially for days of recollection.  Frequently, too, Sr. Patricia or some other member of the community led a discussion on the Liturgy of the Hours or on some aspect of the RULE and monastic life.  More recently, Sr. Barbara Ann, as assistant, had addressed the group.  Hence, there was nothing unusual on the first Sunday of May when the latter chaired the session.  The theme and the outcome were a surprise to Sr. Miriam Ruth, however; for it was a farewell and ....[rest of article temporarily missing]

Fall 1990 - On Being an Oblate, Gerald Millea, Obl. OSB

from Fall 1990 RB "NOTES"

When Betty and I were invited to become acquainted with the Oblate program, I was not enthusiastic.  I was concerned that joining a "spiritual group" would become an onerous, unnecessary burden, even in the daily life of a retiree.  Was I not already striving to live the Christian life?

Now, I give heartfelt thanks to the Lord for having become an Oblate affiliated with St. Gertrude's Benedictine community!

Being an Oblate has added immeasurably to my spiritual development, to my attempt to live as a Christian should, to growth in love and service, to my marriage.

How has being an Oblate brought about these benefits?  By attempting to live the RULE of BENEDICT; by being encouraged and guided in reading -- and meditating on -- the Bible and various other spiritual materials; by instruction and guidance in learning to pray; by the monthly brief (often proving too frief) instructional meetings and periodic Days of Recollection; by the inspiring affiliation with St. Gertrude's religious community; by the community's example; by the support, prayers, and inspiration provided by other Oblates; by Betty and my praying together and participating in the Liturgy of the Hours.  (If you want to know more about how to apply the ageless RULE to our modern daily lives, read Esther de Waal's ON SEEKING GOD, for example.)

I wish I had become an Oblate years ago!

Fall 1990 - Reflections on Being an Oblate, Betty Millea, Obl. OSB

from Fall 1990 RB "NOTES"

J[G]erry and I have been asked for a reflection on "Being an Oblate."  We have decided that we shall work separately for this project.  First, I shall tell how I feel about being an Oblate of St. Benedict; and then Jerry will share his reflections.  They may be the same; they may be quite different.  Let's see!

Jerry and I like to start our daily worship by offering Morning Praise together.  It makes us aware of God's presence with us that day.  Through this prayer of the Church, we glorify God, give praise, and render thanks for all the blessings and gifts that are ours.  And we also tell God of our needs.  To start the day in such a manner is really great.  When we omit Morning Praise for a day or two, it begins to "show."  It seems that we haven't put the emphasis where it belongs in our daily lives -- which, as we grow older -- become shorter and shorter!

Being an Oblate deepens one's religious view of life.  St. Benedict teaches many ways to develop that view; e.g., it's learning to listen; learning to pray, play, and work each day; learning moderation; and it's learning to be a part of and to participate in a wonderful Christian community.  I feel at home at St. Gertrude's.  The Sisters share so much with the Oblates; they give us lessons in real hospitality.  I think of how they treat us, and that makes me want to treat our guests in the same way; i.e., being totally there for our guests or -- as a matter of fact -- there for all who cross our paths.  Lastly, it's sharing with Sr. Miriam Ruth, our directress from the beginning, in appreciating all she does to make us better Oblates over the years.

Fall 1990 - Betty Manning Enters New Life

from Fall 1990 Ridgely Benedictine NOTES

On June 26, Betty Manning, Obl. OSB, made her final oblation to God as she died peacefully, at age 64, in Florida.

The Community first met Betty soon after she and husband, Don, moved from New Jersey to nearby Bridgetown.  After Jogging in the safety and quiet of the monastery grounds, Betty often joined the Sisters for the 6:30 Mass and occasionally had her morning coffee with them.  It wasn't long before she volunteered at St. Martin's Barn; and Don, a retired physical education teacher, helped at the Benedictine School.

On October 21 of 1984, Betty was among the second group to make their offering as Oblates of St. Benedict at St. Gertrude's.  After she was diagnosed with cancer, and even when she and Don moved to Florida, she kept in touch with the Community:  she sent pictures of herself and her new home, described her parish involvement, mailed her handmade items for the annual craft sale, and often wrote to Sr. Miriam Ruth Wilk, Directress of the Oblate program.

The Sisters and Oblates remember Betty as a model of faith and cheerfulness; and they are confident that they have in her an intercessor for them and their needs.

Oblate Directress History 2012 - 1983

• 2012 - Present    ----   Sister MaryLou Robino, O.S.B.
• 2008 - 2011       ----   Sister Roni Daniels, O.S.B.
• 2003 - 2008       ----   Sister Mary Paul McLaughlin, O.S.B.
• 1997 - 2003       ----   Sister Immaculata Houtman, O.S.B.
• 1997 - 1997       ----   Sister Claire Ableman, O.S.B.
• 1990 - 1997       ----   Sister Barbara Ann Gondek, O.S.B.  [1988-1990 Co-Directress]
• 1986                  ----   Sister Stephen Marshalewski, Assistant Directress in Wilmington, DE
• 1983 - 1990       ----   Sister Miriam Ruth Wilk, O.S.B., Foundress
• 1983                  ----   Sister Patricia Gamgort, O.S.B., Prioress, Initiator

Winter 1986 "Noteworthy"

from Ridgely Benedictine Notes "Noteworthy" section Winter 1986

Oblate Notes - Recent meeting for the Oblates of St. Benedict affiliated with St. Gertrude Priory included talks on Our Lady of Montserrat and Our Lady of Einsiedeln.  January's discussion centered on St. Benedict in the context of the monastic tradition, and February was devoted to Lectio Divina.

Sr. Stephen Marshalewski now assists Sr. Miriam Ruth at the Oblate sessions when they are held at St. Elizabeth's in Wilmington.

Spring 1985 - "Noteworthy"

from Ridgely Benedictine Notes, "Noteworthy" section Spring 1985

Although the Oblates of St. Benedict are always apprciative of the programs which Sr. Miriam Ruth arranges for them, there was an unusually positive response to the March 3 [1985] session's "Call to Discipleship," a talk given by Mother Patricia.

Winter, 1983-84 - Oblation Ceremony Held at Priory

article from Winter, 1983-84 Vol. III, Number 2 Ridgely Benedictine Notes

The jubilee day of November 19, 1983, was crowned by another event, the first of its kind in the long history of the Ridgely Benedictine Community.  Mother Patricia Gamgort presided over the oblation ceremony of seven persons from northern Delaware.  The Community's first Oblates of St. Benedict are the following:  Susan Peluso, chemist; Dina Stewart, and Catherine Maguire, nurses; Pat Peterson, teacher at St. Elizabeth School; Judith Woodson Taylor, wife and mother; Joseph Koyne, husband and father; and Rose Marie Curran, chairperson of the Social Studies Department at St. Mark High School.

Other potential Oblates, all from the Eastern Shore of Maryland, are in the formation stage.

Anyone interested in learning about affilation with St. Gertrude Priory as an Oblate of St. Benedict is invited to write to Sr. Miriam Ruth Wilk.

August 1982 Oblates-To-Be

from August, 1982 Vol. 1, Number 4 Ridgely Benedictine Notes

Benedictinism is simply Christianity lived to its fullest.  And the RULE OF BENEDICT is so practicable that living by its principles has not been limited to monks and nuns.  For centuries, the laity and clergy have found the RULE to be a sound guide for enriching their lives.

Ansious to have others share our heritage, Sr. Miriam Ruth Wilk invited to "The Plains" anyone she thought might be interested in affiliation with St. Gertrude Priory as Oblates of St. Benedict.  Sixteen women and men shared the Eucharist and dinner with the Community on May 27.  Afterwards, Fr. Adrian Fuerst invited questions and then expanded upon the meaning and benefits of Benedictine oblation.  The participation of the group showed that they sincerely wish to deepen their spiritual lives.  Since the advantages of modeling their lives on the RULE and the prospect of being united to a monastic community appealed to them, an organizational meeting for Oblates has been set for September 30[1982].

In the "Noteworthy..." section of same issue:

Srs. Miriam Ruth and Anselma joined other directors of Oblate Programs for a workshop at St. Louis Abbey in Pevely, Missouri....

September 1992 - A Decade Ends for Oblate Directress

from Ridgely Benedictine NOTES - September 1992

Often in years past, Sisters had expressed the desirability of having Oblates of St. Benedict affiliated with St. Gertrude's.  Sr. Miriam Ruth Wilk was always the most ardent proponent of such a program.  During Lent of 1982, Sr. Patricia supported and encouraged her in inviting persons who might be interested in the idea.  Sixteen women and men responded by joining the Sisters for Mass and dinner on May 27 of that year.  Rev. Adrian Fuerst, O.S.B. of St. Meinrad Archabbey, then discussed with them the meaning and advantages of Benedictine oblation.  A year and a half later, seven persons made their commitment.  Nearly every year since then, there has been a commitment ceremony for new Oblates.

During the first decade, Sr. Miriam Ruth directed the program.  Sr. Anselma Biskach has assisted, especially by her moral support and by chauferring.  Srs. Mary Joseph Doughtery, Marie Consolata Billingsley, and Mary Louise Robino have given invaluable help in meetings held in the Wilmington area.  More recently, Sr. Barbara Ann Gondek became co-directress and is now in charge of the program.

Although Sr. Miriam Ruth coordinated most of the monthly sessions, she often invited guest speakers, especially for days of recollection.  Frequently, too, Sr. Patricia or some other member of the community led a discussion on the Liturgy of the Hours or on some aspect of the RULE and monastic life.  More recently, Sr. Barbara Ann, as assistant, had addressed the group.  Hence, there was nothing unusual on the first Sunday of May when the latter chaired the session.  The theme and the outcome were a surprise to Sr. Miriam Ruth, however; for it was a farewell and....[note from blog master, "looking for rest of article"]