Novice Oblate of St. Benedict

 Until now, I still find it amazing that I am part of the Benedictine family. For many years, I searched for a religious order where I truly belonged. I explored different paths and even received referrals from several priests, yet for various reasons, I did not pursue or remain in those communities.

My journey toward religious life has not been without wounds. Some past experiences caused me pain, but little by little, I am learning to let go and trust that God meets us where we are. Our Oblates director, who is also my spiritual director, once told me that the struggles I faced before my investiture were meant to strengthen my commitment as a Novice Oblate.

One of the things I love about the Rule of St. Benedict is its spirit of moderation and balance. It teaches a path of holiness that harmonizes prayer, work, and daily life.

For a long time, I thought I was meant to become a Carmelite, and I tried very hard to follow that path. I did not expect that the order I longed for would bring me so much pain. I just wanted to belong to a community of understanding, like-minded individuals who could guide me in living faithfully in the secular world. I wanted to grow in prayer, dwell in God’s Word, and learn more about Him and His saints. God is witness to the tears I have shed. I admit that, in part, there was a selfish reason I considered returning to the Carmelites, yet God had a different plan. Though I did not become a Carmelite, He gently led me to another beautiful monastic contemplative community—the Benedictine way of life.

Looking back, I see God’s hand guiding me through every step. He truly knows what is best for His children.

That in all things, God may be glorified. 

About Third Order and Oblates

When I was invested as a Benedictine Oblate Novice in our parish, some parishioners asked me what it meant and what happened during the investiture. One church server even thought I was a new convert to the Catholic Church.

To explain it simply. In the hierarchy of the Catholic Church, the First Order is for priests and friars. The Second Order is for religious sisters and nuns who also take vows like the first order. Lastly, the Third Order is for lay people. They live out the charism or spirituality of a religious order while living in the world. Examples are the Third Order Carmelites and Benedictine Oblates.

Some well-known Third Orders are the Carmelites, Dominicans, Franciscans, Augustinians, and Servites. I myself once became an aspirant in the secular branch of the Order of Discalced Carmelites and Third Order Carmelites. 

Members of these groups usually make promises to live according to the spirituality of the order. Oblates, on the other hand, are people who are spiritually attached to a specific Benedictine monastery. Like yours truly. The purpose of the Third Order or becoming an oblate is to deepen one’s faith and live the charism of the order while remaining in the secular world.

Each order has a different charism. For example, those drawn to prayer and contemplation may be attracted to the Carmelite spirituality. Because of this, there is usually an observation or formation period to help a person discern if that path is truly for them.

Let me quote: (From online source:)

"Third Orders are usually connected to mendicant orders like the Franciscans, Dominicans, and Carmelites. Oblates are connected to monastic communities such as the Benedictines.

Third Order members often gather in local groups or chapters. Oblates are usually connected directly to one monastery. Third Order members often take part in apostolic or charitable works related to their order. Oblates follow the Benedictine spirit of prayer and work, living it in their daily life at home. Members of Third Orders are sometimes called tertiaries. Members connected to a monastery are called oblates, which comes from a Latin word meaning “to offer oneself.”

In the end, there are many ways to grow closer to God and deepen our faith. These spiritual families are gifts that help us live a more Christ-centered life.