The Oblate Life

Oblates are men and women who are called by God to a deeper commitment to Christ rooted in a generous response to the living out of their Baptismal vows. They are spiritually affiliated to a particular Abbey and to its Community.

Edgware Abbey Oblates are drawn to a Benedictine Spirituality as lived out in that particular Abbey under the Rule of St Benedict: they feel a growing desire to share in its life and prayer, within the context of life "in the world".

The Edgware Abbey Oblate group was started in 1998 when the Abbess and Chapter received a request from several friends of the Community to establish the Oblate Life within the Community.  They feel very much like a small family and very much part of the Community:  they are keen to welcome new members.

By the example of their Way of Life, Oblates seek to spread the Gospel and Wisdom Teaching of St Benedict.  Each Oblate is helped by the Sisters to work out a Way of Life suitable to their own circumstances.

They are expected to observe regular personal prayer and reading, and a regular sacramental life and worship.  They make an annual retreat and attend Oblate reflection days at the Abbey to permit them to study and pray together.

To allow them to bond to the Benedictine Way, they commit themselves to regular contact with the Community and learn about its history and good works; they agree to offer some regular service to the Community.

To help their spiritual quest, they undertake regular study of the Rule of St Benedict, and say part of the Daily Prayer of the Church.

If, after prayer and learning more about St Benedict you think that this might be the way for you to live out your baptismal promises, please contact Mother Abbess at the Abbey.