Oblates Celebrate Commitment

At Vespers on Sunday, April 28, at St. Walburga Monastery, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, five men and women became oblates of the monastery, committing themselves to live out the spirituality of the Rule of Saint Benedict in association with the community at St. Walburga. In addition, those oblates attending the ceremony were invited to make a public renewal of their commitment to this way of life. Sister Mariette Thérèse Bernier, OSB, Prioress, officiated at the celebration.

A number of inquirers were inducted into the oblate-candidate program  as well. Sister Mariette Thérèse received two oblate-candidates for St Walburga Monastery and the Reverend Joseph Voltaggio, OSB, received two candidates for the oblate program at St Mary’s Abbey Morristown. This marks the beginning of a collaborative oblate formation process between the two monasteries.

Photo Above: Sister Mariette Thérèse Bernier questions five candidates on their readiness to pronounce their permanent commitment as oblates of the monastery. From left are: William Hofer, Marie Calixte, Lisa Shimko, Aurora Ordiales, and Frances Yule-Rappa.

Sister Mariette Thérèse instructs two new oblate-candidates . From left are: Dorothy Thayer and Frances Michetti.

Rev. Joseph Voltaggio, OSB, Director of Vocations, St. Mary’s Abbey, blessed two new oblate- novices, Edward Gorman, and Thomas Stanley.