The oblates gathering after Mass

After several substantial delays lasting two years, the oblates were finally able to gather for a Day of Recollection at the Abbey on Sunday, March 20. Brother Sixtus Roslevich welcomed the group, who arrived for the 9:30 AM conventual Mass of the Third Sunday of Lent. After Mass, the oblates renewed their promises of oblation to Abbot Michael Brunner. At the center of their promises was the following statement: “I renew my oblation and offer myself to Almighty God, through the Blessed Virgin Mary and our Holy Father Benedict, as an Oblate of The Abbey of Our Lady Queen of Peace and Saint Gregory the Great, and promise again to dedicate myself to the service of God and mankind according to the Rule of Saint Benedict, insofar as my state in life permits.” The topic of the day’s subsequent reflection was “Lectio Divina,” and the oblates not only learned about the practice, but participated in the prayer of lectio. 

 

 

Abbot Michael Brunner and Brother Sixtus Roslevich at Renewal of Promises

After their renewed promises of oblation, the group proceeded to the Stillman Dining Hall for a delicious brunch prepared by the dining hall staff. Participants numbered about thirty, including the day’s visitor-of-honor Fr. Christopher Davis, who was able to join the oblates for the event. The group listened to a presentation on Lectio Divina offered by Mrs. Gerrie Beebe, herself an oblate of the Abbey. This was the second Day of Recollection Gerrie has led for the oblates. She described the nature of lectio and the various techniques that are used in this prayerful reading of scripture. She then invited the oblates, divided among three tables, to engage in a group experience of lectio based on the readings of Saint Joseph’s Day. She outlined the basic procedure for the lectio, as progressing through four stages: lectio, meditatio, oratio, and contemplatio. These stages – reading, meditating, praying, and contemplating - are designed to attain an ever-deeper level of prayer and of an understanding of the text, to enable the reader to truly hear and engage in God‘s word. As Gerrie said, “We too often are speaking in prayer and not always listening. Lectio allows us to listen more fully.” At Portsmouth, the practice of lectio has always been understood as an integral part of Benedictine spirituality, prescribed in the rule of Saint Benedict itself. Recently, the Manquehue Apostolic Movement has reinvigorated the practice here, helping the school to integrate it into student and faculty spiritual life. Indeed, the practice now crosses denominations and offers not only a valuable tool for spiritual growth, but also possibilities for wider communion within the Christian community. 

 

 

Mrs. Gerrie Beebe presenting Lectio Divina

After experiencing lectio, which was familiar to many oblates yet new for some, the group returned to the church to join the monastic community for midday prayer. Confessions were then available, and many availed of the sacrament. Brother Sixtus expressed his sense that the Day of Recollection had been a great blessing: “It went tremendously well. Many were so grateful after all this time to be able to come together again. And Gerrie did a great job in presenting lectio.”

 

 

Brunch in the Stillman Dining Hall

The long overdue gathering also generated discussion about the development of the oblates, and plans for the next Day of Recollection, still to be determined. (Note: late June is looking like a good option - we will keep you posted.) The oblates were reminded of several upcoming Portsmouth Institute events, notably the flagship summer symposium, which has been shortened to two days but will be held in person this June 10-11, 2022.