Brother Sixtus welcomes the Oblates

The Benedictine Oblates of Portsmouth Abbey gathered on Gaudete Sunday from throughout New England and beyond for an Advent Day of Recollection, the first since their last meeting on August 20, almost four months ago to the day. For many, it was indeed a day on which to rejoice together in the midst of the anticipatory days of the Advent Season, as more people feel comfortable to travel and to be together again in this post-Covid time. The student body had mostly vacated the campus on Thursday, December 14, allowing the oblates and their guests to have relatively free rein for their activities. The principle conference was given by Oblate Dionne Larson, who summarized her experience and insights gained at the Fifth International Oblates Congress in Rome in September. In addition to the conference, the Day of Recollection attendees joined the monastic community for the conventual Mass and for the midday office. The day also included time for personal prayer and reflection, divine adoration, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Dionne Larson addressing group

Dionne spoke to the assembled oblates of having the dream to travel to Italy after hearing about it from a friend. That dream had long awaited its fulfillment and was finally satisfied when our monastery won the lottery and was named one of the monastic houses able to send a representative oblate to the Congress. Dionne spoke humbly of leaving the simplicity of her Cumberland home, and with little travel experience, feeling like a child and in awe of her discovery of Italy and of Rome. “It was a beautiful experience, “she said, speaking of opening her screenless windows only to see a bird nearby, and appreciating the amazing view from her room. Truly appreciative of the rare opportunity, she commented, “Time passes by, and you miss out on a lot, so I am truly grateful.”

Oblates gather in Stillman Dining Hall
 

Oblate Michele Rentschler and Br. Joseph Byron

The logistics of the event were quite impressive. Dionne marveled at the translating headsets, which enabled 153 oblates from around the globe to speak in their native languages and be understood, with a flick of the switch to choose any language. This technological Pentecost was symbolic of the spiritual unity fostered by the event. The theme which focused the Congress was: Moving Forward: Living the Wisdom of the Rule. Of particular interest in the discussions was the hope of generating new membership among oblates, numbers of which had been affected by the pandemic. Different proposals were made and discussed concerning how each community might effect an increase in participation.

Oblates Bob and Gerrie Beebe

The spirit of the Congress was thoroughly Benedictine, and Dionne expressed her gratitude for learning so much about the Rule and Benedictine history. The congress was guided by the Rule and often returning to reflection or interpretation of its mission through Benedictine characteristics. These are also to guide oblate communities, and Dionne emphasized such themes as silence, friendship, hospitality, trust, and love. The highlight of the journey for Dionne, which distilled much of its impact, was her meeting with Pope Francis, an inspiring moment energized by the holiness of the pope and his presence among the oblate community.