The 2024 Benedictine Oblates National Convention

The 6th National Convention of Benedictine Oblates of the Philippines, themed: “Moving Forward Living the Wisdom of the Rule,” convened more than 200 participants nationwide. Hailing from the various monasteries and communities such as Our Lady of Peace Abbey (BNEK Digos City); Our Lady of Good Counsel Monastery (BNEK Tagum City); Immaculate Heart of Mary Abbey (BNEK Vigan City); Queen of Peace Priory (BSEK Binmaley); St. Benedict Priory (BSEK Calapan); St. Benedict Priory (BSEK Surigao); Generalate House (BSEK Cubao); St. Benedict Priory (BSEK Ulas); Queen of Peace Priory (BSEK Zambales); St. Benedict Priory (BSEK Zamboanga); Benedictine Monastery Perpetual Adoration (Benedictine Sisters Reparatrices of the Sacred Heart – Mexico); St. Benedict House of Prayer (Tiwi, Albay); Monastery of the Transfiguration (Malaybalay); Our Lady of Montserrat Abbey (Manila); St. Scholastica (Manila) and Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing (Marikina) and held at St. Scholastica Retreat House, Our Lady of Peace Abbey, Cogon, Digos City, from May 2nd to 5th, 2024, this assembly served as a momentous occasion to rekindle commitment to the Benedictine Spirituality of ORA et LABORA (Prayer and Work).

The first day commenced with an orientation and a Holy Mass celebrated by Most Rev. Guillermo Afable, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Digos. In his homily, Bishop Afable reminded attendees of the unifying power of love, transcending religious affiliations and binding individuals together in God’s commandments and joy.

Throughout the convention, participants engaged in the rhythm of prayer, from lauds (Morning Prayer) to vespers (Evening Prayer), experiencing grace and spiritual rejuvenation through psalm singing and communal worship.

The second day featured insightful sessions, including a conference and workshop led by Rev. Fr. Pachomius Ma. San Juan, OSB. He emphasized:

1. Eagerness for the work of God, that is, the Opus Dei and Lectio.
2. Eagerness for obedience.
3. Eagerness for humiliations, meaning not to run away from life’s everyday trials.

These occupations correspond to the purpose and mission of every monastic oblate: to know, to praise, and to serve God. We remain pilgrims, yet hopeful that one day we shall see him. But for now, in our respective communities, we seek him.

I was struck by his statement, “My dear oblates, wherever you are, follow the rule of Benedict without necessarily moving into a monastery.” Back in college, I had a strong desire to become religious, but due to health issues, I was unable to persevere. I tried joining more than five religious communities. Then, a Redemptorist Priest became my Spiritual Director and invited me to explore Third Order communities. Working in the Diocese of Tagum, I discovered the Benedictine Monastery, where my journey as a Benedictine oblate began. It made me realize that what is essential is living with values. Hospitality, Humility, Peace, Reconciliation, Social Justice, and Silence are some of the values I admire living as an oblate.

He added, “Wherever we are, here, there, wherever, God is with us. Your calling is to apply monastic wisdom to the complexities of everyday life, whether in family, work, or community engagements. The rule of Benedict, with its emphasis on MODERATION, MINDFULNESS, and the DIGNITY OF WORK, provides timeless guidance that can help navigate the challenges of modern living.”

On the third day, Mo. Cecile A. Lanas, OSB, shared about Expanding the Mission of the Monasteries through the Oblates, enlarging the Space of our Tent (Isaiah 54:2).

She made us realize to ask ourselves, how we would be able to support monasteries and expand the Benedictine Charism with other oblates around the country or throughout the world.

During workshops and presentations, I was amazed by the hopes, dreams, and plans of my fellow oblates for their respective monasteries and communities. However, amidst these aspirations, I’ve come to recognize that what is essential nowadays is healing, reconciliation, silence, and prayer within families, proper catechism among children, and good parenting among parents.

The convention was an engaging experience. The gathering concluded on May 5, 2024, with a Holy Mass and shared some bonding moments at Haven’s Resort Kapatagan.

An oblate’s life is ordinary yet prayerful, mindful, and in greater harmony with oneself, others, and God.

THAT IN ALL THINGS GOD MAY BE GLORIFIED. AMEN.

(Sara Mae Sotomil – DiTaSCom)