Oblation Station

Yet another step in the journey.

I have been conversing with Fr. H from the monastery in Idaho the past couple of months. Obviously, the biggest issue with becoming an Oblate is transportation. While I can indeed drive, my driving abilities in the snow are non-existent and it would be rather hard for me to get to the Monastery for the Oblation Candidate Ceremony. Secondly, school is the next problem. The Monastery is holding a retreat in a couple of months, but my classes don’t allow for me to miss them easily.

Fr. H offered to send me three things: a copy of the Rule, a St. Benedict medal that candidates receive upon the ceremony, as well as the ceremony proceedings for Fr. L or another priest to perform; thus making me an official Oblate Candidate. I still need to call Fr. L and discuss; but I don’t think that Fr. L would not perform the ceremony for me unless he felt that I was not cut out for monastic life.

The earliest I could visit the Monastery is in March of next year (provided they have room). I am hoping that perhaps the weather breaks around Christmastime and I can spend some time at the Monastery then.

I do not know when I will have Fr. L perform the ceremony (provided he will, of course). I want to hear his thoughts once more and then make a final decision. Although I already know what my final decision is, I want to make sure that the motivation is pure.

::nervous::

Your prayers are appreciated greatly.