UK Lay Oblates Group

Last weekend I travelled to Prinknash Abbey near Gloucester to attend my first meeting of the UK Oblates Group onto which I was co-opted earlier this Autumn.  The Group only formed in recent years and is still finding its way with, regrettably, some of the Benedictine Abbeys in the UK still eyeing this well meaning group with suspicion which, among other desires, wish to assist fellow lay oblates serve their own communities in a spirit of collegiality and companionship.

 

 

An example of this is in Thomas Brunnhuber, (back row second right), taking up the unenviable task as the UK national coordinator for the International Oblates Congress being held in Rome during 2013.  Please visit the website for further information.

 

I have always been keen to visit Prinknash Abbey as it was from there that Pluscarden abbey was refounded in 1948 and regret not seeing it in its heyday when it held over forty monks.  Now their numbers have reduced somewhat with the age profile such that half the community are 80 or over in years.  Having said that the Benedictine ethos remains burning brightly as the go about their Ora et Labora.  Father Abbot is the chief incense maker sending the world famous Prinknash incense in various grades around the globe.  The community has returned to its original buildings at St Peter's Grange and it was there I stayed in the guest wing during my visit.

 

 

Inside the Chapel are some wonderful murals painted around the walls; truly poingnant simplicity at its best.  The photograph of the Crucifixion below is startling and is positioned above the main door so as you exit it is another reminder what our Lord did for us.

The Abbey is also fortunate in having two priest monks who regulary offer the Sacrifice of the Mass in the Tridentine Rite, or to be politically correct, the Forma Extraordinaria.  Whilst there the redoubtable Dom Damian OSB offered such a wonderful Mass.

 

 As usual more photos from my visit may be seen HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

La profession d’oblat de frère Alan Pierre-Benoît

 

Last weekend I had the honour in accompanying my dear friend Alan, who is also my schola master, and sœur Dorothy Marie-André OSB (Obl) to L’Abbeye Notre Dame d’Argentan, a community of contemplative Benedictine nuns in the region of Lower Normandy, France.  

Alan was to receive the honour of becoming an Oblate of the Abbey following a two year period as postulant.  This he humbly received in a very moving ceremony during Mass on Monday 8^th October when a true relic of St Benedict was displayed on the altar.

Alan Pierre-Benoit recites his Vows at the Altar

The Abbey is very ancient founded in the sixth century and as one would expect of such an old Abbey, a colourful history.  It was sacked during the Norman period, dissolved during the French revolution and bombed during the Second World War.

 

Housed within the Abbey is a relic of St Opportune, an abbess of the Abbey during the 8^th Century. St. Opportune is very famous as in intercessor for childless couples.  Whilst there we were shown albums of letters, and more recently of photographs, from thankful parents who have now been blessed by children.

Reliquary of St Opportune

Reliquary of St Benedict

The good sisters of Argentan truly live the Rule; in their hearts, minds, words and deeds.  Their unrestrained hospitality was a wonder to behold.  Without exception the faces of the community literally “lit-up” with love and joy when they saw Alan and Dorothy.  They made sure I was not forgotten and given a loving welcome as a fellow Benedictine oblate.

The Abbey has been blessed with the wisdom of its Abbesse Mère Mariè-Paul, a very wise woman, as indeed is her predecessor Mère Abbesse Emerita Mariè-Joseph.  We were most fortunate to have a number of meetings with the Abbess and I recall one of her wonderful pronouncements:

We have so much for which to be thankful in this life. It is a good job we have an eternity to give thanks as it will take all eternity to offer them.

Mother Abbess,standing back left, Mother Infirmarian back right, Mother Emerita seated front.


We left with little gifts of prayers and tokens to remind us of a truly wonderful weekend; one of which we hope to repeat in the future.

In your kindness please pray for frère Alan Pierre-Benoit and the community of L’Abbeye Notre Dame d’Argentan.

As usual a small set of photographs is available HERE