oblate

In Christianity (specifically the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran, Anglican and Methodist traditions), an oblate is a person associated with a Benedictine monastery or convent who is specifically dedicated to God and service. Oblates are individuals, either laity or clergy, normally living in general society, who, while not professed monks or nuns, have individually joined themselves to a Benedictine monastic community associated with a certain Christian denomination, such as the Catholic Church or Lutheran Church. Individuals become oblates by undergoing an investiture in which they resolve to follow the Rule of Saint Benedict in their private lives. The Divine Office (canonical hours) is a focus of Benedictines and oblates strive to pray these individually or with others, including w...