Oblate News
2026–2027 Theme: Awaken
The Oblate Steering Committee has chosen "Awaken" as our theme for the 2026-2027 year. This theme was inspired by the talk given by Father Timothy Joyce, OSB, at our Saint Benedict's Feast Day celebration. Father Tim awakened us to the fact that Benedictines around the world have begun a four-year Jubilee celebration, culminating with the 1500 anniversary of the establishment of a community at Monte Cassino by Saint Benedict in 529 CE. Father Tim invited us to explore what it means "to awaken to our place in the world of monasticism as well as the church throughout the world."
Oblate Occurrences
October 2026
The Oblates met October 6, 2026, for their monthly meeting. A presentation was given by John Hopkins regarding the cellarer of a monastery as mentioned in Chapter 32 of The Rule of St. Benedict. John discussed how the chapter connects to this year's theme, "Awaken."
The cellarer is the monastic officer in an abbey responsible for managing the community's physical provisions,supplies and everyday operations. His assignment is to take care of everything but he also must follow any orders from the abbot.
The individual chosen as cellarer must be someone who is wise, mature in conduct and temperament; not proud, offensive or wasteful, but God-fearing, and like a parent to the whole community.
With gratitude and prayer,
The Oblate Steering Committee: Steve Tomolo, Dennis Dalton, John Hopkins, Barbara Mirabito, Carol Stanton and Fr. Albrecht Nyce, OSB, Oblate Director.
Contact Fr. Albrecht Nyce (Oblate Director) with any questions. Pax.
Upcoming Events
Click here for the Oblate calendar for 2026-27.
Oblates Monthly Meeting: Tuesday, November 3, at Glastonbury Abbey.
The topic is Weak & Strong
MC: Barbara
Presenter, Carol Stanton, OblSB (Marmion)
A Personal Reflection on Chapter 64: The Election of the Abbot/Abbess:
Awakening to our call to be "carers of souls".
In the Gospel eco-system of the Rule of St. Benedict, the interplay between
the men and women elected to lead/nurture and the members of a community is all about the entanglement of three things: the temperament of the leader, the care of individual needs, and the common good. At its core the Benedictine Rule is embodied and relational. It is incarnational, taking on flesh as it is lived. By reflecting on three areas in our own lives, 1) groundings, 2) " containers," and 3) ongoing integration, we Oblates can awaken to our individual calling to keep alive this facet of the Benedictine charism.
Saturday, December 12, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM at Glastonbury Abbey's Morcone Center.
Awakening to God's Presence and Love: An Advent Day of Reflection
In the sacred season of Advent, consider choosing a place of silence, listening, and reflection. Amid the busyness of days filled with commitments, responsibilities, and activities, we will nurture ourselves spiritually as we wait and remain attentive, with hope and joy, to celebrate the mystery of the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
The Oblates of Glastonbury Abbey invite you to join us for a day of contemplative prayer and reflection, led by Benedictine Oblates Jean McDonald, Karen Casale and Steve Tumolo. All are welcome!
The day will include a talk by each presenter on the theme of Advent & Awakening, silent meditation, midday Mass at the chapel, lunch, time for sharing, and gentle music. You may come early or stay later to join the monks for morning prayer and vespers.
Click here to register. Suggested donation $20.