Chapter 16
The Rule of Benedict October 20
A daily schedule of prayer is one way in which the practice of the oblates would differ from that of the canons. Canons, it seems to me, will conform to a set schedule of prayer (tbd) as they are able, whereas oblates create their own schedule as their life allows. This is a consistent difference between the practices of Benedictine oblates and monks.
Do the oblates and monks pray out of the breviary or is the BCP also used? Would oblates share their schedule with the superior to establish some level of accountability (for lack of another word)? Peace, Julie
ReplyDeleteThere are no hard and fast rules regarding the prayer book(s) used within the practice of an oblate. My initial thoughts are that the Canon community will arrive at a specific schedule and form and then oblates will be free to choose how that schedule and form will inform their own practice.
ReplyDeleteThe oblates are not accountable (under obedience) to the Superior of the Canon community, but are under the direction of an oblate director. The relationship is much more akin to that which one would have with a spiritual director. That said, it would be the oblate director with whom an oblate could choose to consult about her prayer practice. Of course, the Superior and oblate director might be one in the same person . . . : )