New Oblate

Randy Rosenthal signs his oblation on the alter.

At Sunday vespers Randy Rosenthal made his Oblation as a Mount Michael Oblate. Afterwords a reception was held in the monastery.

What is an oblate? 
Literally translated, an "oblate" is an offering, or someone who offers himself or herself to God. In the world today, Oblates of St. Benedict are everyday people who seek to live extraordinary lives of devotion. Because Oblates of St. Benedict offer themselves for the service of God in their everyday lives, in so far as their station in life permits, they come from and continue to live out their faith in all walks of life. They might be farmers, office or industrial workers, homemakers, students, bankers, health care workers, lawyers or teachers. They may be Catholic or non-Catholic, young or old.

Oblates take no binding vows, but they dedicate themselves in a special way to live as balanced Christian people, offering witness to the world of Christ's transformative power. What sets them apart from other devoted Christian people is their special way of living out an enriched Christian life, according to the Gospel as reflected in the Rule of St. Benedict. - More Photos

Randy Rosenthal and Abbot Michael Liebl O.S.B.