Rite for Reception of Oblate Candidates
After the Our Father at the end of Vespers, the candidates go before the altar. The superior and/or oblate director greet the candidates silently.
Presider: Let us pray. O God, hear our prayer for those who today begin their candidacy as oblates of the Monastery of the Ascension. We thank you for bringing them to us. Following the Benedictine Rule and tradition may they come to share by patience in the sufferings of Christ and so enter into the joy of his resurrection. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
Presider: What do you seek?
Candidates: I seek to serve God as an Oblate of the Monastery of the Ascension.
Presider: Let us pray: ever-living God, we ask you to send your Spirit on these candidates who desire to associate themselves with the Monastery of the Ascension. Strengthen their intention and fulfill it with your grace. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
Presider blesses the medals of St. Benedict. O God, the source of all good things, bless + these medals. May all who use them devoutly be guided by your grace to exercise true charity and justice toward all.
The Presider sprinkles the medals with holy water.
As the Presider hands the medals to the oblate candidates he says: Accept this medal with its cross of St. Benedict and be reminded of the need to take up your own cross daily as true followers of Jesus Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
Presider says as he hands copies of the Rule to the oblate candidates : Accept the Rule of St. Benedict, written in the spirit of the Gospels. Let it be a guide for living your Christian life as Oblates of St. Benedict. May your study of this Rule inspire you to work zealously with others in your church and community for the good of humanity and the glory of God. May God bless and guide you in your striving to be faithful witnesses of Christ and St. Benedict. May God's grace protect you always.
Candidates: Amen.
Presider: O God, hear our prayers on behalf of these oblate candidates of our Benedictine community. May they be strengthened and guided by your grace, so that with St. Benedict as their guide they may serve you in the world where they live and work. And may Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen. The candidates return to their places and Vespers is concluded.
