Oblates' Congress

Oblates Congress - 2009

In September Sr. Benedict accompanied our Oblate Christine Michael to Rome for the Oblates Congress. For further details about the oblates Congress see: www.benedictine-oblates.org

A highlight of their time in Rome was a visit to Subiaco.

Sr. Benedict reflects on her visit to Subiaco: So often during my thirty years of monastic life I’ve been asked the question “Have you ever been to Subiaco”? My answer of course was “no and although I would love to, I expect that I never will”. ...... When we stepped down from the coach after the winding journey to the monastery of “Sacro Spec” tucked away in the hills I had one thought in my mind. “I want to go to the cave of St. Benedict as soon as possible”. So (I was told by an oblate later one- I ran ahead of everyone into the Church, whilst the others lingered by the entrance o.r visited the gift shop. The area was quiet and I found myself alone for some precious moments, soaking in the beauty of the place, with its small side chapels and stunning frescos- so very simple and prayer- soaked. I had found my Benedict’s cave and sat alone-praying for our world and the great Benedictine family, contemplating on Benedict’s life and especially his time as a hermit. I was able to sit alone, right in the cave and allow the flickering candle to draw me back to the 6th century. (Sit in your cell and your cell will teach you everything) says one of the desert fathers. And then I heard the sound of the “tourists” ... but for a moment I was alone with God and my beloved St. Benedict. I had made it to Subiaco!