Clerical oblates are an important and growing membership within the Institute's community. Working alongside canons of the Institute, oblates are clerical members of the Institute who do not seek ordination to the priesthood, but serve the Church through a life centered on the Liturgy. They are brothers within the family of the Institute. In addition to serving Holy Mass and Eucharistic Adoration, and praying the Divine Office with the canons, they assist the canons in various capacities according to their unique talents and gifts. They may serve as catechists, sacristans, artistic advisors in restoration efforts, organizers of youth activities, or coordinators of many other tasks which help to accomplish the mission of the Institute.
The Institute has been blessed with an increasing number of vocations to the oblatehood. Recently, on the External Solemnity of the Sacred Heart (June 17, 2012) celebrated at the Shrine in Chicago, two young men were received as oblates by Monsignor Gilles Wach, Prior General of the Institute. Having completed a preliminary formation which included basic introduction to the liturgy, Salesian spirituality, Latin, and Gregorian Chant, these candidates were presented with their new cassocks in a solemn ceremony. Donning these black cassocks, Mr. Colin Brown of Kalamazoo, MI, and Mr. Matthew Serafino of New Haven, MO, became the newest oblates of the Institute.
It was a moving occasion for these young men, their families, and the Institute's community of clergy and faithful. In a public and solemn manner, these men manifested their generosity in offering their lives for the benefit of Holy Mother Church. As with all other oblates, they bring with them an ardent love for the Church, and an admirable desire to apply their diverse talents in the service of Christ, our King and Sovereign Priest.
Reception of the cassock signals the beginning of these men's service to the Church in this very special way. In the course of their service, they will certainly interact with many faithful as they assist the canons in ministering to the needs of the apostolates. Gratefully, we ask for your generous support of the oblates as you would the canons and other members of the Institute: with your prayers, and with your financial contributions. You can be assured of their grateful prayers at daily Mass and Eucharistic Adoration.
Photos courtesy of ssmithphotos.com.