The Clerical Oblates of the Institute of Christ the King took their yearly retreat from September 29th to October 3rd. The retreat opened with Solemn High Mass of St. Michael the Archangel celebrated by Canon Huberfeld, who graciously preached the retreat. The retreat, being in silence, gave the Oblates the opportunity to contemplate individually the topics that Canon Huberfeld discussed in the conferences given.

The topics focused on the vesting prayers that are said while the clerics dress and what the pieces of the clerical habit represent: the collar as the yoke of Christ and Mary; the cassock as the renewed heavenly inheritance of the cleric; the sash, or fascia, as the belt of purity; and the surplice as the renewed man which is bestowed on all Christians at their baptism. A conference was also given by Canon Michael Wiener on Grace and humanity.

The retreat was also a time for the oblates to renew their commitment to their work that they share with the Canons at the apostolates that they are assigned to. Because St. Joseph is the patron saint for workers and the Oblates, the Litany of St. Joseph was chanted during Wednesday evening’s benediction. As St. Joseph is the patron saint for families, the Oblates were renewed with the familial love for God, the Church, the Canons of the institute, and the faithful.

At the close of the retreat, the Oblates were able to renew their friendships with each other. On Friday the Grand Silence was ended. The Oblates took a trip out to the Basilica Cathedral of St. Louis and before the image of the Sacred Heart prayed its litany. The Oblates also were able to enjoy each other’s company and toured one of St. Louis’s famous landmarks, as well as enjoy a dinner at one of the many famous restaurants there.

Article by Abbé Colin Brown Shrine of Christ the King, Chicago .