Hyning Oblates
“A lay Associate is a person who feels a calling from God to lead a contemplative and spiritual life in the world, a life modelled on the wisdom of Cistercian values and practices, and who seeks a community of like-minded people...”
What is an Oblate?
Oblates, sometimes known as lay associates, are lay people who have a special link with us and wish to deepen their spiritual connection. Each associate discerns with one of the sisters the way God is calling them to live out their association and there will be regular retreat days during the year. We welcome oblates from all the different Christian traditions. At Hyning our group includes an Anglican vicar, a Methodist lay worker and married and single Catholics.
If you are interested in becoming an oblate or finding more about why people feel called to be an Oblate or lay associate, especially a Bernardine oblate, read more about why people have joined the wider Cistercian family below. If you are interested in more details, contact Sr. Mary Helen at Hyning for further information. The next oblate day is on Saturday 5th April 2024.
A Vocation
Click below to see a video from one of our oblates, Maureen Ryan Craig, an oblate in formation, describing how she sees her vocation as a Bernardine Cistercian oblate. Maureen made her first commitment in March 2015 and renewed it for three years in March 2017. She will make her final commitment in April 2014.
“Our daily commitment to love God and others is like a refreshing drop of water which nourishes our relationship with the crucified Christ whom we encounter in the midst of this suffering world.”
Oblate Day 2024 Retreat for Oblates at Hyning April 5th - 7th.
(Day programme for Saturday)
We would ask you to book in for the day or weekend in advance. Please contact S M Bernard on hyningbookings@yahoo.co.uk or 01524 732684 or 01524 989380 before if possible the 12th if possible.
Helen made her final commitment on Sunday 9th October 2022. Please pray for at this time and for all our oblates.
Helen, one of our oblates, writing an icon.
Why I chose the 'Oblate journey'
I have been married to Hermann for 40 years and we have 5 children. I was taught by the Bernardine Cistercians at Slough so from my teens the sisters were a great influence. I started visiting Hyning Monastery on an annual retreat from my deanery once our children were older. I was drawn into the daily prayer life of the Church, drawn to a simpler life centred on Jesus Christ. At the same time visiting the community at Hyning was my rescue, my ‘safe place’, a place of healing and space to process what was happening in my life. When the younger two of our five children were studying for GCSEs I studied for a degree in Theology with Maryvale Institute, Birmingham, by distance learning. We were advised to regularly see a spiritual director. Sr Stella agreed to be my ‘spiritual friend’. I became aware of the Oblates and realised that this was a path I could take. I had had a traumatic few years and my life was changing significantly. I committed for a year and then a year again. By following the life of prayer and daily reflecting on scripture, ‘resting in Christ’, I came through the time of crisis. I have reached a point of stability so in September 2019 I committed for three years with my fellow Oblate, Diane. I enjoy and am spiritually refuelled by the Oblate days when we come together to pray and share. I value being part of the Hyning community. It is very special to accompany each other on our journey into the perfect love that is the Trinity.
“My journey into the faith began when I was received into the Roman Catholic Church. It continues now as I begin to discover the Benedictine way with others who are exploring the oblate life with me. Although there are times when it is difficult, it is a life enhancing experience. And knowing that we have the prayers and love of the Sisters at Hyning is immensely encouraging. To those who might be wondering whether to join us I would simply say: ‘Come and see.’”
“All my adult life I have happily concentrated on being a good and diligent Martha as a wife, mother and teacher. Now that I am older I recognise that I need a better balance in my spiritual life. I want to be a Martha and a Mary, spending more time sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to Him. I believe that being an Oblate will provide the support, structure and discipline I need to acheive this goal.”
“I became an Oblate (here at Hyning Monastery) in December 2009. As a retired Anglican priest I feel that I am at the beginning of a new and exciting journey in my Christian discipleship in Benedictine monasticism. ‘There is neither Jew nor Greek, circumcised nor uncircumcised’, (Presbyterian, United Reformed, Episcopalian, Roman Catholic, Methodist, nor Anglican.) All are truly one in Christ Jesus.”
For some useful links that might be of interest in regard to becoming an Oblate/Lay Associate, please see our links page.
