The New Camaldoli Hermitage in Big Sur, California states on their website, “Over 500 men and women from all over the world have become Camaldolese Oblates. They regularly return to the Hermitage and/or to Incarnation Monastery for spiritual retreat, as well as attending when possible, retreats conducted in northern and southern California for active oblate groups.”
These members make the effort to incorporate this monastic tradition, which dates back to the third century, into their lives. Suite101 asked Jane Parks-McKay of Santa Cruz, California about her experience as an Oblate.
Q. What made you decide to become an Oblate at the New Camadolese Hermitage?
"I became an Oblate because I felt there was something missing in my busy life. As satisfying as it is, there is nothing better than not only stopping and getting off the merry-go-round of life, but also being associated with a religious order who believes, like Christ asked us to do, to make sure we also take time to be with Him.We have a difficult time being effective when we are so depleted. I love being an Oblate and it's nice to meet others as we traverse this same road."
Q. What are the obligations of an Oblate?
“It's an obligation between God and us. They like us to check in at the Hermitage once a year, if possible, and do a retreat once in awhile, but it's a promise that you make between the Lord and yourself. Every Oblate does their oblature differently. For me, it reminds me to make quiet time with the Lord and to walk my walk in my everyday life. I realize that everyone is to do that according to what Jesus teaches us through His Word, but for me, it helps to be in a formal arrangement.”
Q. Are Oblates obligated to volunteer their time at the Hermitage?
“Some Oblates volunteer their time, as the Monks spend so much time extending hospitality that it is often hard for them to live the contemplative time. But there is a beautiful small community of Oblates who live there or stay from time to time and help out. There are also retreats at various Churches about twice a year which are quite nourishing.
“Oblates can do vespers on their own, the part that I was most guilty about when I first became an Oblate. I do not have a lot of contemplative time; however, I go to the Word. Alongside our journey as Oblates, we are taught to live in the world but not be of the world. What this means for me is, anything I am engaged in, do it with integrity, with thanks to God, and remember to literally let go, let God.”
Q. How do you incorporate all of this into your everyday life?
“It's a journey and a process for me. I am probably not your usual Oblate. As someone who is very engaged with the world, I keep busy but I am learning little by little to make sure I walk alongside the Lord, but let Him be in front of me. My daily Bible study and prayers really help keep me centered and on that road. And when I take activities on, for the most part, I like to ask myself, ‘Is this just for me or will it serve a purpose as one of God's servants?’ Of course that doesn't mean to say that I don't have fun, but I have mindful fun, I like to think.”
Learn about retreats open to the public at New Camaldoli Hermitage
62475 Coast Highway 1
Big Sur, CA 93920
June Smith - I am the retired owner of a pioneering winery founded in the early '70s in California's Santa Cruz Mountains, with dozens of food, wine ...
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