Oblate Renewal Day

Pictured from L–R: Marka Acton, Katy, TX; Sandy Poe, Bel Aire, KS; and Kathy Harpaneu, Smithville, MO, were busy at the Mount last Saturday helping to move chairs into the dining hall for the large group of Oblate Renewal Day attendees. Over 50 Oblates attended in person, and about 15 joined online to share in a day of reflection on The Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor.

The day’s activities included Lectio Divina on a St. Hildegard prayer, as well as talks by Keisy Gonzales and Oblate Teresa Warnick. Participants shared at their tables with the help of group leaders and received an online greeting from Oblates in the Philippines, where Sr. Judith Sutera has been leading retreats.

The highlight of the day—other than being together—was the renewal of vows for the Oblates, held in person in the Choir Chapel and online via Zoom. Sr. Mary Liz led the renewal service.

Oblate Renewal Day was organized by a committee that has been meeting for a year. It is one of the major annual events for Oblates to come together at the Mount. This year, an art show was added to encourage Oblates and their deaneries to express their reflections on the efforts of Laudato Si’.