There is a story from the Desert Fathers where one asks another “what is a monk?”  And the response was “someone who asks ‘what is a monk?’ everyday.” Laurence Freeman, OSB at the World Congress of Benedictine Oblates in Rome began his talk on contemplation with this image and invited us as Oblates to consider the same possibility – that being an Oblate means asking ourselves, ‘what is an Oblate?’ every single day.  I loved this definition shaped by a continual return to questions.  It embraces one of the central hallmarks of Benedictine life which is a commitment to conversion. 

I am leaving again to lead a retreat on Honoring Our Ancestors.  These next few days are a threshold time in the Celtic calendar, when the veil between worlds is said to be especially thin.  I have been lingering in this thin place for the last month and am eager to join with a group of women to honor this sacred time of year.  In the Christian tradition, we are entering a time when we honor our beloved dead who have passed on before us. Together with my teaching and writing partner Betsey Beckman, we will engage in art and

Perhaps the truth depends on a walk around the lake. -Wallace Stevens I began my pilgrimage in Rome arriving late at night after my flight was delayed by several hours and I was bumped to a later connection.  The first day of the World Congress of Benedictine Oblates was very full.  I remember feeling filled with anticipation and also drained from the long travel.  The Congress was held at a conference center on the outskirts of Rome, a beautiful setting.   That first evening I took a long slow walk around the perimeter of the property.  The evening light was illuminating the world around