I am delighted to be able to announce that the Kusenberger Chair of Oblate Studies at Oblate School of Theology is offering an academic program in Oblate Studies. A dream comes true…
METHOD OF PRESENTATION
Initially offered only online, asynchronously, the courses will consist of lectures, reading, assignments and the opportunity for group interaction.
The entire certificate may be completed in four semesters, or it may be taken in either a more intensive or more relaxed manner.
The goal is eventually to offer all the courses in English, Spanish, and French.
CONTENTS
Courses will be offered in the following areas:
1/ Saint Eugene de Mazenod. The historical background, life, and the key aspects of his spirituality, charism and mission
2/ The historical expansion and development of the mission of the Oblate Congregation from 1816 to the present.
3/ The charism and the Constitutions and Rules
4/ Oblate religious life and spirituality
5/ Oblate mission today
6/ A research project
GOALS OF THE PROGRAM:
Those who complete the certificate will be able to:
- acquire in-depth knowledge of the constitutive elements of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate: the founder, history, Constitutions and Rules, spirituality and mission.
- understand the historical foundation and comprehend the theological development of the Oblate charism, spirituality and mission, so as to deepen their sense of participation.
- critically reflect upon the contemporary mission of the Oblates in the Church.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Students who successfully complete the program requirements of 12-credit hours will be awarded a certificate.
- Those who take the program at the graduate level, fulfilling the appropriate additional requirements, earn credits applicable toward the M.A. Spirituality or Theology or M. Div. program, with the appropriate differences and requirements.
- The courses are also open to any qualified students who wish to register for enrichment non-academic purposes. They will be expected to do the reading required to participate in the classes.
REGISTRATION
For further information see https://ost.edu/oblate-studies/
For registration and cost please refer to the webpage: https://ost.edu/admissions-aid/
Congratulations Frank! This is exciting new for sure! I heard about it last weekend in a letter from our Provincial. Excitement battling with caution has been my companion for a few days now. Could I be qualified, can I afford it? Why do I even want to take this? To what end will I use this, share it?
Knowing a little about St. Eugene, about the charism and the Constitutions and Rules, the Oblate spirituality and mission, this would be an incredible opportunity to go deeper and become imbued, drenched and permeated in and with the Mazenodian spirituality.
Never having taken part in any post secondary education save for job training over the years the prospect seems daunting. It requires a dose of equal parts of humility and daring for I cannot simply say I will do this and blindly move forward. Before even applying to be able to audit such a program, for ‘enrichment’ purposes, I will need to speak with a few people.
Still the possibility – like excitement it bubbles up threatening to eclipse any good sense. I think of the words from the poem ‘Ulyses by Tennyson:
I am a part of all that I have met;
Yet all experience is an arch wherethro’
Gleams that untravell’d world whose margin fades
For ever and forever when I move.
How dull it is to pause, to make an end,
To rust unburnish’d, not to shine in use!
As tho’ to breathe were life!