Benedictine Oblate #2

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I can ask, Luigi. I had to use the “Contact Us” function at the Opus Dei website; they replied by giving the contact information for the Reston Study Center. I e-mailed the contact, who responded with a brief message suggesting a meeting over coffee or beer. We talked briefly over the phone. The rest you know …
 
Tampa_Dave said:
I can ask, Luigi. I had to use the “Contact Us” function at the Opus Dei website; they replied by giving the contact information for the Reston Study Center. I e-mailed the contact, who responded with a brief message suggesting a meeting over coffee or beer. We talked briefly over the phone. The rest you know …
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Ok. Really looking forward to your report, amico mio.🙂
 
Luigi_Daniele said:
Ok. Really looking forward to your report, amico mio.🙂
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Luigi,

Just got back from my Opus Dei meeting. It went pretty well. The Study Center and surrounding grounds were beautiful, just first class all the way. And that’s an understatement. Their chapel was simply a work of art. For over two hours, he showed me around, made a few introductions, then we chatted over cigars and beer. My counselor, a numerary for 46 years, was a decent guy (retired engineer). He explained the devotional aspect of Opus Dei, as well as the prelature’s focus on Church doctrine. We also covered monthly circle meetings, evenings of recollection, retreats, religious studies, and bi-weekly meetings with our assigned numerary. He appeared very interested in my pursuing an Opus Dei vocation. A supernumerary in my parish will be contacting me regarding the next evening of recollection at St. Andrew’s. From what I saw, the guys at Opus Dei are very normal, very human. Twelve numeraries and three Opus Dei priests live in residence at the Study Center. There is no tithing or set financial requirements for supernumeraries. Like you said, Luigi, “holy men”. I was fairly impressed. I’m willing to look into Opus Dei further, but I’m certainly not passing over the secular monastic orders yet. I’m really excited over my upcoming six hour visit with the Discalced Carmelites on July 15th. Its good to know the Church has so many dedicated faithful among the Franciscans, Benedictines, Discalced Carmelites, Opus Dei and the like.
 
Tampa Dave,

Can you please tell me where the Discalced Carmelites are located? Thanks!
 
CatholicFireman,

I just saw your message this morning. I went to bed immediately following my last post.

I am meeting with Our Lady of Mount Carmel Community of Discalced Carmelites at the Carmelite Monastery located at 2131 Lincoln Road N. E. Washington D. C. 20002. I see you live in Virginia, though your city or town is not posted. I live in Clifton, near Fairfax, so my estimated driving time is about 45 minutes. There is a Metro stop about a mile walk from the monastery. My contact person drives up from Fredericksburg. Do you need more information about the groups that meet at the Carmelite Monastery in DC? I have contact information for two other groups that meet in Annandale as well. Let me know. These are wonderful people.

David
 
Luigi_Daniele said:
Thanks for the report, Dave 🙂
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You’re welcome, my friend. If my expectations for the Discalced Carmelites prove to be true, my journey may be short. I’m very excited about my visit to the Carmelite monastery on July 15th. Time will tell …
 
Tampa_Dave said:
You’re welcome, my friend. If my expectations for the Discalced Carmelites prove to be true, my journey may be short. I’m very excited about my visit to the Carmelite monastery on July 15th. Time will tell …
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Praying…
 
Ouch! My curiosity knows no bounds. These are lifetime commitments, so our decisions cannot be understated in importance. I too will keep you in my prayers …
 
OK, tomorrow is the OFS meeting. Bennies next week.
In yesterday’s mail, a dear friend of mine (a priest in Tanzania–if anyone is interested in helping him at his mission, PM me-the man is a saint) sent me…wait for it

wait for it

wait for it

a cross of St Benedict. :eek::cool: from this place: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melk_Abbey

This man’s holiness, and the timing…

Thoughts??
 
Well, you guys sure are a lot of help.:mad:😃

Anyway, upon consulting with family, my friend above, and after praying for literally months, decision made (made for me, really-which is fine)🙂
 
That is the most beautiful monastery I think I’ve ever seen. Is the St. Benedict Cross a coincidence or sign from above? Only God knows and He won’t tell me. I certainly wish you the very best in reaching a final decision, Luigi! While surfing the net, I chanced upon your posts at Catholic Online. After reading your statements at Catholic Answers, I tried to reconcile your involvement with specific Franciscan and Benedictine groups. In 2009, you began studies with a Benedictine Oblate group. In 2010, you entered their novitiate. In 2011, you began formation in the Franciscan Confraternity of Our Lady of the Holy Family. In 2012, you’re deciding between Franciscans and Benedictines. You left one Franciscan community, so I assume this group is different. Is this the same Benedictine community you began studies with three years ago? Keeping my own groups straight is tough enough. You have me confused, my friend!
 
Tampa_Dave said:
That is the most beautiful monastery I think I’ve ever seen. Is the St. Benedict Cross a coincidence or sign from above? Only God knows and He won’t tell me. I certainly wish you the very best in reaching a final decision, Luigi! While surfing the net, I chanced upon your posts at Catholic Online. After reading your statements at Catholic Answers, I tried to reconcile your involvement with specific Franciscan and Benedictine groups. In 2009, you began studies with a Benedictine Oblate group. In 2010, you entered their novitiate. In 2011, you began formation in the Franciscan Confraternity of Our Lady of the Holy Family. In 2012, you’re deciding between Franciscans and Benedictines. You left one Franciscan community, so I assume this group is different. Is this the same Benedictine community you began studies with three years ago? Keeping my own groups straight is tough enough. You have me confused, my friend!
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It was a difficult process, sir. Love Francis. Still do. But my choice is made. All the Franciscan ones were dead ends, unorthodox or worse, unfortunately:(

Bennies. 🙂 Heck, they’ve been “in the family” for almost 125 years (at least).🙂
 
BTW, I firmly believe that the Cross was indeed the answer to my prayers. 🙂

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your help and support throughout this process. It has meant a very great deal to me. Thank you. 🙂
 
Luigi_Daniele said:
BTW, I firmly believe that the Cross was indeed the answer to my prayers. 🙂

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your help and support throughout this process. It has meant a very great deal to me. Thank you. 🙂
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Glad to hear that you have come to some resolution. Peace, and God Bless!

Jason
 
Luigi_Daniele said:
It was a difficult process, sir. Love Francis. Still do. But my choice is made. All the Franciscan ones were dead ends, unorthodox or worse, unfortunately:(

Bennies. 🙂 Heck, they’ve been “in the family” for almost 125 years (at least).🙂
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Very good, Luigi. I know it’s been hard to decide. It sounds like you are really happy with the Benedictines and that’s excellent. God bless you!
 
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