Oblates of Mary, Queen of the Apostles

A New Beginning...

Society in these latter days is in obvious dire need of re-evangelization and sanctification through the ministry in particular of the sacred priesthood of the Roman Catholic Church. Although times have changed, the divine mission committed to the first Apostles, as well as the needs of those to whom they were sent, remains the same.

There were not lacking in the early days of the Church those who ministered to those very men who left all things to follow Christ, and among these were holy women, above all the Queen of Apostles herself, who by their prayers, penance, support and labor of their hands fulfilled this humble yet privileged office.

It is the ideal, therefore, of the Oblates of Mary, Queen of Apostles to participate in this service; to imitate Our Lady's apostolic charity as well as her retirement from the world and quiet seclusion. Consecrated entirely to her and filled with her spirit, which is none other than the Holy Spirit of God, they aspire to be, to the successors of the Apostles in our times, what she was to them in the beginning: behind-the-scenes assistance and support.

Through her Oblates, the presence of the Queen of Apostles would be felt among priests primarily in an invisible way by means of prayer and sacrifice, and in a visible way by sewing, cooking, housekeeping, sacristy and secretarial services, catechetical instruction, and the making of vestments and those things which would make more worthy the offering of the sublime Sacrifice of the Mass and its accompanying traditional liturgy.

In order to better cultivate within their souls a union with God in imitation of Our Blessed Mother, and for this end to maintain a spirit of silence and solitude, the Oblates base the contemplative aspect of their lives, as far as is possible, on the wise and well-tried Rule of St. Benedict.

Their profession of the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience is lived out each day through a horarium balanced by work and prayer, in a spirit of joyful self-oblation, so that "in all things God may be glorified".

It is with great happiness that such an institute of religious life for women is being established. Your prayers and support are asked for this new community as its members strive for the perfection of charity and union with God through their devoted service to the Catholic priesthood, more especially to societies of apostolic life, such as the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter.

As these priests fulfil Our Lord's command to "Go forth and teach all nations," may there one day be, in every outpost of their apostolate, Oblates of Mary, Queen of Apostles, to offer their assistance in Our Lady's humble way.

Interested young women between the ages of 18-35 may send inquiries and resumes to:

Oblates for Mary, Queen of Apostles
St. Gregory's Priory
819 North Webster Avenue
Scranton, PA 18510-1307

Those wishing to send monetary support, especially for our building fund for our future monastery, may send them also to the above address.
We ask your prayers that we remain faithfully united to Our Lady, standing firm at the foot of the cross of her divine Son, Whom we serve in His priests.

In Corde Mariae,
Sister Therese
prioress