
Oblate Memories Project
Pathways…
Sharing Our Paths as Oblates of Saint Gertrude’s Monastery
Ridgely, Maryland
This summer, our Oblate community started a new project: collecting memories.
St. Gertrude’s Oblate program began in 1982; as our original Oblates age and as we learn to grow independently of the monastery, we want to preserve our history and recollections - to record and share our unique Oblate experiences and stories with the future Oblates of St. Gertrude’s.
Oblate Ann McCormick who facilitates Memory workshops, is leading our group as we remember our pasts, “with gentle eyes.”
Pathways…
Sharing Our Paths as Oblates of Saint Gertrude’s Monastery
Ridgely, Maryland
This summer, our Oblate community started a new project: collecting memories.
St. Gertrude’s Oblate program began in 1982; as our original Oblates age and as we learn to grow independently of the monastery, we want to preserve our history and recollections - to record and share our unique Oblate experiences and stories with the future Oblates of St. Gertrude’s.
Oblate Ann McCormick who facilitates Memory workshops, is leading our group as we remember our pasts, “with gentle eyes.”

Exodus Prayer Service
On July 11th, after honoring St. Benedict with a mass on his Feast Day, we will be holding an Exodus prayer service at St. Gertrude Monastery. Oblates and Sisters will gather and walk around the monastery, praying at key locations, to begin the process of saying goodbye to the old walls and grounds that so many have called home for so long.
Blessed are you, Lord, God of tenderness and compassion, rich in kindness and faithfulness; you keep us in your love forever. As you guided the people of old, we ask for the supportive presence of your wisdom and courage in these times of transition and change in our lives. May you, Holy Guide, be our ever-near companion, freeing us from undue anxiety and enfolding us in the wonder of your love.
Escort us on our way, O Divine Protector, and send your angelic messengers who accompanied the holy ones in days past. Grant that this transition and change may bring us closer to you and to each other.
May it help us minister to your people so that in all things you may be glorified.
-An Exodus Prayer
On July 11th, after honoring St. Benedict with a mass on his Feast Day, we will be holding an Exodus prayer service at St. Gertrude Monastery. Oblates and Sisters will gather and walk around the monastery, praying at key locations, to begin the process of saying goodbye to the old walls and grounds that so many have called home for so long.
Blessed are you, Lord, God of tenderness and compassion, rich in kindness and faithfulness; you keep us in your love forever. As you guided the people of old, we ask for the supportive presence of your wisdom and courage in these times of transition and change in our lives. May you, Holy Guide, be our ever-near companion, freeing us from undue anxiety and enfolding us in the wonder of your love.
Escort us on our way, O Divine Protector, and send your angelic messengers who accompanied the holy ones in days past. Grant that this transition and change may bring us closer to you and to each other.
May it help us minister to your people so that in all things you may be glorified.
-An Exodus Prayer

Oblate Memorial Plaque
We commissioned a wall plaque to honor and memorialize our deceased Oblates. It was designed and assembled by the son of one of our Oblates (Margie Callahan-Palazzolo), Mark.
It will be taken with us and re-installed in the new monastery in Newark.
We commissioned a wall plaque to honor and memorialize our deceased Oblates. It was designed and assembled by the son of one of our Oblates (Margie Callahan-Palazzolo), Mark.
It will be taken with us and re-installed in the new monastery in Newark.