No cheating now! What is an "Oblate"?

 St Michael and All Angels, Belmont Abbey, Herefordshire
(Click on an image for a larger version)
 
 
Belmont Abbey is a Catholic Benedictine monastery that forms part of the English Benedictine Congregation. It stands on a small hill overlooking the city of Hereford to the east. The 19th century Abbey also serves as a parish church
 
 
Oblates are individuals, either laypersons or clergy, normally living in general society, who, while not professed monks or nuns, have individually affiliated themselves with a monastic community of their choice. They make a formal, private promise (annually renewable or for life, depending on the monastery with which they are affiliated) to follow the Rule of the Order in their private life as closely as their individual circumstances and prior commitments permit.
 
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