EMMI Third Orders comprise lay men and women formally associated with a religious order, such as the Benedictines or Franciscans, who do not live in a community. 

Canon Law defines Third Orders as "associations whose members, while living a secular life, strive after Christian perfection by observing a papally approved rule, under the direction and spirit of a religious order" (Canon 702). Although members, sometimes call tertiaries, are not bound by public vows, they are full members of a religious family. (see Q&A 15)

We have one freely chosen and beloved Our Lady of Grace. 

We live our lives consecrated to Our Lady in obedience, poverty, and charity.

Third Order Benedictine Oblates of Our Lady of Grace are Christian individuals or families who have associated themselves with the Benedictine Community to enrich their Christian way of life.  Third Order Benedictine Oblates of Our Lady of Grace shape their lives by living the wisdom of Christ as interpreted by St. Benedict and the knowledge of the Truths. Third Order Benedictine Oblates of Our Lady of Grace seek God by striving to become holy in their chosen way of life. By integrating their prayer and work, they manifest Christ’s presence in society.

Third Order Benedictine Oblates of Our Lady of Grace are Christian individuals or families who have associated themselves with the Benedictine Community to enrich their Christian way of life. Third Order Benedictine Oblates of Our Lady of Grace shape their lives by living the wisdom of Christ as interpreted by St. Benedict and the knowledge of the Truths. Third Order Benedictine Oblates of Our Lady of Grace seek God by striving to become holy in their chosen way of life. They manifest Christ’s presence in society by integrating their prayer and work.

This movement of the Third Order presents itself today to all intending to realize itself through a Christian life consistent with the requirements of its baptism and in the specific fidelity of the Benedictines, the Tertiary constructs a spirituality which expresses the primacy of God. by a greater dedication to prayer.

The instruments that the Tertiary uses to achieve this objective are:

•   An intense spiritual life, accentuated by the Rule, which is based on the virtues of prayer, humility, and charity. He is committed to building a sober and moderate lifestyle.

•   The apostolate is exercised in the places of the daily life of which the Tertiary is an active member, alone or with a fraternity (of the 3rd Order), in full harmony with the other ecclesial groups.

• The Tertiary will care for the poor, the sick, the elderly, and the marginalized. He will strive to achieve an integral Christian development of all those whom it reaches in humility and fraternal charity.

Admission requirements

• The desire for total dedication to God

• Baptized

• Age: 18

• Education: Secondary

An Oblate is a Christian who, with conviction, wants to live the Gospel deeply discovered in the Rule of St. Benedict in the path that makes it easier to follow Christ. 

An Oblate may be a man, woman, layperson, priest, or a married or single person. The Benedictine Oblation is a way that supports and helps a person live their calling.