Transitus Oblates are to cultivate an adequate understanding and appreciation of Icons, as they are “windows to heaven”, as well as religious art and suitable fine art. Icons and religious art help us to grow in our communion with the saints and the angels, united in our common worship of the one true God, and they help open our minds and hearts to the holy mysteries of God in and through His saving activity in the world and in the souls of men.
Oblates are also to cultivate an adequate understanding and appreciation of liturgical music––especially chant––as well as sacred polyphony, traditional hymns, and other forms of “classical” music that are beneficial to the soul and life of a devout Christian, lay monastic, and Transitus Oblate. Members, if able, are encouraged to learn certain prayers and songs in the ancient liturgical languages (such as Hebrew, Greek, and Ecclesiastical Latin) for a deeper and more solemn and active participation in the Church’s liturgy, popular devotions, and artistic patrimony.
All contemporary art forms and sources of leisure and entertainment (music, television, movies, websites, magazines, books, etc.) should be discerned in light of the Gospel according to a true “catholic” understanding (the mind of Christ) of culture, beauty, the arts, piety, and the nature and purpose of man––rightfully seeing the good and bad, its promise and danger, properly discerning its proper use and boundaries––that which is suitable for a “handmaiden” and “spouse” of Our Lord Jesus Christ, keeping in mind one’s Covenant Promises and most importantly, Common Sense. The arts, and the creative process itself, are to be enjoyed for the good of one’s soul, body, and life without vice, guilt, or exploitation, and in true moderation, liberty, and responsibility, but when necessary, abstained from or eliminated from one's life. “All things are lawful to me, but all things are not expedient. All things are lawful to me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” Oblates are encouraged to cultivate and utilize their academic and artistic talents and resources, and to receive adequate formation and even formal training, in order to better serve their immediate family and extended social network; to serve their local parish, diocese, our lay monastic association, and the universal Church; or any other worthy endeavor. “As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied gift.” One’s God-given skill and expertise can and at times must be an integral part of their individual or group apostolate for the “new evangelization”––to infuse within the world the spirit of Christ, so that in form and life, a truly Christian culture may be established and sustained for the common good of man, the salvation of souls, and the glory of God, with Jesus Christ reigning as Teacher (Prophet), Sanctifier (Priest), and Ruler (King).
“The only really effective apologia (defense) for Christianity comes down to two arguments, namely the saints the Church has produced and the art which has grown in her womb. Better witness is borne to the Lord by the splendor of holiness and art which have risen in the community of believers than by the clever excuses which apologetics has come up with to justify the dark side which, sadly, are so frequent in the Church’s human history. If the Church is to continue to transform and humanize the world, how can she dispense with beauty in her liturgies (and in all of her life), that beauty which is so closely linked with love and with the radiance of the Resurrection? No. Christians must not be too easily satisfied. They must make their Church into a place where beauty––and hence truth––is at home. Without this the world will become the first circle of hell.” – Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI)