DeSales Weekly Archives
What do the words 'honor', 'courage' and 'commitment' mean to you? As we celebrate Veterans' Day next week, we can examine these values in light of what they mean to veterans. How can we learn from these heroes and what are the values that characterize you?…
It is difficult for me to ask for prayers. This year during an event with fathers of students at St. Francis de Sales School, I shared the story of the Oblates and added a request to pray over a profession box for the next Oblate. Why is this box so important to Oblates and how can your prayers make a difference? …Read More
Election Day is just around the corner! We all know too well that this is a close race. However, as Catholics, we may find ourselves conflicted by the platform of both candidates. So, what are we to do?...
The question of what to do with upsetting emotions is a major part of allowing our spiritual life to permeate the rest of our lives. Here I share a prayer practice that has been a major help in my spiritual life. Three simple steps that lead us away from troubled states and towards inner peace...
Earlier this month, St. Anthony of Padua Parish (DE) celebrated its 100th anniversary. Since 1924, the Oblates have been ministering at this parish, which was originally founded as a place of worship for Italian immigrants. How does this milestone anniversary remind us that the Church is alive and filled with hope?...
It is true that as we age, we get shorter and shrink. What I hope is that even as I shrink in height I will not shrink in heart. How can a prayer from Fr. Louis Brisson, OSFS, help us to continue to grow our Salesian hearts?...
We are told in Scripture that we need to be vigilant, awake, and alert. Yet, sometimes this alertness changes to worry and anxiety or fear and anger. What do we do when this happens? How can St. Francis' writing help us when we hit that tipping point... Read More
Salesianum School in Wilmington, DE has a dress code that requires a suit and tie, but they have taken the iconic symbol of a gentleman - a tie - to a new level. How can this accessory be a symbol of faith, brotherhood, and dedication to living Jesus every day?...
This week, the Church celebrated the feast day of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, popularized devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. How can we learn from Margaret Mary to embrace our own hearts, that may be filled with limitations and fears and find peace in the Heart of Jesus?…
As the Oblate apostolate, St. Margaret of Scotland Parish in Newark, DE celebrates its 25th Anniversary year, parishioners traveled across Scotland with pastor Fr. Ed Ogden, OSFS, to honor the legacy of their patron. Journey with Fr. Ed as he shares the adventure...
My students in our Salesian Leadership class are preparing presentations drawing upon Fr. Thomas Dailey's, OSFS, book, Live Today Well. How can Salesian Spirituality help to unite oneself with God throughout the day? When does this strategy start?
St. Francis de Sales teaches that all people are called to be devout. Salesianum graduate Ryan Corey saw that in action at the Eucharistic Congress this summer. How can we carry the spiritual momentum from the Congress and weekly Mass into our daily lives?...
Autumn brings a sense of nostalgia and closure. For Christians, these days of October are filled with feast days of saints who remind us of how to live in this world to prepare us for the Kingdom of God. What can we learn from these saints and St. Francis de Sales?..
During my novitiate with the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, I discovered the God of our hearts who is present and constantly at work. Although I like this image of the cardiologist God, I have to admit, I am partial to the image of the dentist God. Why, you may ask...
A little respect goes a long way. Much respect goes even longer When we show respect to a person “we will be everywhere what God wants us to be.” See how the call for respect can be seen in pop culture as well as Salesian Spirituality...
It is in our nature to want to avoid failure, but that very failure can lead to and help us succeed, this is especially true in spiritual life. How does St. Francis de Sales encourage us to embrace and love our flaws and failures?…
On the feast of St. Matthew, we are reminded that Jesus dined with tax collectors and sinners. What does this image by the famous artist Caravaggio and Salesian Spirituality teach us about Jesus’ love, acceptance, and invitation...
This past July many of us were riveted by the Eucharistic Revival that occurred in Indianapolis. I was unable to attend However, when I reflect on this past year, there was one moment in which I was touched by the power of Christ in the Eucharist...
Hearing stories about physical feats is a common experience at boys' high schools. But, stories about courage that require only mental strength do not flow so easily - whether asking the girl to homecoming or even scarier feats...
Now that Labor Day has passed, most schools have officially opened their doors. Whether or not we enter a classroom, in some way, all of our lives are still shaped by the school calendar. Every fall we are surrounded by opportunities to begin again...
The new academic year brings about faculty/staff retreat days. After attending several of these retreats, I was brought to reflect on how much the Salesian Spirituality cultivates and supports human interaction and engagement needed in schools and communities...
After completing my internship as a hospital chaplain, I wanted to share one of my biggest lessons. How can we release the need to control and instead show up in a way that Christ has shown up for us? How can we be present in our lives in a way that serves both God and others?...
As a child, I received my love and support of the Blessed Mother from my parents. As my devotion to Mary has increased over the years, I have been able to honor her through my travels. How can visiting Marian shrines strengthen your devotion?...
Like Francis de Sales and many of the great saints, we may struggle with disappointment, sorrow, and anxiety. We need encouragement and hope to help us find true peace and joy. How can turning to Mary help us?...
Over this week I met with the Oblates who are directly involved in our vocation and formation programs. Everyone has their own unique stories and experiences of their vocation journey. As I prepare to celebrate 15 years as an Oblate, here is mine…
Recently I visited Oblate apostolates that are experiencing change, building and rebuilding, to expand their future. As I toured these places, I was brought to reflect on how we continuously build and rebuild our spiritual lives…
It is in our nature to want to avoid failure, but that very failure can lead to and help us succeed, this is especially true in spiritual life. How does St. Francis de Sales encourage us to embrace and love our flaws and failures?…
Participating in two recent events broadened my view of the future of religious life in our country and our world. Meeting young people who are willing to be witnesses to the Gospel in the world today renewed my call to live as a religious and gives me hope in the future...
Like many of you, I am fortunate to have an incredible travel experience this summer that I will not soon forget. I have spent the past weeks in Annecy, France with brother Oblates from around the world. There are many stories and insights to share, but I want to focus on the lessons I learned from the gathering table...