Pray for Us

Nov 6

We call the event, “Brisson and Bourbon.” The Fathers’ Club at St. Francis de Sales School is named after the founder of the Oblates, Blessed Louis Brisson, OSFS. We call the club simply - Brisson. For example, an email from the Fathers’ Club reads, “Open House is in need of help! Brisson will be cooking hotdogs for all the visitors.” It is like our founder is walking the earth again!

While I was chaplain of Brisson, one of the dads asked me, “What is Brisson?” I responded by creating an event, “Brisson and Bourbon.” During the event, dads gather with a libation to hear the story of the foundation of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. I tell them of the joint work of Blessed Louis Brisson and the Good Mother, Mother Mary de Sales Chappuis, VHM. It’s a popular gathering, and we host it at the Oblate House.

This year I added a request at the end of the story, “Will you pray for us?” I gave the president of Brisson one of our profession cross boxes. These boxes contain a profession cross, daily prayer booklet, and vocation prayer card. Some background - our profession cross is handed down from Oblate to Oblate. We wear this cross our entire Oblate lives, and we receive it when we take our first vows. I asked Brisson to pray for the next Oblate who will wear the cross. When I handed the box to the president of Brisson, his face was one of honor and awe. They are now praying for the next young man who will wear that profession cross.

Requesting prayers should be easy, but I find it difficult. I am accustomed to people asking me to pray, and these requests are heartfelt. However, when it comes to me asking for prayers, I often shy away. I struggle asking for help, inviting others to assist me, or sharing my hopes. I keep having to go back to Francis de Sales who often begins his prayers by asking for help. In our daily prayers we say, “Oh God, come to my assistance.” It is good to ask for prayers!

As I relate this story, I know we do not have profession cross boxes at all of our ministries across North America. However, I ask that our readers pray for the next Oblate who will wear our cross. To assist, I’ve included a link to the daily prayers for vocations that can be viewed here.

May God be Praised!