DeSales Weekly

Awaking Again to Confession

Awaking Again to Confession

During Lent we journey toward that Paschal Mystery by which our Lord has redeemed the whole world, bringing sinners – including us – to salvation. We best prepare for this by confidently entrusting ourselves to the mercy of God, communicated to us uniquely and experientially in Confession...

Francis and Mark at the Super Bowl

Francis and Mark at the Super Bowl

This past Sunday, millions may have been surprised to find prayer amid the Super Bowl when the Catholic app, Hallow, launched its new commercial. When I saw this, I immediately thought of St. Francis de Sales and his dedication to reaching people through the communication methods of his own day...

The Beginnings of Great Things Are Small

The Beginnings of Great Things Are Small

The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales created Nativity in the image of our patron, St. Francis de Sales. Through the grace of God and the generosity of so many men and women, Nativity has grown and has become a beacon of hope for young boys who today have grown into Salesian Gentlemen in every sense of the phrase...

Simeon, Anna … and Margaret

Simeon, Anna … and Margaret

We will soon celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord where Jesus is embraced by two elderly people, Simeon and Anna. As I get older, I have learned to appreciate even more the life and lessons of their story and others who are steadfast in their devotion, no matter their age...

Two Special Celebrations of Oblate School Identity

Two Special Celebrations of Oblate School Identity

Like everything else in our post-pandemic society, the world of education has undergone major change and evolution. But two recent visits to schools formed in Oblate spirit and charism have blessed me with plenty of Salesian optimism to keep me moving forward with hope...

Cultivating “Real” Intelligence

Cultivating “Real” Intelligence

Francis de Sales was quite intelligent and a successful communicator! But in Salesian Spirituality, there’s more to intelligence than just smarts. For Francis, knowledge finds its ultimate purpose in love. The wisdom he shares is always practical and live-able...

Francis and the Fabric of Our Lives

Francis and the Fabric of Our Lives

Forty years ago, I experienced my first celebration of the feast of St. Francis de Sales at Northeast Catholic High School. It inspired me to know that the Oblates who walked the halls of my high school were all connected by their dedication to the Church and their common way of life...

Nativity Scene 800

Nativity Scene 800

This year marks the 800th anniversary of the first “live” Nativity. Many may have attended or will attend a "live" Nativity this Christmas and experience its beauty. Read about the origins of the tradition started by St. Francis of Assis and how St. Francis de Sales carried out... Read More

The Incarnation Is the Miracle of Miracles— as St. Francis de Sales Claims!

The Incarnation Is the Miracle of Miracles— as St. Francis de Sales Claims!

What stirs my mind and heart, leading me from Advent into Christmas is song and, have you noticed how many begin with "O"? For a moment, as you read this reflection, let your lips form the letter “O” and let us hear the power and energy it holds... Read More