A series of Lectionary reflections
written by Pasqualina Young

Pasqualina's initial exposure to the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales was from her mother, who read and re-read his Introduction to the Devout Life. The seed planted by her mother began to grow most vigorously when she became a member of the St. John Neumann parish in Reston, VA, a parish staffed by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. As a consequence of this influence, Pasqualina joined the Daughters of St. Francis de Sales about twenty five years ago. It was abundantly apparent at the time, and continued to be throughout the rest of her life, that Pasqualina had found her spiritual home in the Daughters.

After she recovered from her first bout with cancer over twenty years ago, Pasqualina started to take courses at the De Sales School of Theology in Washington, DC. Here she became deeply steeped in Salesian spirituality. She received a Masters Degree in Theology from De Sales in 1997.

Shortly after that, Fr. William Dougherty, OSFS of our parish asked Pasqualina to start writing Salesian reflections on the Sunday Mass readings for the weekly parish bulletin. Thus began the series of reflections that are now presented on this website. This endeavor was truly a labor of love, a labor on which she spent countless hours researching, writing and rewriting these reflections. She continued writing, revising and improving these reflections for the next seven years. Then cancer struck again, and she became too weak to continue.

Pasqualina's joyful, loving spirit was a blessing to all who knew her. We are deeply grateful to Fr. Michael Murray, OSFS for giving others the opportunity to know her through her reflections. We sincerely hope that they will offer inspiration to many for years to come.

- The Family of Pasqualina Young

PAST SALESIAN REFLECTIONS

Recent Reflections will be available via a link, print-outs of previous are available upon request by contacting the De Sales Spirituality Center at: 410-398-3040, ext. 237 or mmurray@osfs.org.