Father Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, with Eileen Sherman, Daughter of St. Francis de Sales.
The Daughters of St. Francis de Sales are vital members of the Salesian family. They are lay Catholic women (whether single, married, or widowed) who live their lives grounded in the Gospel and the spirit of Saint Francis de Sales. The Daughters are part of the Association of St. Francis de Sales. They are an international group of women with members living in 21 countries around the world. There are also Sons of St. Francis de Sales.
The most common way for a woman to become interested in learning about the Daughters of St. Francis de Sales is to be invited by a friend who is already a member. Typically, an invited friend attends a few meetings to discern if she is being led by the Holy Spirit to ask for an Aspirant application. Others might discover our website and signup for information sessions on Saint Francis de Sales.
Bernie Heffernan (front row-third from left) and Eileen Sherman (front row- first from left) were blessed with the attendance of several Daughters from both the Wilmington, DE and West Grove, PA groups.
After a person is admitted by our Regional Directress to begin a three-month time of discovery, they may apply for the first year and then a second year of formation. These 2+ years follow a series of readings about Salesian Spirituality. Each person is guided through the formation with an assigned companion (a Consecrated Daughter who has extended her studies in a continuing formation program).
Eileen Sherman (second from left) and Bernie Heffernan (third from left) make their vows.
If consecration is requested and recommended by the Regional Directress and by our General Directress in Paris, France, the future member is called to make the commitment for life to live the fullness of her baptismal promises. This consecration commitment ceremony takes place at a Mass.
A Consecrated Daughter usually is a member of a local group that meets once a month (2 hours) for a meeting that focuses on Salesian studies, called probations – the same studies used worldwide. Probations are in-depth readings primarily on the “Little Virtues” taught by Saint Francis de Sales: patience, humility, charity, gentleness, etc. These monthly gatherings support spiritual friendship, animated by prayer and sharing inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Susan Brubaker
Daughter of St. Francis de Sales
Are you interested in learning more about the Daughters or Sons of St. Francis de Sales? Email info@oblates.org or visit sfdsassociation.org.
