Francis & Me: Ellen Hildenbrand, Religion Department Chair, Salesianum School
Given that my whole life has been lived in the context of Catholic education, I have had the good fortune to be inspired by the lives of the saints whose charism animated the institution in which I studied or worked.
I count St. Anthony of Padua, St. Augustine, St. Julie Billiart, and St. Vincent Pallotti among the many “villagers” who helped to raise me, and they will always have a special place in my heart and in my prayers.
Now I am excited and privileged to call myself a Salesian.
Salesianum School is deeply immersed in Salesian Spirituality and mission, and St. Francis de Sales’ presence is felt by us all as we go about our days.
For me, this means that my Catholic faith has been further chiseled by the challenges he poses in “Introduction to the Devout Life,” as I consciously try to incorporate the little virtues into each day and to call myself to the gentle, patient strength of the saint in every situation.
Teaching our Salesian identity to incoming freshmen has been a genuine gift to me. Each day, as I watch my students make a conscious effort to grow as Salesian gentlemen, I am humbled that I get to play a role in their development. I believe – I know that the world desperately needs men who know that they are each uniquely created by a God who loves them and calls them to be his holy face in this contentious and polarized world.
So I decided to write this reflection to publicly express my gratitude to St. Francis and St. Jane as well as to the Oblates and others with whom I serve. In this Salesianum community, I have found inspiration and consolation. Our motto “Tenui Nec Dimittam” is a reflection of my love and appreciation. I have taken hold and will never let go of what I have learned here.
