Tom Vresics: Founder of Salesian Lay Association of Men (SLAM)
Tom Vresics
“One single day of devotion is worth more than a thousand years of worldly life.” - Saint Francis de Sales
What I have always loved about Saint Francis de Sales is that you can hardly find any writings of his that do not make some allusion to Scripture. The above quote from de Sales is no different. It reminds me of Psalm 84:10: "One day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere."
The biggest difficulty we face living this quote authentically and being truly devout is that while we may believe this in our heads, we often get distracted from feeling this with our hearts and living this truth in our actions. We cannot experience devotion's sweetness until we believe it is good in itself, rather than attempting to be devout to gain some other good. The optimistic yet practical nature of Salesian Spirituality offers us a blend of insightful beliefs, healthy attitudes, and helpful practices to fully grasp this eternal truth that de Sales urges us to embrace. Namely, that a sincere and unique relationship with each member of the Trinity as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is the ultimate good.
To that end, I established the Salesian Lay Association for Men, aka SLAM., ten years ago to share Salesian Spirituality’s unique approach toward getting the most out of life as God designed it. Through our monthly meetings, I share Salesian insights such as the following:
Developing a Salesian lifestyle based on the Introduction to the Devout Life.
Recognize your need for God so God may complete the good work the Holy Spirit has already begun in you.
Prayerfully invite God into your experience to discern the Father’s will for a happy, meaningful life despite life’s difficulties and setbacks.
Fulfill your daily responsibilities and meet the needs of others as a sign that you are truly listening to God and striving to “Live Jesus!”
In times of temptation and sin, never be afraid to turn toward each member of the Trinity found within the Sacraments of the Church.
Renew your desire to live a devout life hourly (Direction of Intention), daily (Preparation of the Day), monthly (Sacrament of Reconciliation), and yearly (Renewal of Baptismal Vows).
If you are interested in learning more about SLAM, please email Mr. Vresics at tvresics1@gmail.com. There are SLAM chapters at Georgetown Visitation, DC; the Lehigh Valley, PA; Philadelphia, PA; and Wilmington, DE. The Georgetown Visitation Father’s Club (current and past GV parents) meets on the third Saturday of the month at 7:30 AM and is coordinated by Scott Troxell, a wonderful Salesian man and the father of two recent Visitation alums.
*This reflection was first published in Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School’s e-reflection series, Loving Life, Living Jesus. For more inspiration about how to Live Jesus in our everyday lives, sign up here!
