Rich DeLeo - A member of DeSales Network
Rich DeLeo (Right) with Fr. Thomas Dailey, OSFS (Left)
I came to know the teachings of St. Francis de Sales through my engagement with the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales at North Catholic High School in Philadelphia. From the start, my parents developed an implicit trust in the Oblates and Salesian Spirituality. When it came time to choose a college, there was no doubt they wanted me to go to DeSales University…and when I did, I fell in love with the campus and the culture.
On the first day of school, I was surprised to see my principal from North Catholic, Fr. Bill Guerin, OSFS, who had just accepted a role as treasurer. We immediately agreed to meet from time to time and that began a 40-year friendship that enabled me to benefit from his Salesian Spirituality. There were many of us that had “Fr. G” as our mentor. Early on, he handed me a copy of a little booklet that was based on the “Golden Counsels” by St. Francis de Sales. This booklet was a primer to Salesian Spirituality which was based on the “every day Saint's answers to letters from his parishioners or friends in need. Any time I faced a challenge in life, “Fr. G” listened and then eventually guided me back to the teaching of St. Francis de Sales. As I got to know many of the other Oblates, including classmates and personal friends of mine like Fr. Tom Dailey, OSFS, I could understand much of how they lived because of my familiarity with St. Francis de Sales’ spirituality and also through the “Golden Counsels” booklet.
Salesian Spirituality is timeless and is for anyone. That is why St. Francis de Sales is known as the “Everyday Saint”. This Spirituality entails thoughtful and incisive wisdom for everyone, in all walks of life. When I first started to read the book and think about applying it to my life, I was amazed at how humble St. Francis de Sales was and also how he was genuinely devoted to Christ. I once had the benefit of hearing Fr. Tom Dailey speaks on the life of St. Francis de Sales and saw that this humble man could be inspired to great and fearless acts of courage because of his faith. He was a devoted pastor and friend who sincerely loved his flock and wanted to see everyone attain peace and get to heaven.
The examples of Fr. Guerin, Fr. Dailey, and all the Oblates by living Salesian Spiritually influenced my life and the lives of many others in a way that is hard to put into words. To this day, I keep a copy of this booklet in my briefcase, my desk, my car, and by my bedside. Salesian Spirituality is part of my life and I am eternally grateful.
On this 400th anniversary of St. Francis de Sales’ death, it is my sincere hope and prayer that everyone and anyone avail themselves of learning Salesian Spirituality and reading about St. Francis de Sales. If you do, he may end up a lifelong companion and a source of timeless wisdom as he has for me. Peace.
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