Salesian Pontifical University (SPU) in Rome.
To commemorate the 400th Anniversary of the death of Saint Francis de Sales, the Salesians of Don Bosco hosted the international conference “Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622): Posterity – Spirituality – Pedagogy” at the Salesian Pontifical University (SPU) in Rome on November 18-20, 2022. Organized by the Institute of Spiritual Theology of the Faculty of Theology at the SPU, this gathering included more than 150 in-person participants and numerous people who attended virtually. As indicated by its title, the convention’s aim was to highlight both the spirituality of Saint Francis de Sales, as evidenced in his vision of the Church and his pedagogical action, and the posterity of the saint, embodied in the various congregations, associations and institutions founded under his patronage.
Dr. Wendy Wright presenting virtually at the international conference.
With regard to “posterity,” 13 religious institutions under the patronage of Saint Francis de Sales (from among more than thirty such institutes) were invited to give a brief presentation on how the bishop-saint inspired their respective founders and continues to sustain current-day ministries. Included among these groups, in addition to the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, were the Visitation of Holy Mary, the Oblate Sisters of St. Francis de Sales, the Salesians of Don Bosco, the Daughters of St. Francis de Sales, and the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales. This was certainly a historic moment to have so many religious institutes who draw their charisms from the holy Bishop of Geneva gathered together in one place.
At the request of the Superior General, Father Barry Strong, OSFS, Father Joe Chorpenning, OSFS, represented the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales and organized his talk around the components of the first article of the Oblate Constitutions which describes the origins and defining characteristics of the congregation. In particular, he shared with the audience two signature themes for the Oblate Fathers and Brothers as articulated by our founder Blessed Louis Brisson and the “Good Mother” Mary de Sales Chappuis: re-imprinting the Gospel and the sacredness of work. The various accounts given during this part of the symposium demonstrated many similarities of how the ministry and writings of Saint Francis de Sales motivated the foundation of so many new religious communities, especially during the nineteenth-century “Salesian Pentecost.”
Salesian Exhibit in the atrium of SPU.
The remainder of the conference included academic papers presented by scholars from around the world on a variety of topics and themes, such as Salesian pedagogy, the preaching of the Savoyard saint, Mariology, and an examination of the bishop’s correspondence with his friend Antoine Favre. Of note, presenting virtually across a nine-hour time difference, Dr. Wendy Wright spoke on “Francis de Sales and Women,” highlighting the historical context and unique aspects of the saint’s ministry to women. Accompanying the international conference was an exhibition in the atrium of the SPU which featured rare Salesian books and artwork portraying Saint Francis de Sales, as well as posters displaying information about the founders/foundresses of the twelve religious institutions encountered during the program.
The event concluded with Solemn Mass for the Feast of Christ the King celebrated by Father Ivo Coelho, SDB, General Councilor of the Salesians of Don Bosco, with Father Barry Strong, OSFS, as one of two principal concelebrants. Following the liturgy, a festive luncheon with the rector of the SPU and other guests was attended by the Oblates at the symposium which, in addition to Father Joe and Father Barry, were Brother Dan Wisniewski, OSFS, and Father Michael Murray, OSFS.
Information about the conference, including the schedule, a list of speakers, and English translations of the papers given, can be found at the link here.
Brother Dan Wisniewski, OSFS
Director of Oblate Education
