I am a proud product of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales as an alumnus of North Catholic High School (Philadelphia) and DeSales University (Center Valley, PA). Though quite an imperfect man, the values instilled in me based on the teachings of St. Francis de Sales have remained with me throughout my life.
“find out what God wants and try to carry it out cheerfully.”
When asked to write an article on Sarnelli House in Kensington for an industry journal, I agreed because I was so moved by their work. The article that I wrote addresses the “100 Billion Meal Challenge” for hunger and food insecurity. My friend and mentor, the late Fr. Bill Guerin, OSFS, always pointed to St. Francis de Sales’ teaching, “find out what God wants and try to carry it out cheerfully.” This made me say yes to the article request though it was an easy yes! You see, I work for the great people at Ardent Mills, the largest grain processing company in North America, and I am a member of the National Pasta Association. I shared the story of the Sarnelli House because I am particularly interested in helping the people in the Kensington section of Philadephia. In my heart, they are my people.
Sarnelli House (Photo credit bscphilly.org)
I was born and raised in Kensington, one of seven children who attended (now closed) Ascension of Our Lord grade school. I grew up in this poor, working-class neighborhood, and even though my parents moved out when I was in my 20s, I saw the dissolution and decay of the neighborhood firsthand. Today, many people in Kensington face drug addiction, mental illness, and poverty.
The good people of the neighborhood are never far from my thoughts and prayers. Writing about people who take action in Kensington and live out the teachings of St. Francis de Sales far better than me is a great opportunity to help those suffering. This also let me follow the guidance of St. Francis de Sales, ”do everything you can, do the best you can, and let God do the rest.” Writing the article was a no-brainer.
I was first connected to Sarnelli House several years ago. I had the opportunity to volunteer and meet Kim and Kathleen Collins, two devoted siblings who live in Kensington, and serve over 1,000 meals per week and provide clothing, shoes, and other much-needed essentials. Their passion and devotion to those whom society has largely forgotten in the place where I grew up was absolutely inspiring.
FOX29 Philadelphia Story:
Sisters in Kensington Feed, Clothe Those in Need with Dignity
After my first stint as a volunteer, I drove 45 minutes home in complete silence wondering what I just witnessed and how I could help more. I began to consider why some people care enough to help those in need and others don’t feel that urge. Then it struck me that many volunteers and those who help are friends from Oblate schools I attended. Of those volunteers preparing food, distributing clothing, acquiring food, and providing financial support I counted many Oblate-educated men and women.
It was a humbling moment. I wish I were as good a person as these people. St. Francis de Sales says that there are three things needed to pray: “humility, humility, and humility”..if these good people are not the embodiment of this notion then I don’t know who is. When I think of the faith in action displayed by the Collins sisters and the volunteers educated by the Oblates, I am energized to share their stories and am motivated to help.
In closing, I am compelled to ask: “If we truly want to follow the teachings of St. Francis de Sales, what are we doing to help and support those in need? What are we doing to help those who help those living the Salesian values and inspire more people to become like the Collins sisters or the Oblate-influenced people who help those in need?”
When I reflect on the opportunity to volunteer at Sarnelli, write the article, or share these reflections, I feel blessed that an imperfect person like me can aspire to follow the teachings of St. Francis de Sales and still be a force for some good in my own small way. I am hopeful you feel the same.
Mr. Rich DeLeo
