The Wilmington-Philadelphia Province of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales warmly welcomes Rev. Monsignor William E. Koenig as the 10th Bishop of the Diocese of Wilmington. All the Oblate priests and brothers look forward to his leadership of the Diocese.
The Diocese of Wilmington is very special to the Oblates because the diocese’s patron saint is St. Francis de Sales. The congregation is headquartered in Wilmington and founded Salesianum School in 1903, an independent Catholic secondary school that challenges young men to live as Salesian Gentlemen devoted to faith, community, and service.
The Oblates are humbled to have the opportunity to minister at parishes throughout the Diocese of Wilmington: St. Anthony of Padua in Wilmington, St. Edmund's Parish in Rehoboth Beach, DE, and Immaculate Conception Parish in Elkton, MD. In the past, the Oblates have assisted at many diocesan parishes, worked with the Little Sisters of the Poor, and staffed Padua Academy.
Oblate priests, brothers, and seminarians also serve at Nativity Prep Middle School and as chaplain to the Wilmington Fire Department. They minister at St. Thomas More Oratory at the University of Delaware and their retirement facility is located in Childs, MD. The Oblates Sisters of St. Francis de Sales, part of the Oblate family, operate Aviat Academy.
“We will work in collaboration with Bishop-elect Koenig as we serve in the diocese and fulfill our community’s mission to grow as a religious community and share our charism with the People of God and affirm them in “living Jesus” as the needs of the Church dictate,” said Very Reverend Lewis S Fiorelli, OSFS, Provincial. “We are full of gratitude for the ministry and leadership of Bishop Francis Malooly and will keep him in our prayers as he enjoys his retirement.”
May the gentle spirit of St. Francis de Sales guide Bishop-elect Koenig and everyone in the diocese as we “Live Jesus” in all we do and in Francis’ words, “be who we are and be that well.”
The Oblates join the entire Diocese of Wilmington in praying for Bishop-elect Koenig as he brings his many gifts and rich experiences to lead this great diocese. We offer our most sincere congratulations and warmest welcome.
May God be Praised!
