Perpetual Profession of Vows

A little over a week ago, on August 21st, Craig Irwin and Joe Katarsky made their perpetual profession of vows as Oblates of St. Francis de Sales in the Toledo-Detroit Province. The celebration took place at Holy Family Parish, an Oblate parish in Adrian, MI.

It was a great celebration, and one that coincided with a young Oblate in Haiti and two Oblate sisters in Troyes, France also making their perpetual profession on the same day. The date is significant as August 21 was the birthday of St. Francis de Sales in 1567. It was a good day for the Church and for the Oblates.

Joe and Craig have been in the Oblate formation program for around 7 years. They began their time with us as postulants, Joe teaching at Visitation Academy in Washington, DC and Craig teaching at St. Francis de Sales High School in Toledo, OH. From there they entered the novitiate and made their first vows in 2015. Then they began their philosophical and theological studies at Catholic University in Washington, DC. Part way through their theological program they spent two years in apostolic internship teaching at St. Francis in Toledo. They returned to Washington a year ago and are nearing the end of their theological studies.

At this point, as Fr. Ken McKenna, OSFS, mentioned in his homily at the profession, “Craig and Joe have finally arrived at their trifecta of celebrations: perpetual profession, diaconate ordination and priestly ordination. I remember my family — by the time we got to priestly ordination — asking two questions: “Didn’t we just do this?” and “Do we have to buy another gift?”

Ken went on to say, “Of the three celebrations, today, for me, is the most moving. To see young men commit their entire life to God — to vow to imitate the poor, chaste and obedient Christ touches the heart and soul and invites us all to reflect on our own living of the Gospel.”

For we Oblates, having young men make this final commitment to the Lord and to the Oblates, is always very moving. In some ways, it validates our own commitment as Oblates and gives us hope and encouragement for our future and the future of the Oblate community in the United States. It also wonderful to see others value the life we have valued and lived, some of us for a long time.

Joe and Craig will now finish their theological studies, be ordained deacons and work in a parish for a period of time, up to a year, and then be ordained priests and begin their priestly ministry as Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. I’ve already congratulated them, but do so again. Many blessings Joe and Craig, we all look forward to your years in ministry with us and for the Church.

Please keep Craig and Joe in your prayers as they draw to the end of their program of basic formation as Oblates and enter the life of an ordained minister in the Church. Also, join us in prayer for vocations to our way of life.

Blessings

Rev. Jack Loughran, OSFS

Provincial, Toledo-Detroit Province

Nativity Works!

Alex, one of Nativity Prep’s first graduates,   arrived at the Prep just as I pulled up. Recognizing me, he jumped out of his pick-up truck and enthusiastically greeted me. Since his Nativity graduation,  his high school experience at Tower Hill, and time at the  University of Delaware, Alex has become  a father and owner of his own business. I asked what brought him to Nativity.   He replied,  showing me a check,  “I’m here to drop off a donation.” 

At that moment  I knew why I  returned to Nativity Prep, a middle school providing disadvantaged boys a chance for a better future. Nativity works. Alex’s appearance that day at Nativity with a donation was sure proof.  He was grateful and he wanted to give back. 

Through hard work, longer school hours, and many ups and downs, Nativity students turn their lives around.  With patient guidance from a believing and loving faculty, Nativity students like Alex, soon discover the buried grace-filled moment that propels them on the path of achieving. 

This is that breakthrough moment when every Nativity student begins believing in himself. His attitude changes, good habits blossom, faith in self deepens,  and his disposition empowers him to maximize his God-given gifts. Transformation begins. 

This is why Nativity works. Founded by the Oblates in 2003, Nativity Prep offers every student a team approach education. This involves students, faculty, parents, Oblates, and donors -  together they offer students every opportunity needed to discover and expand their individual gifts. Nativity Prep is a life-giving place where gifts flourish in its classrooms every day.

A  few results:   Nativity alumnus and University of Notre Dame graduate,  Jahaziel  Valenzo, is fulfilling his dream of becoming an Energy Modeler for Alliantgroup.  Now living in Houston, Texas, Jahaziel is a member of this national consulting company. He writes:  I promise to stay in touch with Nativity, which quite frankly, gave me my very first opportunity to succeed and revealed my unlimited potential. Because of this support, the sky’s the limit. 

While here in Wilmington, Malachi Chandler, a 2020 graduate, is presently pursuing his high school diploma at Archmere  Academy, hoping to fulfill his dream of becoming a Graphic Designer. Remembering his days at Nativity, he writes of his teachers even though they were my teachers at Nativity, we were all family.

This past spring as the pandemic gripped our nation, Nativity Prep sent eight happy graduates to various local private secondary schools. Salesianum admitted five.  The above stories of Alex, Jahaziel, Malachi, and our new graduates are all the reasons I returned to Nativity.

Nativity works. It changes lives. Nativity isn’t the full answer to the problems we face, but it is a small piece. Working with the Nativity family, we all can make a difference, one student at a time. It may sound like a slow process -  but Nativity works.

Richard DeLillio, OSFS

First Nativity Prep President (2004-2010)

The Assumption of ….St. Joseph? A Salesian Perspective

Since 1950 when the dogma was solemnly declared, every year the Church celebrates the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, body and soul, into the glory of heaven on August 15.

Although there is no such solemn teaching or declaration regarding St. Joseph, this did not prevent St. Francis de Sales from seeing the possibility for one.

For instance, in his celebrated Treatise on the Love of God (Book 7, chapter 13), Francis looks to the example of storks for a way of speaking of the assumption of St. Joseph.  There he writes: “Storks provide a true picture of the mutual piety of children for their parents and parents for their children.  They are birds of passage and they carry their aged fathers and mothers on their journeys, just as when they were small their own fathers and mothers had carried them on like occasions.” 

You can see where the saint is going with this example.  Joseph and Mary carried Jesus in their arms when he came to them as a newborn infant and cared for him with tenderness and love throughout his life.  Francis continues, “who can doubt that when this holy father came to the end of his years, he, in turn, was carried by his divine foster Child on his journey from this world into the next, into Abraham’s bosom, from there to be translated into the Son’s own bosom, into glory, on the day of his  Ascension?” 

Francis then places on the lips of St. Joseph these beautiful words to his son, Jesus: “O my Child, as your heavenly Father placed your tender body in my hands on the day you came into the world, so do I place my spirit in your hands on this day of my departure from this world.”  Francis could not imagine a loving son refusing such a prayer from so loving a father! 

During this year we are asked to honor St. Joseph in a special way.  Why not take to prayer the image of the Holy Family now joined once again in the blessedness of their heavenly home as once they shared a simple and loving family life in the village of Nazareth?

When I was a novice, these words were written above the altar: “Go to Jesus through Mary.”  While Francis would certainly espouse that prayer, he would no doubt add a second: “Go to Jesus through Joseph.”  Can Jesus, the son, refuse any request from either parent? 

Pray to Mary; pray to Joseph! 

Rev. Lewis S. Fiorelli, OSFS

Provincial, Wilmington-Philadelphia Province

Still Celebrating St. Jane de Chantal

Last week (Thursday, August 12) the Church celebrated the feast of St. Jane de Chantal.  But for the last fifty years (after the calendar reforms of the Second Vatican Council), her feast has been celebrated on three other dates.   For many years it was celebrated on December 12, August 18, or August 21. 

When we celebrate the feast day of a Saint, it is usually on the day of their death. For St. Jane that would be December 13th.  However, that is the ancient feast of St. Lucy.  Therefore, St. Jane was observed on December 12.

For years, Catholics in Europe observed St. Jane in December while in the Americas we remembered St. Jane on August 21 (which is actually the birthday of St. Francis de Sales). When the calendar changed in 1970, the feast of St. Pius X was moved to August 21.  To accommodate this move, the Church switched St. Jane to August 18.

When the Roman Missal was revised in 2010 and, in order to provide a common day of celebration for the entire Church, August 12 was chosen as the feast of St. Jane de Chantal.

Since we honor St. Jane as a woman who walked faithfully with God in many different vocations, perhaps it is appropriate that we have honored her over the years with many different feast days.  Whenever we celebrate this holy woman, we recognize our own call to follow God in different ways, in different walks of life, and in different seasons of life.                

St. Jane de Chantal, pray for us!

Francis: Always Looking on the Bright Side of Life

Sitting at my desk last Thursday, I spent some time pondering the focus of my reflection for this issue of the DeSales Weekly. After a few moments, I realized that everything that came to my mind was rather sad and tragic. Topics presented themselves like: the pandemic, global warming, the continual reality of violence and war around the globe, fires consuming the western U.S. and other countries, poverty, and more. I thought, “Who wants to hear about this stuff? It’s just depressing.”

So, I began to search for something a bit more uplifting. St. Francis de Sales is known as a Christian Humanist, one who regards humanist principles like universal human dignity, individual freedom, and the importance of happiness as essential and principal or even exclusive components of the teachings of Jesus. I’ve always appreciated this dimension of the patron of my community, the Oblates.

I was told as a novice that the Spiritual Directory that St. Francis wrote for the Sisters of the Visitation, and adopted by Fr. Brisson for the Oblates, came with the directive to follow the directory as their spiritual guide. It also came with the caveat, “If this doesn’t work for your spiritual development, follow what does.” Even in my youthful, naive state, I realized this was unique and a great gift Francis gave those who followed his spiritual direction. It reflected his honor and respect for every person and their uniqueness.

Reflecting on this graced insight of St. Francis, I also found myself thinking that the optimism found in Christian Humanism and Francis de Sales comes with a light spirit and a sense of humor. I love his famous comment to St. Jane de Chantal in a discussion about her spiritual journey and the founding of the Sisters of the Visitation. St. Jane was earnestly devoted to the project. Acknowledging the fashion of the day for wearing very low-cut dresses, which St. Jane followed, Francis suggested to Jane, “If the inn is closed, it may be wise to put out a no vacancy sign.” Don’t you love that? I’ve chuckled over that remark many times.

The optimism of St. Francis is a joyful heart ready to see the good in every person and situation. It resists the temptation to dwell on the negative and let soberness and sadness remain in the heart. Francis also said, “A sad saint is a sorry saint.”

So, as you live through this day, look at the bright side. Lift your heart to the joy of God’s love and the wonder of the world God has brought around you. As the psalmist proclaims: I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. (Ps 118:19)

Rev. Jack Loughran, OSFS, Provincial

Detroit-Toledo Province

Oblate Parish Participates in the "Wedding of the Sea"

A statue of the Blessed Mother is carried to the sea as part of the “Wedding of the Sea” celebration at Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish.

The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary has always been a day for special blessings.  The feast takes place at the highest point of summer when all the crops and fruit trees are filled with the best of the season. Just as the summer harvest is ripe and ready to be picked, the church has recognized in Our Lady’s entry into heaven a symbol of God gathering His people to Himself.  St. Paul tells us:

 “But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.   For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life, but each one in proper order: Christ the first fruits; then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ (1 Corinthians 15: 20-23)

Based on this imagery, it became a custom in the Middle Ages for the countryside to be blessed on Assumption day. Priests would process through mountains, meadows, fields, orchards, farmland, and home gardens giving a benediction to all of nature as they passed. In fishing villages, the seas, oceans, and rivers were also blessed to ask Our Lady for protection against the storms and to implore her intercession for a successful fishing season.

This tradition was brought to the new world and Catholics in many seacoast towns continued what came to be called the “Wedding of the Sea.”   Many Catholics along the East Coast continue to carry on this tradition even today.   Parishes along the Jersey shore organize a procession and blessing on the vigil of the Assumption or on the feast day itself.  Parishioners process from the local church to the nearest beach singing, praying the rosary, and carrying banners and bottles of water (to take home some of the blessed ocean water).    A wonderful sight is to notice vacationers and curious onlookers joining in the procession and taking part in some way in this centuries-old tradition.  This is truly a “wedding” of the sacred and the secular, of heaven and earth.

Lifeguards from Cape May Beach Patrol carry Rev. Mathias Kumar, OSFS in last year’s procession. He holds the floral garland that was tossed into the surf.

 In the town of Cape May, New Jersey, Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish has been leading this devotion for decades.  When the Oblates began to minister in the parish in 2008, they continued this popular tradition.  Even last year, during the pandemic, the blessing continued.  This year, after the 11:45 AM Mass (Sunday, August 15), a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be carried in a procession down Ocean Street from the church to the beach for the ceremony.   After the prayers and blessing at the water, a lifeguard will assist the pastor, Father David Devlin, OSFS, in tossing a floral garland into the surf.

 There are a number of legends that try to explain how this blessing of the sea began and why it is connected to the Feast of the Assumption.  Some involve bishops and storms, a few recall sea battles and prayers for victory, still, other versions connect the story of creation with Mary as the New Eve:  the Queen of Heaven and Earth (including the sea and all within).  Whatever may be the origin, today the devotion reminds us that the seas and oceans continually provide for God’s people and call us to be good stewards of all creation.  Our Lady, Star of the Sea, pray for us!

Lessons of St. Jane

August 12th is the feast day of St. Jane de Chantal, wife, widow, young mother, friend, founder, and saint.

Like the valiant wife and mother of Proverbs, St. Jane was a woman whose feet were very firmly planted on the earth. Hers was a practical, “sleeves rolled up” love that manifested itself in the many vocational stages of her life.  

As a young mother, for example, she treasured each of her children and worked tirelessly to care and provide for them.  She fed, caressed and coaxed them; she taught them values and how to succeed in life, always showering them with abundant doses of motherly love and tender, even playful affection. That same robust love opened a soup kitchen for the poor right in her own backyard.  There, in imitation of the example of the woman in Proverbs, she reached out her hands to the poor and extended her arms to the needy.  

Later, as Foundress, her hands-on love spared nothing of herself in order to guide with wisdom and nourish with “Salesian bread” those women who had bravely followed her into a new expression of religious life.  She welcomed each sister’s unique personality into the remarkable fabric which formed the foundational years of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary.  

Even during the spiritual crucible of more than four decades of a dark night of the soul, Jane founded many monasteries, while offering spiritual guidance, advice, and encouragement to all sorts of people both inside and outside of the Order.  And after the untimely death of her friend, mentor, and co-founder, St. Francis de Sales, she wisely helped to shape their shared vision into the spiritual legacy that has come to be known as Salesian spirituality. 

Despite a very busy life, Jane faithfully dedicated herself each day to prayer.  In prayer, the transforming love of God became the source of her incredible spiritual and physical energy, her “can-do love,” that greatly enhanced, ennobled, and bettered people and the world around her.  From daily prayer before God into a busy life of service to others --this is how that remarkable woman lived out the double commandment of love.  The quiet center of daily prayer, in which she came in touch with the love of God dwelling deep within her, gave birth to the self-less way she lived for others. 

What can we learn from Jane de Chantal?  Most of you reading this reflection probably have a very busy day ahead of you.  Take a moment, however brief, to prayerfully dedicate this day to the Lord.  Then move unhurriedly into your day, bringing the fruit of your prayer into the many encounters and events, large and small, foreseen and unforeseen, that lie before you. Occasionally throughout the day, as you catch your breath, pause to recall the presence of the Lord and rededicate yourself to whatever he asks of you next.  In this way, you will see that each day becomes a prayer! 

There is much we can learn from Jane de Chantal, that large-hearted wife, widow, mother, friend, founder, and saint!

Rev. Lewis Fiorelli, OSFS

Provincial, Wilmington-Philadelphia Province

Rest and Recreate

“From time to time, one must recreate and relax in mind and body.”

-St. Francis de Sales

This summer I followed this wise and holy man’s advice and went “down the shore” – as we Philadelphians say – to vacation in Cape May, New Jersey.

As my husband was loading the car with the three kids, the dog, and tons of “stuff,” I wondered if this is the recipe for relaxation that St. Francis recommended.

I think it is.

The Oblates at my home parish – Our Mother of Consolation in Philadelphia – and my “vacation parish” –Our Lady Star of the Sea in Cape May – remind me that holiness is not found apart from my vocation as wife and mother.  Rather, Salesian Spirituality recognizes that the quest for holiness is integrated into the quotidian of life. Even “down the shore.”

I am drawn “down the shore” –especially this year –as I emerge from my COVID cave.  I find the surf, sand, and sun salvific.  I see God everywhere in the Cape May landscape, even in ordinary, non-religious nautical structures like the Cape May Lighthouse.  While not an overtly Catholic symbol, the lighthouse reminds me that Christ is “Light of the World” (John 8:12) – the beacon of hope as I navigate these post-pandemic waters.

The natural beauty of Cape May is alluring.  I crave comfort in the cathedral of Creation.  I recognize that this time at the shore is more than just fun in the sun; it is sacred time. It is sacred space.  The stunning sunset over the Delaware Bay reminds me of the awesomeness and generosity of our Creator, who offers me the opportunity for grace. 

Is our Creator inviting me to conversation through Creation?  How am I to respond?

I begin by listening.  As St. Jane Frances de Chantal suggests, “in prayer, more is accomplished by listening than by talking.”  Therefore, I must embrace a posture of openness. 

Perhaps our wise and holy friend St. Francis recognized that once we relax our minds and bodies then our souls are more disposed to the promptings of the Spirit. If so, then I must have more than flip flops in Cape May.  I must have an open heart and a submissive soul to not only listen, but to hear and heed God’s will. 

What will you bring?

Maureen Furletti

Graduate Student, Institute for Ministry

Loyola University New Orleans

Maureen A. Furletti LinkedIN

Seeking Eternal Gold

Simone Biles, considered by some the best woman gymnast in history, invited a wide range of responses following her decision to withdraw from parts of the Olympic competition. Upon announcing her decision to withdraw due to overwhelming stress and mental exhaustion, people from around the globe lauded her decision, saying things like “self-care” was more important than a gold medal. On the other hand, many condemned her decision as “poor sportsmanship, selfish, immature, a shame to the country, and a betrayal of her teammates.” Similarly, 23 year old tennis phenom, Naomi Osaka, faced the same responses after withdrawing from the French Open citing concerns for her mental health.

Anxiety, distress, depression, feeling lost and alone due to the pressure to fulfill the expectations of others, to conform to a certain image and lose one’s authentic self in the process, is an experience almost every one of us shares. The challenge in every relationship, whether it is with one person, one’s family, classmates, or a grandstand full of wild fans, is to resist becoming something you are not, to be authentic and true to one’s self. St. Francis de Sales would advise, “Be who you are and be that well.”

In the Fourth Part of the Introduction to the Devout Life, Francis de Sales encourages those seeking a devout life, not to worry about the expectations or judgements of others. He states that the criticisms and jealousies coming from others who would like you to conform to their standards, is “mere foolish, empty babbling. These people aren’t interested in your health or welfare.”

While Francis is abundantly clear and reasonable, it is still a challenge to remain strong and fixed with integrity as we resist the temptation to follow the crowd, or attempt to fit in. He points out that even Christ faced this challenge, look how he was condemned for associating with “sinners and tax collectors.” Francis encourages us to strongly resist the temptation to lose our true selves. “Let us be firm in our purposes and unswerving in our resolutions. Perseverance will prove…” He ends this chapter with the following, “ The world holds us to be fools; let us hold it to be mad.” It’s a difficult path to follow, but one that leads to eternal “gold.”

Rev. Jack Loughran, OSFS

Provincial, Toledo-Detroit Province

World Day for Grandparents Celebrated Throughout the Church

This past Sunday was the first celebration of World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. Fr. Steve Shott, OSFS, shares the history behind this celebration.

Many countries have holidays honoring grandparents.  Some choose fixed days: Poland celebrates on January 21 (grandmothers) and 22 (grandfathers); Brazil, Portugal, and Spain on July 26; Mexico on August 28; Italy on October. 2; and Russia on October 28 and the United States on September 12. Others have chosen different Sunday’s throughout the year to celebrate grandparents.

This year, for the first time in history, the Catholic Church dedicated the fourth Sunday of July (the Lord’s Day closest to the Memorial of Saints Ann and Joachim on 7/26) as the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly.  According to tradition, Saints Ann and Joachim are the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the grandparents of Jesus.

In instituting this annual celebration, Pope Francis said he was moved to establish it not just because of the importance of grandparents and the elderly, a theme on which he has often spoken, but particularly because of the neglect and isolation so many grandparents and seniors experienced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, when travel restrictions, nursing-home policies and fear for their safety prevented their being visited and embraced by their loved ones. 

To bring more attention to the day, Pope Francis has granted a special blessing (traditionally called an indulgence).  This blessing is for all who unite themselves spiritually to liturgical celebrations even if they are unable to leave their homes, and for those who visit, in person or virtually, their grandparents or elderly brothers and sisters in need.

The role of grandparents in the life of the family has been a constant theme Pope Francis has returned to many times during his pontificate. Speaking to a conference on the elderly in January of 2020, Pope Francis notedt, “God has a large population of grandparents throughout the world … They are the indispensable link in educating children and young people in the faith.”

In 2015 the Pope said, "The words of grandparents contain something special for young people. And they know it. The words that my grandmother gave me in writing the day of my priestly ordination I still carry with me, always, in the breviary. And I read them often and they do me good."

Finally, in instituting the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, Pope Francis remarked that, “the vocation of grandparents is linked to their vocation as apostles. Just like the Lord “never, ever goes into retirement,” he stated, “there is no retirement age from the work of proclaiming the Gospel and handing down traditions to your grandchildren.” 

St. Francis de Sales once said, "Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and try to be that perfectly."  We need strong faith-filled grandparents and those who have lived a long life of faith to be a source of inspiration for the young in our homes and parishes.  Pray through the intercession of Saints Ann and Joachim that the seeds of faith planted in the souls of the young will grow to produce a rich harvest.

Rev. Steve Shott, OSFS, was pastor at St. Ann Catholic Church in Fayetteville, NC for six years.  The Oblates ministered at St. Ann Parish for 20 years.  The Oblates continue to stay close to the people of St. Ann’s in North Carolina and pray for God's special blessing on their feast day. Fr. Shott is currently serving at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Glen Mills, PA.

Become What You Receive

In the Gospel for this coming Sunday, Jesus proclaims to the people, “I am the bread of life.” (John 6: 24-35).

Pope St. Leo the Great affirms that, by partaking of the body and blood of Christ, we are changed into what we receive.  He writes, “For the effect of our sharing in the body and blood of Christ is to change us into what we receive.”  This means that through our reception of the Eucharist we become Jesus for our world today, its “bread of life.” 

St. Francis de Sales then urges us to “be who we are and be that well.”

Together, these words from Jesus and two great saints are both an invitation and a challenge to us Christians --as the Body of Christ and, individually, as “another Christ”-- to be the bread that nourishes both the body and the spirit of today’s world, a world that hungers for God and thirsts for justice. How do we, the People of the Bread, feed that hunger and quench that thirst?

The example of Jesus is the answer.  He was tireless in preaching the Father’s Kingdom in both word and deed. As St. John so perceptively saw, Jesus himself is both God’s Word to us as well as God’s Deed for us. If we want to know how much God loves us, we only need to see who God has sent to us and what, in Jesus, God has done for us. 

Jesus preached the beatitudes and lived their spirit.  He forgave the sinner, gave sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf.  He preached the Good News to the poor, befriended the outcast, looked after the widow and orphan, and invited sinners to his table. In all this, he proclaimed God’s Kingdom, not as near, but as already present –in him, in his word, and in his deeds.

We who are nourished on the Bread of Life are gradually changed, recreated, transformed into that which we receive.  For that reason, as Venerable Mother Mary de Sales Chappuis was fond of saying, in us Jesus is seen once again walking upon the earth!

Jesus spoke to the spiritual, material, and societal needs of his day.  We, as his Body today, must speak to those same needs as manifested in our world today.  Jesus suffered and died for speaking truth to power and confronting head-on the evils of his day.  So must we.

The Father never left the Son, even in his sufferings and dying.  Nor will the Father ever leave us.  The Holy Spirit transformed the frightened and discouraged first disciples of Jesus into the heroes of the early Church.  Ordinary men and women, nourished on Word and Sacrament, went out in power to all corners of the earth, preaching the Good News of Jesus and continuing his saving work of peace, justice, healing, and love.  We are called to do the same today.

For that reason, let us be who we truly are—and be that perfectly well!

Rev. Lewis S. Fiorelli, OSFS

Provincial, Wilmington-Philadelphia Province

Francis Helps Us with Post-Pandemic Anxiety

Every morning I receive an email from CNN with the "5 Things" that day that the folks at CNN believe all of us should know. Buried in Tuesday morning's briefing, down in the Breakfast Browse section, was a report on stress, anger, and sadness.

The report stated: The pandemic year that will go down in history for setting records for stress, worry, anger, and sadness among both men and women worldwide, according to a new planetary survey of emotions in 2020. Stress levels rose the most, with a "record-high 40% of adults worldwide" saying they experienced stress "a lot of the previous day," according to Gallup's 2021 Global Emotions Index. That was the highest level in the 15 years, the report said.

I suspect none of us are surprised at these statistics, considering last year's pandemic, the economic challenges we face, conflicts around the world, and even the weather. While it is perhaps interesting to know these facts, the questions remain. "What do I do about these feelings?" "How do I cope with all the factors in my life that challenge and upset me?"

In the Introduction to the Devout Life, St. Francis de Sales acknowledges that not only does anxiety exist in our lives, but also, it is a significant issue. In Part 4, Chapter 11, Francis states that "Other than sin, uneasiness (anxiety) is the greatest evil that can befall the soul."

Francis points out that anxiety weakens our spirit and our ability to maintain the virtues we have sought. It blinds us to the good in our lives and what is of greater importance, Francis proposes several remedies. He encourages us to rest in the Lord, knowing that God's grace can be our strength in these times. Do not frantically or quickly seek resolutions to your concerns. “My soul is continually in my hands, O Lord, and I have not forgotten your law." Ps. 118, 109. 

Francis also encourages us to share our struggle with a trusted, faithful friend, or a spiritual director. Sharing our stress, our struggles, according to Francis, will help us find relief. He says, "It is the remedy of remedies." 

Perhaps the greatest darkness causing all the stress, anger, and sadness worldwide is the fact that the pandemic has isolated us and prevented us from sharing our thoughts, feelings, pain, joys, and more with others. It makes me think that the grace offered in parishes emerging from the pandemic may be a perfect solution to these ills, another reason to rejoice in the renewal and gift of parish life. 

The FEAST of St. Mary Magdalene

Yesterday (July 22nd) was the feast of St. Mary Magdalene.  For centuries, she has been venerated as the “Apostle to the Apostles” for her role on Easter morning in recognizing the risen Lord and proclaiming the good news to the closest disciples and friends of Jesus.  

Five years ago, Pope Francis changed the status of this day from what is called a liturgical Memorial to a liturgical Feast (the Church has a hierarchy of celebrations from memorials to feasts to solemnities).  This may seem like a minor detail to most Catholics but in changing the rank of this special day, Pope Francis has raised the feast day to a status that is equal to that of the other (male) Apostles.

Women make up a large majority of volunteers, catechists, religious educators, faith formation leaders, sacristans, administrative assistants, and others who do so much to support the mission of the Church.  This goes back to the very beginning of the ministry of Jesus.   We know from Scripture that there were many women who accompanied the Lord and were part of his journey.  Yet, their role as friends and colleagues is hardly recorded or remembered.

By elevating the role of Mary Magdalene, the Church recognizes all the women over the centuries who helped believers grow in their faith. They may not be mentioned in any history books or stories of the saints, but they probably include our mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, teachers, women religious, friends, and neighbors.  In our own Oblate tradition, we think of St. Jane Frances de Chantal, St. Margaret Mary, Mother Mary de Sales Chappuis, St. Leonie Aviat, and all the Visitation and Oblate Sisters who handed down and helped to spread the spirituality and message of St. Francis de Sales.

On this Feast of St. Mary Magdalene, as we honor the friend and foremost female disciple of Jesus, we give thanks for all of the women in our lives who have helped us to deepen our faith and have helped us to encounter and share the good news of the Risen Lord. 

Salesian Spirituality & the “French Connection"

Some years ago, while paging through the American Heritage Collegiate Dictionary of the English Language, I was startled to discover that our own Francis de Sales – described as a “French ecclesiastic” – had made the cut! I shared my excitement with one of our Salesian scholars,  Fr. Alexander Pocetto, OSFS, emailing him about my unintended find. Minutes later I received an email reply, in which Fr. Pocetto dryly remarked, “Francis would be rolling over in his grave.”

Because, of course, Francis de Sales was not French: he was a Savoyard, and proud of it. Bordered by what are today France, Italy, and Switzerland, the Duchy of Savoy was of strategic importance in the region. Jane de Chantal, that other great source of what would become known as Salesian Spirituality was French, hailing from the Burgundy region. Francis de Sales died in 1622; Jane de Chantal died in 1641.

Fast forward approximately 150 years to the tumultuous period known as the French Revolution. (A major event in the French Revolution, the storming of the Bastille, occurred on July 14, 1789 and is a French holiday to this day, akin to July 4 celebrations in the United States of America.) French troops occupied Savoy in 1792. The following year witnessed the beginning of the Reign of Terror.

It began as a way to harness revolutionary fervor but quickly degenerated into the settlement of personal and regional grievances. At the end of July, price controls over a wide range of goods, and in September 'revolutionary groups' were established to enforce these controls. The Law of Suspects ordered the arrest of suspected "enemies of freedom", initiating what became known as the "Terror." According to archival records, from September 1793 to July 1794 some 16,600 people were executed on charges of counter-revolutionary activity; another 40,000 may have been summarily executed or died awaiting trial. During the period, the bodies of both Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal were exhumed from their respective tombs in an Annecy church and concealed for safekeeping for fear that their remains would be desecrated, as happened to the bodies of many religious figures in regions that came under revolutionary control.

The French Revolution went through a number of phases during its twenty-five-year run but ended with the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815. In the years that followed, two more French citizens – Louis Brisson and Leonie Aviat - would pick up where Francis and Jane left off, disseminating Salesian Spirituality during the height of a revolution of another kind: the Industrial Revolution.

Today, the remains of Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal are interred in two bronze sarcophagi in their final resting place at the Basilica of the Visitation in Annecy, France. (Savoy was officially annexed by France as a result of the Treat of Turin in 1860.) They are actually relics, insofar as both bodies suffered significant disintegration while being hidden during the French Revolution. The Basilica, completed in 1930, is home to beautiful mosaics and stained glass windows that recount the life and legacies of St. François de Sales and Jeanne de Chantal.

Of course, Salesian Spirituality – a confluence of both French and Savoyard influences – was “revolutionary” in its own rite, proclaiming that living a life of devotion was not only possible - but doable – to people of every state and stage in life! Its clarion call recognized the God-given dignity and destiny of every human being that is expressed not by doing superhuman things, but by doing ordinary, everyday things with great love. Author Ruth Kleinman would one day describe this spirituality as a “Revolution in Charity.”

Rev. Michael S. Murray, OSFS

Assistant Provincial

Wilmington-Philadelphia Province

"Come away and rest awhile…"

The scene for this coming Sunday’s gospel follows upon last week's reading when Jesus sent his disciples out on their first missionary activities.  They are back now, overjoyed by their successes but exhausted from their efforts. Wisely, Jesus suggests that they come away with him to a quiet place and rest awhile.  No doubt Jesus himself looked forward to some relaxing and downtime with those first enthusiastic followers (Mark 6: 30-34). 

But things don't turn out as planned.  Hungry for the person and the Word of Jesus, people see them leaving, guess where they are going, and get there ahead of them.

I wonder what our reaction would be if our much-needed plans for some downtime and R&R were suddenly interrupted in this way.  Would we react to that vast crowd as Jesus did?  Would we be as ready as he was to see, not an unwelcomed interruption of plans, but another opportunity to serve?

Some of the most beautiful words in all of scripture describe the reaction of Jesus: in seeing the vast crowd before him, "his heart was moved with pity for them."  That says it all.  As the Good Shepherd he sees before him sheep who are eager to be fed upon the holy bread of God's Word and so, "he began to teach them many things."

There are many valuable lessons from this beautiful gospel.  First, the eager people themselves.  They want to hear God's Word and nothing, not even a difficult trek to a deserted place and perhaps an unwelcome greeting by the weary disciples, will stop them from coming to Jesus. Those good people teach us much about the importance of following the Word and Person of Jesus no matter how challenging it may be, especially in a world such as ours which, at times today, seems less and less interested in hearing or heeding his Gospel values.  And as Covid-19 restrictions begin to lift more and more, let us be as eager as the people in this gospel to return to our parishes to encounter Jesus in hearing his Gospel and in receiving his Bread of Life!

The disciples give us a valuable lesson as well.  They are truly exhausted and certainly entitled to some much-needed rest and a little quiet time alone with Jesus in some deserted place, away from everything and everybody.   As this chapter of Mark teaches us, we too need both bread for the body and spiritual food for the soul. Do we perhaps spend too much energy and effort on the first and too little of both on the second?

The best lesson of all is from Jesus himself. In this vast and determined crowd he doesn't see an interruption to his plans but an opportunity to serve, to teach, and to feed both hungry bodies and eager spirits.  So, don't worry about bothering Jesus when you go to him again and again with your prayers and hopes, with your dreams and difficulties, with your pain and disappointments.  He will welcome you every time with open arms, a broad smile, and a very welcoming heart! He is, after all, the Good Shepherd!

Rev. Lewis S. Fiorelli, OSFS

Provincial

Wilmington-Philadelphia Province

When A Life Chooses You

Grant Wohl and Joe Kochendoerfer

This past Saturday, July 3, I had the privilege of receiving two young men into the Oblate Novitiate. The novitiate is a canonical year of training and preparation that the novice undergoes before taking vows to discern their call to vowed religious life. This includes times of intense study of the vowed life, prayer, living in community, studying the Oblate Charism, and the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales, deepening one's relationship with God and deepening one's self-awareness. It is a pretty tall order to complete in a single year.

Of course, the basic formation of an Oblate continues for several years. It includes theological study, supervised pastoral experiences, and continued reflection and discernment by the one in formation and the guidance and evaluations of those responsible for formation. The hoped result is a young man ready to take final vows and serve as an Oblate priest or brother for the rest of their lives. 

The two young men received into the novitiate are Grant Wohl, Toledo, OH, and Joe Kochendoerfer, Bedford, MI. Both of these men have spent at least a year as postulants, living with other Oblates in community and working a conventional job. Grant continued working in Toledo as a computer programmer, and Joe taught math at St. Francis de Sales High School in Toledo. 

With the scarcity of vocations throughout the American church, we Oblates are thrilled they have chosen to join us and pray they find our way of life something they seek.

I found myself reflecting on memories of my novitiate, which began July 1, 1969. I was 17 years old, just a few weeks out of high school. Thinking about joining the Oblates as a senior in high school, I confessed to the Oblate vocation director that I had mixed feelings about it. His advice to me at that time was to "Give God the first chance." Well, in my naïveté, I thought, "Why the heck not!" I fully expected to leave after a month or so, with the added perk of doing something different for the summer someplace other than home. 

I had no idea what I was doing and no good reason to do it but I quickly found myself at home with the Oblates. My life as an Oblate has been challenging. Ministry is hard work but has offered exciting opportunities beyond my expectations, and most of my days bring rich and unique experiences of Christ. After 51 years as an Oblate, I realize that I didn't so much choose this life as it chose me. St. Francis de Sales would say, "It is God's will." My prayer for Joe and Grant is they find the same.

Fr. Jack Loughran, OSFS
Provincial
Toledo-Detroit Province

Are We Free?

Recently, I saw a short presentation of why our nation celebrated Juneteenth a few weeks ago.  The video noted that even though there has been great progress for African Americans over the years, the one constant is the presence of random racist bias.  The narrator said that “even though slavery ended in 1865, the desire to master and to dominate black bodies did not and we have never dealt with that. “ These are the kinds of stark realities that are highlighted during Juneteenth. If black people’s lives can be expunged through racist violence and no one is held accountable, how free are we?  

With the horrific rise of violence, hatred, and discrimination of every kind such as Asian hate, “anti- fill in the blank” based on race, color, creed, preference,  orientation, age, or sex, we must ask how free we really are?  Even though there are some limits to freedom understood as those that if expressed would endanger another, freedom in the USA has been a sense of pride, a value from which we may critique other nations for their prohibition of said perceived freedom.  We value, desire, and enjoy the freedom earned by our ancestors (some who paid the ultimate sacrifice in laying down their lives for a cause greater than themselves).

The Coronavirus Pandemic, especially those months of quarantining, tested our freedom when choices were limited or even non-existent.  Prior to this, many were saddened by declining church attendance but who would have thought there would be a time when we were prohibited from attending Mass in person?  Freedom to assemble, freedom of religion…not during these trying times.  One of the many lessons offered to us during this time was the preciousness of our freedom and the anxious waiting to recapture it and celebrate it.

To me, the most valued freedom is that inner freedom where it seems the individual is in control with the help of others.  It is here that I ask, “Are we really free?”  Interiorly, spiritually, mentally, are we free?  Are there things that keep us from fully being the image and likeness in which we are created and called to be?  Things that we were “taught or caught” that bind us? Do we love God and self freely, without reservation, with trust and confidence?  

I often feel that we are beset with issues that have plagued us over the years (poor self-image, over-inflated sense of self, hunger for the next thing, addiction to praise, food, drink, money, sex, success, or misery), things we have tried to work on with little success, things we know are not healthy but “get us by.” We have learned to live with them, and they may go undetected by others, yet they bring us down and keep us from being fully present to ourselves, others, and our God. It is in these places where we need to be set free, to fully enter relationship with God.  As it was said to the crowd on the road to Jairus’ house for Jesus to heal his daughter, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.”

So comfortable have we grown in those inner struggles that what we may most truly fear is the freedom or release from them and the invitation to a new, inexperienced grace and deeper friendship with God that is awaiting us.  We will not trust.  Fear of the unknown (as we have always lived this way) and the awesome power of this new offer of freedom unsettle us and retreat is often the option.  The exhortation “Do not be afraid,” said some 365 times in scripture, must be repeated so often for a reason.  “Just have faith” the size of a mustard seed (so minuscule a single seed is hard to see), faith that was the ever-present and more important gift given than the physical healings Jesus performed in his ministry for it called the healed into relationship and set them on mission to serve and to evangelize.

In those things that plague me and keep me from fully entering relationship with God and by extension, others, I often echo the mantra offered by God to St. Paul who often felt himself weak, helpless, and defeated with this “thorn in the flesh” given him, “My grace is sufficient for you for power is made perfect in weakness.”

Paul’s boast was of his weakness for there God was powerful.  It is in our shadows where God is profoundly present, waiting for us to ask for his forgiveness, mercy, acceptance, strength, and unconditional love.  Gifts that are indeed absolutely freeing.  There God is waiting?  What are we waiting for?

How do we get to this place?  We ask for God’s grace that is continually on offer in the present moment.  We recognize God’s presence “in the moment” beside us, inside us, in the task at hand, in the beauty and in the shadows, and in places and persons to discover.  We live freely in the moment relying on this grace.  It is a perpetual trust and surrender lived in each present moment.

Are we tired of living less than who we can be?  Are we ready to let go of fear and embrace faith?  Do we want to give it a chance that God’s grace just may be enough for us? Are we convinced that as strange as this wording may see, “God is enough for me”?

As we celebrate our nation’s independence this July 4th, let us be resolved to be totally free and pray this gift for all others.

Rev. John Fisher, OSFS

The Healing Wounds of Jesus

In a few days, on July 3rd, the Church will celebrate the feast of St. Thomas the Apostle and, a day later, we as a nation will celebrate Independence Day.  In this reflection, I would like to say something about both.

I am always struck by the fact that Thomas refused to be convinced of the Lord’s resurrection without first touching with his own hands the wounds of his passion.  I am even more struck by the fact that the risen Jesus has chosen to retain those wounds in his glorified body.  Why has he chosen to do that?

In my view, the risen Jesus wants to remind us, the body which is his church, that the same evils that caused the wounds of his passion will continue to afflict the body of his church and indeed the whole human family throughout the course of history, until his final return in glory at history’s end.

Yes, the resurrection points to the ultimate and final triumph of good over evil, of grace over sin, but throughout history the cosmic struggle between the forces of good and evil continues.  

Evil has had many faces throughout history.  Today those faces include personal and corporate sin, racism, inequality, inequity, Covid-19, prejudice, sex-trafficking, hate, division, indifference.  There is no end to the list.

Like Thomas, let us touch the wounds of the risen Jesus and, in doing so, come to faith in the Risen Lord as he did.  Then, let us work with the grace of the Risen Jesus and the power of his Holy Spirit, to rid the world and our own lives of the evils that those wounds symbolize, both then and now.

This Independence Day calls upon every American and especially every believer to celebrate our freedoms by working to bring about greater justice, deeper peace, true equity and shared prosperity for all. 

The wounds of Jesus heal those whose faith in him works for justice and whose love for him extends to the least and the last among us.

V. Rev. Lewis S. Fiorelli, OSFS
Provincial
Wilmington-Philadelphia Province

Salesian Words From Our Graduates

Enjoy selections from Baccalaureate Salesian Speeches and at our high schools and university

Joseph Morace (Father Judge High School) 

 Throughout my four years at Judge, the “27” have been a perfect representation of the values of a Salesian gentleman.  Each of us should strive to model our behavior after them.   For those who may not be familiar with “the 27,” the Judge community lost 27 graduates during the Vietnam War, the most of any Catholic high school in the United States. 

The Class of 2021 experienced their own loss and faced adversity throughout the pandemic, but I was able to finally let go of the anger and frustration I have experienced this year when I remembered the 27 Judge graduates who went to Vietnam, never to return home.   No matter where life leads us, remember the “27” and care for your fellow Crusaders and all people.   Along the way, you will create joy, hope and unity.  You will live the Salesian virtues.

The Salesian values instilled in us will define our relationships for the rest of our lives.  It is incumbent upon us to follow the teachings and example of St. Francis de Sales, exemplified by our fellow Crusaders and alumni each and every day.   As we, the class of 2021 move forward in the next chapter of our lives, let us remember the advice of our patron: “It is not those who commit the least faults who are the most successful, but those who have the greatest courage, the greatest generosity, the greatest love, who make the boldest efforts to achieve greatness.”  Live today well!

 Liam Furlong (Salesianum School) 

 “Be who you are and be that well.”   Coming from a family in which my dad, his brother and his brother-in-law have taken hold of the brotherhood of Salesianum, I have heard that quote practically my whole life.   Taking a look back, it is really sound advice.   I used to say to myself: “I am the only me there is – aren’t I doing exactly that?”  

But during my senior year, I had to acknowledge that “being you” does not equate with “being yourself.”  Rather, being yourself is a choice that we have to address and stick with throughout life.  The journey of growth, faith, and reflection began on our first day of high school.  When we started Salesianum, it was so easy to believe that we were not enough.  We all wrestled with this question. 

 It took four years, but I came to realize that I am enough.  God created us in his image and likeness to be who we are – to be enough.  There will never be a time when we will be completely satisfied with who we are and what we have become.  However, over these four years, we have come to realize that God is fulfilled in us.  When we see people, especially our classmates, who are exploring who God has called them to become, we are reminded that God is truly pleased with all of us.  As we go off to embrace another chapter and get ready for a new freshmen year in college, when we encounter new difficulties and daunting moments, we will know in our hearts that others see God in us. “Be who you are and be that well in order to give glory to the master craftsman whose handiwork you are.”   Live Jesus!

Charlie Morehead (St. Francis de Sales High School)

When I think back to why I came to St. Francis in the first place, I am not sure I can pinpoint the moment. I always thought I would be at Central Catholic, but God’s plan for me was obviously here at St. Francis and I am so grateful for how the plan unfolded. It is another example of my need to follow the teachings of St. Francis de Sales, who told us to “be patient with everyone, but above all with yourself.”

 My Freshman year was rough, I wasn’t used to the level of rigor and discipline found at St. Francis.   After a full year of not rising to that standard, I found myself facing a well-deserved “do not return” letter.   However, I also found myself surrounded by teachers advocating for me to be given another chance. They saw something in me that I’m not even sure I saw in myself.   They were patient with me.   

Returning sophomore year, I improved little by little.  I had to be patient with myself, just as St. Francis said. But choices I made as a young man are still having an impact on me today. I can’t go back and change things, but I can be patient with myself and learn from them.

At the end of my high school journey, I am ready to begin a new one, ready to keep trying.  May all of us in the Class of 2021 enter this next leg of our journey with open hearts, being patient with everyone, but above all, with ourselves.

Margaret Arnold (DeSales University)

As we come to the end of our college experience, the challenges we have faced not just over the past year, but over the course of our time at DeSales, have contributed to our successes.  From the moment we got here this university has helped us to positively build our character. Here we have learned to embody the core values of our university, our school patron, St. Francis de Sales. Gentleness, humility, gratitude, hospitality, and wisdom are now values we will carry into our post-graduate lives.

“Be who you are and be that well” - this is the phrase that we all know by heart, the phrase that we all try to follow. The phrase I hope you continue to  integrate into your daily lives. We have spent our time here discovering and developing who we  are into the best versions of ourselves. Now we all must go forward and continue our journey of discovery and development, outside of DeSales University.

Oblate Community Life

This past weekend I celebrated mass at St. Perpetua Parish in Lafayette, CA. I’m here to help out another Oblate, John Kasper, as he recovers from ankle surgery, which keeps him off his feet. It was the first time in 15 months that the community could join for a Sunday Eucharistic celebration without social distancing and wearing masks.

When the cantor made his usual opening remarks, saying, “Welcome to St. Perpetua Parish,” there was a rousing and spontaneous round of applause. When I began the mass, introducing myself, I commented, “From your reaction to the welcome from the cantor, it’s obvious you’re happy to be back together as a parish community.” With that, another rousing and spontaneous round of applause broke out. It was a heartwarming way to begin our liturgy, and, even as a stranger, I was moved and felt the welcoming spirit of this Catholic community. I was proud to claim St. Perpetua’s as a community led by an Oblate for 25 years.

Reflecting on this experience later, I could not help but recognize the human need to connect with other humans. It’s as if we are hard-wired to live in community, to share our lives, to rely on support and affection from others. It only affirms and strengthens my understanding of the value of community life we Oblates share. At the time of our first profession, part of our vow formula states, “For the love of God, and moved by a firm resolve to consecrate myself more fully to Him and to follow Christ more closely in my whole life…. I give myself with my whole heart to this religious family.”

Coincidently, in the past two weeks each of the Oblate American Provinces held their annual gathering. It has been two years since both Provinces gathered due to Covid restrictions. Unfortunately, each province met via Zoom, but it was still wonderful to meet together. We miss seeing one another. These annual meetings are one way we honor the vow we made to give ourselves with our whole heart to this religious family. Excluding last year due to Covid 19, the Toledo-Detroit Province has met every year for the past 33 years.

Pope Benedict wrote, “No man is an island, entire of itself. Our lives are involved with one another, through innumerable interactions, they are linked together…. The lives of others continually spill over into mine, in what I think, say, do, and achieve. And conversely, my life spills over into that of others: for better and for worse.”

For the Christian, participation in community life is a responsibility. We consciously fulfill this sacred obligation for the good of all the community. The times we are in demand the highest commitment of undivided loyalty to the human community, relational solidarity, and personal sacrifice on the part of each of us. For the health of our nation and for the good of our children, we must begin to recognize the signs of an excessive, unhealthy form of individualism, question it, and start moving toward a new, more communal spirit in keeping with the mind and heart of our God who created us to be one human family.

Rev. Jack Loughran, OSFS

Provincial, Toledo-Detroit Province