The Washington Theological Consortium is hosting a special symposium on Thursday, April 18 to honor the legacy of the renowned Catholic ecumenist, the late Fr. John Crossin, OSFS. A distinguished panel of theologians will discuss insights from his final book, published months before his death.
Crossin-Oblate Family Partnership
Honoring Rev. John W. Crossin, OSFS, Ph.D
1947-2023
Oblate Priest, Theologian, Ecumenist
What is the Crossin-Oblate Family Partnership?
The family of Fr. Crossin, together with his Oblate brothers and colleagues in the ecumenical world, have joined together to honor his life’s work. Since Fr. John’s passing, a partnership has been formed to promote his publications and continue the ecumenical dialogue to which he dedicated this life.
We look forward to sharing Fr. John’s work through these initiatives:
Regular book reviews and distribution of Fr. John’s most recent book, Moving into the Ecumenical Future (purchase here)
Featuring Fr. John’s work at a The Ecumenical Future: Symposium at Washington Theological Consortium (April 18, 2024)
Oblate high schools’ ecumenism and unity essay contest
Establishment of a grant for seminarians to host an ecumenical program at the parish level
Publication of a Festschriff containing academic articles focused on key themes of Fr. John’s research
“Fr. Crossin, ecumenical expert and US bishops' former advisor, dies at 75,” National Catholic Reporter,
Articles by Fr. Crossin
“What is Salesian Friendship?” A series of essays on Spiritual Friendship
“Will Christian Unity Come Sooner Than We Think,” Ecumenical Trends, 51/1 (January/February 2022):18-23,
“Moving into the Ecumenical Future,” Louvain Studies 44(2021): 152-172.
“Moral Actions: The Person Acting and Pope Francis,” Ecumenical Trends 47/5 (May 2018): 7-10, 14-15.
“Occasional Reflections on the Declaration on the Way,” Ecumenical Trends 46/6 (June 2017): 1-3.
“Ecumenical Reflections on Moral Discernment,” Journal of Ecumenical Studies (Fall 2015): 561-82.
“The Church: Towards a Common Vision,” Ecumenical Trends 43/10 (November 2014):2-4.
“Prudence and the Future: An Ecumenically Shaped Ethic,” Journal of Ecumenical Studies 45:3 (Summer 2010): 426-32
“Christian Identities: Necessary but not Sufficient,” Ecumenical Trends 38/2 (February 2009):17-18, 30.
“Ecumenical Relationships and Dialogue Today: Insights from the Salesian Tradition,” in Human Encounter in the Salesian Tradition (Rome: International Commission for Salesian Studies, 2007): 409-424.
“What Does God Want Us to Do? A Meditation on Discernment,” Ecumenical Trends 36/10 (November 2007):145-149.
“Love for the Poor: God’s Love for the Poor and the Church’s Witness to It” co-authored with Shaun Casey, Eric H. Crump, A. Katherine Grieb, Beverly Mitchell and Ann K. Riggs for the National Council of Churches of Christ, 2005.
“Virtue as an Ecumenical Ethic,” Ecumenical Trends (February 2005): 28-31.
“Salesian Mysticism,” Review for Religious 62/2 (2003): 144-52.
“Reflections on Salesian Anthropology” in With Mind and Heart Renewed: A Festschrift for John F. Harvey, OSFS (Lanham, MD: University Press of America, 2001).
“A Meditation on Humility,” in We Are All Brothers-3: A collection of essays in honor of Archbishop Vsevolod of Scopelos, Ed. Jack Figel (Fairfax, VA: Eastern Christian Publications, 2007): 181-91.
“The Holy Spirit: Ecumenical Reflections,” in Seminary Ridge Review (Autumn 2006):5-11. [This is an address given at the Opening Academic Convocation of Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary.]
[19th Annual] Bernardin Lecture on Jewish-Catholic relations
Article on Fr. John’s newest book: Christian unity may not be so far off, says former head of bishops’ ecumenical office
Salesianum's First Annual Christmas Lunch
For the first time, Salesianum will open its doors from 12-3 PM on Christmas Day to welcome residents from numerous Wilmington Housing Authority (WHA) locations for an afternoon filled with food, song, and cheer. The event is a nod to a tradition that began in 1982 with the Sant’Egidio community in Rome. Today, Christmas Lunch is celebrated in more than 600 cities worldwide, and Salesianum is thrilled to be bringing a version to the Wilmington community.
The event is completely student-led and is expected to unite more than 100 WHA residents with hundreds of Salesianum students, families, alumni, and friends. The event helps to ensure that no one is alone on Christmas, and it directly aligns with Salesianum’s patron saint, Francis de Sales’ teachings: “It is to those who have the most need of us that we ought to show our love more especially.”
7th Annual Global Salesian Leadership Symposium
Fr. Chorpenning Presents at Norbertine Library Lecture in Art & Theology
Oblates Celebrate St. Jane
New Principal at Nativity Prep
Fr. Tom Hagan Works for Peace in Haiti
The Philadelphia Inquirer and Miami Herald have recently run news stories on Fr. Tom Hagan, OSFS, celebrating his work in Haiti to help four rival gangs establish a truce.
Fr. Tom has been ministering in Haiti for almost three decades and has become a well-known priest and humanitarian. He has ministered during natural disasters and political uprisings as well as increased violence, human rights violations, and health and food instability.
Please pray for Fr. Tom and all the people in Haiti.
Read The Philadelphia Inquirer story here.
Charism of Our Community
Salesian Students Aim High to Make a Difference!
Over the past ten years, Salesianum School, Padua Acadamy (part of the Oblate parish, St. Anthony of Padua) and Ursuline Acadamy in Delaware have partnered annually to coordinate a powerful fundraising event called SALSTHON (Students About Life Saving). The collaboration is headed by the Student Councils from each school and to date has raised a remarkable $1,400,000 for local non-profit organizations, including The Delaware Center for Homeless Veterans, Child Inc., The B+ Foundation, SL24: Sean's House, St. Patrick’s Center, Limen House, AI DuPont Children’s Hospital and The Summer Collab.
This year, the students announced that The Ronald McDonald House of Delaware (RMHDE) is the SALSTHON 2023 beneficiary and together have set their sights on an impressive $175,000 fundraising goal.
To choose the beneficiary for SALSTHON, the Student Councils research and present options focusing on foundations that are in need and where the money raised will be the most impactful. After interviewing the nonprofits and much consideration, students agree on one foundation. This year, when speaking with RMHDE and touring the facilities, the students felt a deep connection between the mission of the foundation and Salesian Spirituality.
Pam Cornforth, President and CEO of RMHDE; Brian Reed, whose family was a beneficiary of RMHDE, and members of Salesianum's Student Council (L-R): Jake Randall '23, William "Deuce" Mutts '23; Colin McGhee '23, Nate Gambol '23 and Jack Gormley '23.
As SALSTHON faculty liaison Ms. Alison Hildenbrand said, “The joy and optimism that emanates from RMHDE has a real connection to Salesian Spirituality and the teaching of Saint Francis de Sales. The foundation is dedicated to creating a place that is happy and optimistic for families who are going through difficult times.”
If this year’s fundraising goal is met, RMHDE will be able to fill its financial need to be able to continue to provide meals for families staying with them. If students are able to surpass the goal, those funds will go towards updating the accommodations and furnishings at the housing facilities.
Salesianum’s Student Council President Jack Gormley ‘23 is passionate and enthusiastic about this year's effort. He said, “It is through efforts like this that we as students are able to highlight how Saint Francis’ teaching lives inside of us every day and in all that we do. We are really able to show that we live these teachings when we can put them into action in the real world and do something really special to help others. Through this effort we show our true selves, being who we are and being that well. We don’t shy away from obstacles, even though it is not easy. We are here to work on something really special and continue to live out Salesian Spirituality in our communities.” He went on to express how he and his fellow council members hope that this can be the start of a partnership with RMHDE and Salesianum as they have already identified ways that students can volunteer at the foundation and have brainstormed other fundraising options for the future.
From now until March 18th, students from all three Salesian schools are joining forces to raise funds through various outlets, including direct donation solicitations, sponsoring “dress down” days, social events and athletic tournaments. Finally, on the evening of March 18, the fundraising efforts culminate at the spirited SALSTHON overnight dance held at Salesianum where the highly anticipated reveal of the official total dollars raised occurs.
To learn more about SALSTHON here.
Live + Jesus!
St. Paul VI Catholic High School Celebrates its 40th Anniversary
This year, Oblate-affiliated St. Paul VI Catholic High School is celebrating 40 years of growing in grace and wisdom! The school community celebrated with an Anniversary Mass on Sunday, January 29 in their theatre, Teatro Montini. The Mass was concelebrated by current Chaplain Father Stephen Schultz, founding principal Father Donald J. Heet, OSFS, and former principal, Father Robert Mulligan, OSFS, with over 400 people in attendance. It was so special to have so many past, present (and future) Panthers, faculty and staff celebrating together.
Father Donald J. Heet, OSFS, (front) Chaplain Father Stephen Schultz, (back) and Father Robert Mulligan, OSFS, (right).
St. Paul VI High School was established in 1983 by former Arlington Bishop Thomas J. Welsh and the Oblates administered and staffed the school until 2000. Other Oblates who served at the school include Father Joe Brennan, Brother Bob Carter, and Fathers Michael Cavanaugh, Bill Dougherty, Ed Fitzpatrick, Frank Hanlon, Matt Hillyard, John Lyle, Robert Mancini, John McGee, Ed Ogden and John O'Neill.
The mission of St. Paul VI Catholic High School is to provide an excellent Catholic education to young men and women by affording them the means to achieve spiritual, intellectual, personal, social, and physical development according to the teachings of the Gospel and Saint Francis de Sales. St. Paul VI Catholic High School is committed to graduating responsible, moral, service-oriented young adults who will continue to “grow in grace and wisdom."
A full gallery of photos from the day are available here and the Mass can be viewed on the PVI YouTube Channel.
Father John W. Crossin, OSFS, Explores the Ecumenical Future
While praying on a retreat at Trappist Monastery (Holy Cross Abbey) in Winchester, Virginia, Father John W. Crossin, OSFS, felt a strong calling. A theologian and author, he has two decades of expertise and knowledge in the areas of ecumenism but on retreat, he felt compelled to explore ecumenical ethics further.
Father Crossin recalls his self-reflection during the retreat, “We (different Christian groups) will always differ on issues of personal morality and we haven’t dialogued on this as we have on other topics, so why not rely on the Holy Spirit?”
Thus, Moving into the Ecumenical Future: Foundations of a Paradigm of Christian Ethics was born. This book provides a common framework in approaching moral issues. Father Crossin reminds us that the Pope invites tension and disagreement so we can come to a common understanding. In the book, Father Crossin reflects on the moral debates and issues between Christians and invites readers to prayer and dialogue on these.
Structured around ten fundamental pillars, Father Crossin explores foundational influences and how they contribute to the understanding of Christian ethics. The text begins with the Holy Spirit as Father Crossin believes all Christian traditions should rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Subsequent chapters consider pastoral input, the teaching and example of Jesus, biblical teachings, and our relationships with God and one another in developing paradigms for ecumenical ethics.
There are echoes of Salesian Spirituality throughout the entire book. Father Crossin explains that he considers Saint Francis de Sales’ lessons appropriate for dialogue on ecumenical ethics, specifically, his encouragement to be gentle, to be in dialogue and that the will is more important than the intellect. There is also a section dedicated to Salesian Spirituality. This is the focus because, Crossin explains, spirituality is a foundation of morality. It provides an area of discussion where one can meet another with differing views with respect and grounds for convincing. The book seeks reconciliation between Protestants and Catholics, and Salesian Spirituality, through its gentleness, practicality, and humility, can lead to the coming together of two opposing sides. When Saint Francis de Sales dealt with those who held different positions he treated them (and everyone) all in the image of God. Father Crossin encourages our discussions on Christian ethics to follow this model of being gentle and charitable to those with which we may disagree.
Father Crossin, OSFS, entered the Oblates in 1965 and has served in ecumenical work for over 20 years. He is the former Executive Director of the Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and holds a Ph.D. in Moral Theology from The Catholic University of America. His publications include books related to virtue ethics and numerous articles on Salesian Spirituality. He also served as Director of the Washington Theological Consortium, Director of the Spiritual Formation program at Saint Luke Institute, and President of De Sales School of Theology. Father Crossin has worked with other religions and Christians spending five years on the road traveling to conferences.
Father John W. Crossin, OSFS
He sees this book as an extension of his two decades of work in ecumenism. He recognizes that achieving full agreement on Christian ethics will probably never occur but he hopes his book makes a contribution and says, “Who knows what the Holy Spirit will do if we prayerfully consider all this?”
He says he considers this publication a starting place for ecumenical studies and a foundation for discussion for international dialogue to dive deeper in ecumenical studies. “I hope in reading this book others will see some light and it will help bring us together, which is Jesus’ will at the Last Supper; that we be one.”
Father Crossin said he wants “to help build relations between opposing sides by providing biblical and pastoral models to ecumenical studies as well as Salesian views on this topic.” A review by Kathryn Johnson, former Director for Ecumenical Relations for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America suggests he achieved this. She said, "This is a book of hope and summons. Where many despair that differences on moral teaching must inhibit ecumenical growth, John Crossin musters multidisciplinary hosts of resources to root dialogical openness at the heart of mature Christian life. Then, as a moral theologian, he proposes steps forward on the way toward unifying (while appropriately diverse) witness on the unavoidable matters of how to live--all with humility, love, and trust in the Spirit of God.”
To purchase the book click on: Moving into the Ecumenical Future: Foundations of a Paradigm of Christian Ethics
Feast Day Celebrations
Live Jesus! Virginia 2023
Morning of Lenten Reflection & Renewal through the lens of Salesian Spirituality
Live Jesus! 2023 is a half-day Lenten morning sponsored by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. The reflection, fellowship, and prayer are based upon the humble and gentle spirituality of Saints Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal.
Artwork by Brother Mickey McGrath, OSFS
"Be At Peace," is this year's theme. Attendees are invited to reflect on the many paths to peace.
Saint Francis de Sales tells us, “Inside each of us is a beautiful garden. We need to cultivate and prune it in order to give glory to God and be of service to others. Let us daily do this in peace, and thus experience the peace that only God can give.” Don't miss this opportunity to gather in prayer and fellowship to reflect on the peace that only God can provide.
Why Should I Attend Live Jesus!?
Salesian Spirituality helps believers develop a deeper relationship with God through Jesus by defining a lifestyle centered on the little virtues: gentleness, humility, patience, gratitude, perseverance, and simplicity. This special event is an opportunity in Lent to retreat from our fast-paced world and turn to the quietness of our hearts.
SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 2023
St. Paul VI Catholic High School, Chantilly, VA
8:00 AM Continental Breakfast
9:00 AM Welcome/Opening Prayer
9:15 AM Keynote Presentation
“Be At Peace” - Brother Mickey McGrath, OSFS
“Crooked Paths to Peace” - Sister Susan Louise Eder, OSFS
“Finding Peace Amidst Everyday Busyness” - Tom Opfer, Ph.D.
11:30 AM Celebration of the Holy Eucharist
The Shield of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales
The Shield of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales captures several elements of Oblate identity. Because the Oblates are dedicated to the Blessed Mother under the title - Our Lady of Light, the shield is light blue.
There is no corpus shown on the cross since each Oblate is to be the Body of Christ on the cross at the center of the shield. The cross recalls the wearing of the Profession Cross which every Oblate receives on the day of First Profession.
Jesus offered himself on the cross as the perfect oblation to the Father. Through obedience he died and became the source of our salvation, our shield and our resurrection. He is the Rising Sun which appears over the cross on the shield.
V+J, meaning Vive Jesu or Live Jesus, is the Oblate motto. It was the guiding principle in the life of Saint Francis de Sales and appeared on his own coat of arms. The motto is situated in the center of the Rising Sun, which symbolizes the Risen Christ. Living Jesus is what the Oblate way of life is all about. The small Cross shows the "way" this is achieved is through total self-abnegation. This was the life-long goal of Saint Francis de Sales - and it is the raison d' etre of our Oblate life and work.
The branch to the right of the shield and cross is an olive branch. It is the symbol of peace which for the Oblates is achieved through gentleness and an inner strength which comes only through the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The olive branch also represents central and southern Europe where the Oblates originated and first served doing parish and school work.
The branch to the left of the shield and cross is the branch of an orange tree. It symbolizes the first Oblate mission outside of France in South Africa along the Orange River in Pella. It is the symbol of Oblate mission work in every age and in every corner of the world.
The Latin sentence at the bottom of the shield is another motto of the Oblates: Tenui Nec Dimittam. It means “I have taken hold and I will not let go.” It is from the Biblical Songs of Songs, a favorite book of Saint Francis de Sales. The actual rendition of the verse is “We have found the Lord, our Beloved and we will never let go.”
We Oblates have found the Lord and we will not let go.
Live Jesus! Virginia 2023 Speakers
“Be at Peace”
Brother Mickey McGrath, OSFS
Artist, Author, Storyteller and Retreat Director
There are few better ways to discover inner peace and hold onto peace than through BEAUTY. Saint Francis de Sales said we pray best in the presence of beauty because beauty- seeing it, hearing it, or creating it- places us directly in the presence of God. In his keynote address, Brother Mickey will share images of beauty that show the endless variety of ways in which God is present to us through beauty- whether it be the French Alps, your favorite piece of music, your grandchild’s hug, or the homeless stranger on the street. Our common love of beauty connects ALL people heart to heart in the heart of Christ.
“Crooked Paths to Peace”
Sister Susan Louise Eder, OSFS
Saint Francis de Sales considered peace of heart to be of the highest value. It is woven throughout his writings and demonstrated by his life. His dear friend and spiritual daughter, Saint Jane de Chantal, traveled a crooked path to find this peace of heart. Sister Susan Louise Eder will lead us along this path with Jane and with Saint Leonie Aviat, foundress of the Oblate Sisters of St. Francis de Sales. These two remarkable women will model for us a life of peace and joy in the midst of interior and exterior struggles. Let us allow them to guide us to peace of heart.
Sister Louise Eder, OSFS, is the Principal of Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Towson, MD.
“Finding Peace Amidst Everyday Busyness”
Dr. Tom Opfer
We live busy lives and constantly attempt to balance multiple tasks. We need to live St. Francis de Sales teachings each and every day by serving as examples for others and through our constant interactions and connections with one another, bringing Christ’s peace to the world. In this talk, Tom will help remind us of the Salesian virtues of gentleness, gratefulness, and giving and how we find peace in a busy world by living these virtues.
Dr. Opfer ‘96 is the Principal of St. Paul VI Catholic High School in Chantilly, VA.
Rome Conference Celebrating the Salesian Jubilee
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
The New York Tenors are coming to Wilmington!
The New York Tenors, from left, Daniel Rodriguez, Andy Cooney and Christopher Macchio.
The Diocese of Wilmington will present “The Magic of Christmas” with the world-famous New York Tenors (Andy Cooney, Daniel Rodriguez, and Christopher Macchio).
The concert will be held at 4 pm, Sunday, December 11, at Salesianum School in Wilmington, DE.
Event proceeds will support the work of Catholic Charities.
After the show, there will be a meet-and-greet with Wilmington’s Bishop William E. Koenig and the New York Tenors.
Show tickets, sponsorship information and meet-and-greet tickets, are available by calling Andrea Rotsch at 302-573-3120 or emailing arotsch@cdow.org. Tickets may be purchased online at WilmingtonDiocese.simpletix.com.
For more information about the NY Tenors and Catholic Charities, read the article published by The Dialog.
Pope Francis to issue Apostolic Letter to mark the 400th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis de Sales
The Vatican recently announced that Pope Francis is preparing to release an apostolic letter on December 28th on Saint Francis de Sales to celebrate the 400th anniversary of his death.
The Pope has referenced Saint Francis de Sales and his teachings several times over the years. In his 2019 World Day of Peace address, he reminded all of the importance of showing, in Saint Francis’ words, “a bit of sweetness towards oneself in order to offer a bit of sweetness to others." In 2018 during his January 24th general audience – which coincided with the Feast of Saint Francis de Sales – the Pope used Francis as "a model of meekness" for all and invited young married couples to listen to Francis and recognize in their “family life the primacy of God and His love.”
The apostolic letter also comes one hundred years after Pope Pius XI proclaimed Saint Francis de Sales as the "Patron Saint of Journalists, Editors and Writers."
Read More: Pope to publish apostolic letter on St. Francis de Sales By Loup Besmond de Senneville, La Croix
