Learn more about Live Jesus! Coverage of past events, how it started, and more!
Live Jesus! 2022 Videos & Photos
Live Jesus! 2022 is a morning reflection sponsored by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. This is a morning of reflection, fellowship, and prayer based upon the humble and gentle spirituality of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal. Keep an eye out for announcements about future Live Jesus! retreats.
Live Jesus! shares Salesian Spirituality which 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. At this special event, attendees retreat from our fast-paced world and turn to the quietness of our hearts.
2022 - “Healing Relationships…Let It Begin with Me” - Attendees enjoyed reflections from Fr. Tom Dailey, OSFS, and other speakers who shared how Salesian Spirituality helps heal relationships in their lives.
In the news: Arlington Catholic Herald Coverage
Live Jesus! Virginia Speakers - 2024
“Bloom Where You Are Planted”
March 9, 2024
8:00 AM - 12:45 PM
Bishop Ireton Catholic High School, Alexandria, VA
Speakers
Keynote Speaker - Rev. Kevin Nadolski, OSFS
Topic: “Life in God’s Garden”
Familiar with the expression, “the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence,” we counter with a Salesian spirituality that beckons us to “bloom where we are planted.” We will explore the common sense and uncommon challenges that both St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal experienced in living the life of a Christian disciple. How can their wisdom ground us to live well in the places and spaces we find ourselves every day?
Fr. Nadolski serves as the Vice President for Mission, DeSales University
Rev. Matthew Hillyard, OSFS
Fr. Matthew Hillyard, OSFS
Topic: “Salesian Blooming: Here and Now”
Fr. Hillyard is Pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Vienna, VA
Ms. Kathleen McNutt
Topic: “Repotting to Bloom”
Sometimes we move, have life changes, or simply outgrow our current container! How can I thrive and bloom in different soil, different pots, and with different plants?
Ms. McNutt is the Head of School - Bishop Ireton Catholic High School, Alexandria, VA.
Live Jesus! In the Words of Past Attendees
“This is my favorite day of the year. I feel so blessed to be part of an Oblate community.”
“Beautiful presentation with a practical approach to gentleness and simplicity.”
“Both speakers were spiritually maturing gifts. My hope and prayer is that the essence of their messages are tattooed on my heart and I act on them in true love.”
“Simple but profound definitions of gentleness, patience,and simplicity.”
“I always come away with concrete actions to expand my faith and intellect.”
Live Jesus! FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to register in advance?
There is no charge for the event thanks to the generosity of individual sponsors. By registering you make it possible for us to be good stewards of these generous gifts. At registration, you may choose to make a contribution but this is not required.
How do I learn more about Salesian Spirituality?
Visit www.oblates.org and click on the Spirituality tab. You can also watch videos by clicking on the Live Jesus! Use the link HERE.
Who can attend Live Jesus!?
Everyone – high school students through adults.
Are Live Jesus! gathering offered in different locations?
Yes! Annual gatherings are offered in various locations as follows:
Advent season – Delaware
Lenten season – Virginia & Pennsylvania
Specific dates and locations are announced in the DeSales Weekly newsletter, on this website and in the local parishes.
Will the event be live on Zoom?
Live Jesus! is an in-person event that will be videotaped as is done every year. At this time there is no plan to offer an option for ZOOM or live online viewing of the retreat.
What is the dress code?
Come as you are! Most arrive dressed in business casual.
What if I have more questions?
Call the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales at 410-398-3057 or email info@oblates.org
Thank You for Registering for Live Jesus! Delaware
Mark your calendar!
December 9th
8:00 AM - 12:30 PM
St. Margaret of Scotland Parish
Newark, DE
Live Jesus! Delaware 2023 Speakers
Live Jesus! Delaware 2022 Speaker Presentations
Last year, the Oblates hosted the first Live Jesus! Delaware at St. Margaret of Scotland Church in Newark.
“All through love, nothing through fear,” was the theme for Live Jesus! Delaware. Attendees enjoyed reflections from Father Joe Newman, OSFS, and Mrs. Diane Casey, a lifelong Salesian educator who worked at Northeast Catholic High School in Philadelphia until it closed in 2010.
Let us all Live Jesus!
Father Joe Newman, OSFS
Mrs. Diane Casey
Photos of Live Jesus! Delaware
Live Jesus! Delaware was held as a special Spirituality Day in honor of the Double Jubilee.
Live Jesus! Delaware 2023 Registration
Register for Live Jesus! Delaware
Live Jesus! 2023 "Be At Peace" - Ellen Hildenbrand
Good Morning. I am so honored to be here to witness to my own Salesian journey and to join with you in yours.
Four years ago I came to Salesianum School in Delaware with an extensive background in Theology and education but, to be honest, relatively little acquaintance with St. Francis de Sales.
Of course I had heard of him – the gentleman saint – and of the Oblates, but I confess I had little knowledge of the particulars of Salesian spirituality or the charism of the Order, but I knew I would be brought up to speed quickly and I was eager to learn.
A little context may be useful here: familiarity with religious orders and communities came naturally to me . As a child I was educated by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. (I affectionately acknowledge that they formed a large part of the village that helped to raise me.)
My high school, SMG, had many religious sisters on staff including Franciscans, SSj’s SND’s and Sisters of Mercy as well as still more IHM sisters.
At Villanova I was educated by and with Augustinians and my brother spent 30-some years with the Jesuits at BC High while my daughter attended and later worked at Fairfield University, so I could hardly escape Jesuit influence.
In my own teaching career, I have worked with SND’s IHM’s, Sisters of Mercy, Augustinia ns and Pallottines.
Whew! So I am very familiar with how a religious community’s charism impacts an educational institution – hence, I wanted and needed to learn all about the Oblates and SFdS.
It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship for me.
You see, Francis’ idea of universal holiness – that we are all called to be holy – wasn’t new to me. Jesus told us all to go out and proclaim the Kingdom, I knew that it wasn’t only up to those in clergy or consecrated religious life. I am a married, female Catholic theologian who knows that we should all aspire to be the saints we are all called to be.
So what did my eager study of Francis de Sales bring to me?
In all honesty, my research yielded little in comparison with what immersion in the Salesianum School brotherhood gave to me.
Each and every day, each and every member of the Sallies community is challenged to live Jesus through humility, patience and tenacity. Gentle reminders are present in every class and every activity, walking through the halls, surrounded by reminders of the Salesian virtues we seek to practice, one can hear the students calling each other to behavior befitting a Salesian gentleman.
From my earliest days at Salesianum, I was captivated by the obvious commitment to the virtues of St. Francis de Sales that I saw, literally, everywhere. The students seemed to genuinely take pride in their formation and it mirrored the commitment of the Oblates and the faculty at large. The Direction of Intention was clearly held dear and the motto of Tennui Nec Dimittam was an obvious source of empowerment for all.
And let’s not forget “be who you are and be that well”!
Could there be a better quote to drive the work of education? As we all know, in Catholic education, that means we are fostering in the students the realization that they are made in the image and likeness of God and are, therefore, born to be holy. And, as you may know, St. Francis de Sales proclaimed that knowledge is the 8th sacrament of the Church. (I have heard that he addressed that point specifically to priests, but its universality seems very clear to me, as an educator!)
As I live out my vocation as a Catholic school religion teacher and, I admit, a lifelong aspiring saint (I think I can say it to this crowd) - the example and teachings of St. Francis de Sales have added a beautiful, gentle perspective to the work, especially helping me to meet the challenges with intention (what many today are calling mindfulness) and tenacity – in fact, I promise this to God repeatedly each day as I recite the Direction of Intention with the Salesianum community.
Personally, too, apart from my work at school, the influence of St. Francis de Sales is with me. Let’s face it: words are powerful and living each day immersed in the Salesian atmosphere at Salesianum has had a profound effect on my personal life as well.
I believe I have tried to live Jesus all my life, but singing about “Jesus whom I love” with the Oblates and experiencing daily reminders over the PA from the students keep me focused on the all-important awareness of the presence of God at every moment and the promises I have made.
Gentleness, patience, tenacity, gratitude and accepting all the difficulties now form the soundtrack in my moments of reflection.
When we pray “I give you my soul, my heart, my understanding and my will” each day at Salesianum, I re-commit myself to the truest most enduring vocation I have ever known – the vocation to try, every day and in every situation to be my best self in order to give glory to God.
So, I resolve, every day and in every situation, to recognize my dependence on God’s grace, to offer any good I do to God, and accept, with patience and tenacity, any difficulties or frustrations that come.
And my heart is full of gratitude.
This is my expression of Salesian Spirituality.
Thank you and God bless you all. Live Jesus.
Live Jesus! Pennsylvania 2023 - Speakers
Brother Dan Wisniewski, OSFS, Ph.D., is the Director of Oblate Education for the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. Prior to ministering in this position, Brother Dan served at DeSales University for over two decades, most recently as Provost and a tenured Associate Professor of Mathematics. As Director of Oblate Education, he supports the faculty, staff, and administration of educational institutions staffed by or associated with the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. Supporting internal education is another important aspect of Brother Dan’s role, by which he is a resource and coordinator of personal, academic, and professional development opportunities for his fellow Oblates, from those in formation to men in retirement. Brother Dan earned a Ph.D. in mathematics from Bryn Mawr College, an M.A. in mathematics from Villanova University, an M.A. in Christian Spirituality from The Washington Theological Union, an M.Ed. in Academic Standards & Reform from DeSales University, and a B.S. in mathematics from The Catholic University of America. He has been published in multiple journals and his research interests include number theory, mathematics education, the preparation of future teachers, and a variety of Salesian topics such as friendship and grief.
Ellen Kemeza Hildenbrand, is Religious Studies Department Chair at Salesianum School, Wilmington, DE.
She holds a B.A. in Religious Studies and an M.A. in Theology - both from Villanova University, as well as a M.S. in Instructional Technology from St. Joseph's University.
Before coming to Salesianum, she taught at The Academy of Notre Dame in Villanova, Bishop Eustace Preparatory School in New Jersey, and as an adjunct in the Religious Studies Department at Villanova University.
Ellen is married to Jim, whom she met when they were introduced to each other by an Augustinian at Villanova. She has two grown daughters, including one who now, also, works at Salesianum.
Paula M. Riley, M.S., is a communications consultant and adjunct professor at Saint Joseph’s University. Paula earned her Master of Organization Science with a concentration in Human Resouces from Villanova University and a Bachelor of English from the University at Albany, State University of New York. She fills the role of professional, mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend and volunteer.
Live Jesus! 2023 Pennsylvania FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to register in advance?
There is no charge for the event thanks to the generosity of individual sponsors. By registering you make it possible for us to be good stewards of these generous gifts. At registration, you may choose to make a contribution but this is not required.
How do I learn more about Salesian Spirituality?
Visit www.oblates.org and click on the Spirituality tab. You can also watch videos by clicking on the Live Jesus! Use the link HERE.
Who can attend Live Jesus?
Everyone – high school student through adult.
Where are the Live Jesus retreats held?
St. Thomas the Apostle, 430 Valleybrook Road, Glen Mills, PA 19342 | (610) 459-2224
Will the event be live on Zoom?
Live Jesus! is an in-person event that will be videotaped as is done every year. At this time there is no plan to offer an option for ZOOM or live online viewing of the retreat. Should COVID conditions necessitate a change, you will be notified. As has been our practice, videos of all presenters and the mass will be available online after the event.
What time does the event program?
Doors open at 8:00 AM. Enjoy continental breakfast and fellowship with other believers. The program begins at 8:45 AM with Welcome & Liturgy of the Hours
What is the dress code?
Come as you are! Most arrive dressed in business casual.
What if I have more questions?
Call the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales at 410-398-3057 or email info@oblates.org
Live Jesus! Pennsylvania 2023
Morning of Reflection & Renewal through the lens of Salesian Spirituality
Live Jesus! 2023 is a half-day morning of reflection 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 to retreat from our fast-paced world and turn to the quietness of our hearts.
SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 2023
St. Thomas the Apostle, Glen Mills, PA
"Be At Peace"
8:00 AM Continental Breakfast
8:45 AM Welcome & Liturgy of the Hours
9:15 AM Keynote: Brother Dan Wisniewski, OSFS, Ph.D.
10:00 Break
10:15 AM Speaker: Ellen Hildenbrand
10:30 Speaker: Paula M. Riley, M.S.
10:45 AM Break
11:00 AM Celebration of the Holy Eucharist
Father Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, Provincial, Celebrant
Father Ed Ogden, OSFS, Homilist
Closing
Live Jesus! Delaware Event Coverage
On Saturday, December 3rd, the Oblates hosted the first Live Jesus! Delaware at St. Margaret of Scotland Church in Newark.
“All through love, nothing through fear,” was the theme for Live Jesus! Delaware. Attendees enjoyed reflections from Father Joe Newman, OSFS, and Mrs. Diane Casey, a lifelong Salesian educator who worked at Northeast Catholic High School in Philadelphia until it closed in 2010. We were also pleased to be joined by the Oblate Sisters of St. Francis de Sales from Mt. Aviat Academy.
It was beautiful to come together to share in the Salesian Spirit! Thank you to all those who attended and volunteered!
Let us all Live Jesus!
Father Joe Newman, OSFS
Mrs. Diane Casey
