Meet Brother Dan Wisniewski, OSFS, Director of Oblate Education

A member of the Provincial Council of the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province, Brother Dan Wisniewski, OSFS, Ph.D., has dedicated his ministry to education.

Brother Dan Wisniewski, OSFS

After Brother Dan first professed his vows as a religious brother of the Oblates in 1996, he taught mathematics at Northeast Catholic High School (Philadelphia, PA) and served as the faculty moderator of the Community Service Corps (CSC).  He then went on to serve at DeSales University for over two decades, most recently as Provost and a tenured Associate Professor of Mathematics.

Leveraging this extensive education experience, Brother Dan is currently ministering as Director of Oblate Education for the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province.  In this capacity, he supports the faculty, staff, and administration of educational institutions staffed by or associated with the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. “I hope I will be a resource to cultivate and care for our charism and the dissemination of Salesian Spirituality,” he said.  As an extension of this, Brother Dan will examine how the charism is linked to the mission of the schools.  He will gather best processes and share with those serving in educational settings.  

As this is a newly created role, Brother Dan is spending these first few months meeting with the faculty and administration of the schools to listen and learn.  He wants to understand their mission and how he can be a supportive presence to those communities.  Brother Dan’s new position is another illustration that education remains an essential component of the mission of the Oblates.  “I want to make sure that the Oblates’ presence is felt in the school communities,” he explained.

Supporting internal education is another important aspect of Brother Dan’s role.  He will become 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 looks forward to working closely with his Oblate confreres. “Ministering as an Oblate to the Oblates is especially rejuvenating for me,” he said.  Brother Dan will also be supporting his fellow Oblates as Superior of the Salesianum Oblate Residence (Wilmington, DE) where 17 Oblates reside.

Prior to being Provost at DeSales University, Brother Dan served as Head of the Division of Sciences & Mathematics and Chair of the Department of Mathematics/Computer Science.  An alumnus of Father Judge High School, 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 (summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa) 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.

Brother Dan has previously served on the Provincial Council and was a board member for the National Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM). He currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Salesianum School in Wilmington (DE). Brother Dan looks forward to serving other Oblate-affiliated schools as a board member and in other capacities.  He enjoys visiting his mother who lives in Northeast Philadelphia and spending time with family and friends.  A fan of popular culture, Brother Dan delights in music, movies, and concerts.

 If you would like to contact Brother Dan, you can reach him at dwisniewski@oblates.org.

De Sales Network - Save the Dates!

A Field of Honor

They call it “A common field one day, a field of honor forever.”

Flight 93 Memorial Gate

This past week, as I was traveling through western Pennsylvania, I made a stop that has been on my list for a long time.  I journeyed to a field in a remote area outside the town of Shanksville, Somerset County, Pennsylvania at what is now the site of the Flight 93 National Memorial operated and maintained by the National Park Service.  It honors those who lost their lives there after United 93, a flight from Newark, New Jersey en route to San Francisco, California was hijacked as part of a coordinated attack by al-Qaeda on September 11, 2001.  Most likely with the United States Capitol as the fourth target of the day, the terrorists on Flight 93 failed in their mission due to the heroism of those on board.  Ordinary citizens who had heard of other atrocities that morning gave their lives so that others might live.

As I entered the memorial area, it was a two-mile drive to make it to the visitor center and the overlook, and three miles to the memorial grove and crash site.  I kept thinking about the first responders on 9/11.  Those roads did not exist.  To make it to the remote crash site was, in fact, a feat in itself. When they got there, they were anxious and eager to help but there was nothing they could do.  There was total devastation; everyone was gone.

As I approached the overlook, I walked over three markers etched into the pavement.  These name the times and crash sites of the first three planes on 9/11.  After I looked down on the third, noting American Airlines Flight 77 at the Pentagon, I looked up and my eyes set upon a field, a beautiful meadow.  It brought me to tears as I thought about the culmination of the tragedy of that day.

Twenty-one years ago, that ordinary field in the middle of nowhere became the site of tragedy.  In a place of quiet tranquility where it seems like you could literally reach up and touch the clouds, the earth was literally shaken.  Making my way down to the meadow and the crash site, I looked at each of the names on the memorial wall and then came to a gate, beyond which is an area visible but closed to visitors, the final resting place of those on board.  I began my prayers for those heroes, for their families, for the first responders, for peace, and for hope.

Flight 93 Memorial Flag

It is what is beyond the gate that has become my focus.  This was a place where evil was stopped, heroes were made, and ordinary men and women laid down their lives for others.  It reminded me of the admonition by Jesus to enter through the narrow gate, the admonition we are given to be selfless in our love and care for others. 

The language of those who gave their lives on Flight 93 is universal.   It reminds me of the words of Francis de Sales: “Heart speaks to heart.  Lips speak only to ears.”  These heroes stand there in perpetual vigil, their hearts speaking to ours about the journey through the narrow gate, a journey home to God.

Through that gate of selflessness for us is incredible possibility, the joy and peace that can only come from eternity with God.  Beyond the gate and in the field of self-sacrifice are those clouds that look like you can reach up and touch them, a reminder of the closeness of God, the promise of Heaven.

Last year, on the twentieth anniversary of the tragedy, President George W. Bush spoke at the Flight 93 Memorial.  He concluded his remarks with these words: “These Americans were brave, strong, and united in ways that shocked the terrorists – but should not surprise any of us. This is the nation we know. And whenever we need hope and inspiration, we can look to the skies and remember.”

Let us make our way through the gate.  Let us look up to the sky and remember why the promise is worth living for.  May the heroes who have gone before us inspire us not only on this anniversary but always.

Father Michael Vannicola, OSFS

Assistant Provincial, Wilmington-Philadelphia Province

New Principals & Great Plans for Oblate Schools

When Father Judge High School (Philadelphia, PA) and Nativity Preparatory School (Wilmington, DE) started the school year, students were greeted by new principals with wonderful plans for this year and beyond.

Ms. Shaquona B. Meyers

Ms. Shaquona B. Meyers, Principal at Nativity, describes her role as “not a job but a purpose and a passion.” As principal of this tuition-free Catholic middle school for boys in Wilmington, she is committed to supporting her teaching staff. She plans to focus her efforts on giving educators agency: the capacity of teaching to act purposefully and constructively to direct their professional growth and contribute to their colleagues.

“When we give teachers who are with the students the empowerment to do what is best for the children in our student-centered environment, we see a big shift,” Meyers said. She looks forward to helping teachers hone their crafts and support lesson development. “We want to diversify the scope and sequence to reach all learners.”

Ms. Meyers with students at Nativity Prep

Nativity, like many schools, welcomes a diverse community of learners. Many boys come from marginalized or disadvantaged communities, and most have African American, Latino, or multi-ethnic heritages. “What is so beautiful about Nativity is that we have students with so many diverse experiences, it allows for the true beauty and purpose of this place,” Meyers said.

She wants all her students to know that they deserve to be at Nativity, to have opportunities, and to receive every good that God offers. Salesian Spirituality is the pathway for these messages. School days begin with the Direction of Intention and end with a gratitude reflection. Prayer services highlight Saint Francis’ teaching and weekly house sessions (boys are divided into houses) explore what it means to be Salesian Gentlemen. Saint Francis’ practical spirituality is infused in all they do at Nativity. Teachers regularly challenge students to explain how they live out the Salesian virtues and what ordinary activities they do extraordinarily.

Mr. James Hozier

Fifty miles north in Philadelphia, boys at Father Judge face similar Salesian challenges. But this year, under the direction of Mr. James Hozier, Principal, one of the school’s three core goals is to increase students’ knowledge and practice of Salesian Spirituality. All teachers, in every discipline, have been tasked with incorporating one Salesian virtue into their curriculum and creating a paper assignment exploring this connection. “We want students to be able to connect Salesian virtues to all they do, in every subject, in and out of school,” Hozier said.

Other initiatives for the new school year include further development of the school’s science laboratory and technology suite with an E-sports arena, podcast studio, green screen room, and high-speed auto-CAD laboratory. This year, Judge will also extend their maker space with new 3-D printers, upgrade their TV studio, and renovate the science labs.

As Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs, Hozier designed Judge’s three-year integrated welding curriculum, the first of its kind among archdiocesan high schools and a component of the Father Brisson Academic Excellence Center, a career and technical education (CTE) initiative. The first cohort graduated in June as certified welders and were all offered full-time welding jobs. Father Judge is developing a similar program for students to graduate as certified automotive technicians and future plans include other trade programs. For Hozier, this is just the beginning, “I am very excited about all that’s happening at Judge,” he said. “We have a lot going on and it only going to get better!”

Learn more:

Nativity Preparatory School

Father Judge High School

$1.2 million Lauer Donation Expands Literacy Initiative and Service at St. Francis de Sales School, Toledo, OH

Reading Buddies

Fueled by a $1 Million donation to St. Francis de Sales School (SFS), students and school leaders, in partnership with the Toledo Lucas County Public Library (TLCPL), are expanding an existing reading program, Reading Buddies, to address literacy issues in our community.  Tom Lauer, an SFS 1967 alumnus and philanthropist residing in Boston, and his wife, Helene, made the single largest gift to the school in its 67-year history.  

Their gift will further incorporate service and leadership to the Toledo community as a meaningful part of their educational experience at St. Francis.  Tom Lauer stated, “We are pleased that our investment allows the school to scale the impact of the Reading Buddies program by partnering with other organizations and addressing the problem of literacy among young children where our students can do the most good. And, we hope this experience encourages a commitment to service among St. Francis students where they can learn communication skills, patience, and empathy.”

Tom and Helene have been long-time supporters of the SFS mission.  While they have helped with numerous capital projects over the years, their primary philanthropic interest has been to recognize young men who are exemplary leaders in their commitment to community service.  What was especially appealing to Tom and Helene in this partnership is that SFS students would know how their service makes a difference.  

“This gift…creates new opportunities for participants, and provides human and financial resources to address one of the toughest issues plaguing education today,” said Fr. Geoff Rose, OSFS, President. “It is transformational philanthropy.” 

For the full press release from St. Francis de Sales School click HERE.

Mom’s House

Advent Giving Tree

Meet Father Michael Newman, OSFS, Assistant Provincial & Pastor

Father Michael Newman, OSFS

Father Mike was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. The oldest of three boys, Father Mike is one of several North American Oblates whose brother is also an Oblate priest (Father Joe Newman, OSFS). Father Mike attended St. Francis de Sales High School and then DeSales University where he majored in Spanish and was certified as a K-12 teacher. Following graduation, Father Mike entered the Oblates in 2003 and moved to Toronto where he earned a Master of Divinity degree from the University of St. Michael’s College. He was ordained a priest in 2009.

During his formation process, Father Mike spent one summer at St. Mary of Good Counsel Parish (now Holy Family Parish) in Adrian, Michigan, ministering to the local Hispanic community and to the seasonal migrant workers. Following ordination, he returned to Holy Family each weekend to celebrate the bilingual Mass and, in 2016, lived there in residence while finishing his doctoral dissertation. In 2018 he earned a Doctorate in Ministry from the Catholic University of America in Adult Spiritual Formation.

Father Mike has been the pastor of Holy Family Parish since 2019.  He is well known for his dynamic homilies, Mass on the Grass, work with the parish youth group, and support of the Hispanic community in Adrian and throughout the Diocese of Lansing. He also serves as the University Chaplain at Siena Heights University in Adrian, Michigan, and is a member of the Salesian Scholars Seminar.

In addition to his ministry in Adrian, Father Mike coordinates and leads parish missions and retreats throughout the United States that focus on living the principles and practices found in Salesian Spirituality. He has also served the Oblates as the Assistant Provincial of the Toledo-Detroit Province since 2014. In this capacity, he works in close collaboration with Rev. Jack Loughran, OSFS, Provincial, on the general oversight and governance of the Province.

When asked about his life and ministry Father Mike said, "I try to teach Salesian Spirituality regardless of the ministry I am engaged in. This spirituality of optimism, hope, gentleness toward others, and humility, or self-knowledge, has really changed my life and I enjoy being able to preach and teach it and see how it can change the lives of others. As the Assistant Provincial, I see my role as one of service to my brother Oblates. Leadership works best when it empowers others to, as St. Francis de Sales would say, 'be who you are and be that well’ so that together we can continue to spread the Gospel."

His prior ministry experience includes serving at St. Francis de Sales School as a Spanish and theology instructor and Assistant to the President for Strategic Planning (2009 – 2012), serving as Director of Novices for North American Provinces of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales (2012-2021), and Vocation Director for the Toledo-Detroit Province (2011 – 2022).

Learn More about Father Mike:

Father Mike’s Publication: “Be Who You Are and Be That Well Salesian Principles and Practices for the Devout Life” Catholic University of America Press: Washington, DC.

Holy Family Parish Adrian Facebook and website.

“Wedding of the Sea”

The Assumption of Mary is celebrated at Our Lady Star of the Sea, Cape May, NJ, in a very special way!

Oblate Fathers David Devlin, Jim Dever, John Dolan, and Mathias Kumar, accompanied by Monsignor Joseph Marino and Father Miles Barrett, celebrated Mass for the Feast of the Assumption at Our Lady Star of the Sea.

Following Mass, a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary was processed from the church to the beach for the “Wedding of the Sea” ceremony. After the blessing, a lifeguard assisted Father David Devlin, OSFS, by casting a floral garland into the surf. 

According to tradition, the ceremony commemorates an event in the life of the Bishop of Cervia, Italy, Paul Barbo, who later became Pope Paul II. The Bishop is said to have been returning by ship from Venice on the Feast of the Assumption in 1445 when he was caught in a storm. The Bishop, it is said, calmed the storm by prayer and throwing his pastoral ring into the sea.

The “Wedding of the Sea” is a popular centuries-old rite in many European seacoast cities and towns like Venice. The ceremony symbolizes the Wedding of the Sea and the City created by God, in proximity to each other, and blessed by His love and protection.

Where Mary has gone, we hope to follow! Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!

A special thank you to Doctor Edward J Mahaney Jr., former Mayor of Cape May, who was instrumental in organizing this ceremony, and the Knights of Columbus - St. Mary's Council #6202.

Father John J. Dolan, OSFS, in procession with parishioners

Celebrate Saint Jane de Chantal

Join us in celebrating one of our patrons, Saint Jane de Chantal!

Feast Day: August 12th

Saint Jane, a widowed mother of four adult children, co-founded the Sisters of the Visitation of Holy Mary with Saint Francis de Sales after the two developed a close spiritual friendship. By the time of her death, over 80 Visitation monasteries had been established. The Visitation Sisters are largely responsible for the existence of the Oblates. It was a Visitation Sister, Mother Marie de Sales Chappuis, who strongly urged and supported Blessed Louis Brisson in founding the Oblates. Just as Saints Jane de Chantal and Francis de Sales worked closely together, the Oblates and Visitation Sisters continue the tradition with close collaboration.

Father Jack Kolodziej, OSFS

Mr. Jonathan Dick, OSFS

Father Don Heet, OSFS

Oblates share their favorite Saint Jane quotes and stories

• Father Paul Colloton, OSFS

  • “In prayer, more is accomplished by listening than by talking.”  

  • “With God, there is no need for long speeches.”

• Brother Mickey McGrath, OSFS

  • The peak of perfection lies in our wanting to be what God wishes us to be.”

• Father Kevin Nadolski, OSFS

  • “If we wish to possess the virtue of neighborly love, we must accustom ourselves to accept people just as they are, regardless of their failings and actions.” 

• Father Patrick O’Connor, OSFS

  • “In prayer, one must hold fast and never let go, because the one who gives up, loses all. If it seems that no one is listening to you, then cry out even louder. If you are driven out of one door, go back in by the other.”

  • “Follow your own way of speaking to our Lord, sincerely, lovingly, confidently, and simply, as your heart dictates.”

  • “Hold your eyes on God and leave the doing to Him. That is all the doing you have to worry about.”

• Father Michael Vannicola, OSFS

  • When Jane de Chantal was a Baroness, she had the responsibility of feeding the poor who would come to the gate of her home and line up to receive their meal. Those assisting her brought to her attention that some were getting back in line for another serving, acting as if they had received nothing in the first place. When her assistants asked what they should do, Saint Jane said that she had gone to the gate of Heaven over and over again asking for God’s mercy and it was never refused her no matter how many times she came back. In the same way, everyone who came to her gate was to be fed as many times as they presented themselves. There is no better sign of a Christian than one who recognizes God’s love and mercy in his or her own life and seeks to imitate the Lord by sharing that same love and mercy with others.

Congratulations to Joe Kochendoerfer on his First Profession!

On Saturday, August 6th, at the Sacred Heart Chapel at Camp DeSales (MI), Joe Kochendoerfer of Toledo-Detroit Province made his first profession vows. These are the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience as an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales.  Oblates from the Toledo-Detroit Province as well as Father Brian Zumbrum, OSFS, Mr. Jonathan Dick, OSFS, and Mr. Nick Grant from the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province witnessed and celebrated this special moment.

Joe will move to Washington, DC, and live at the Oblate house of studies while he takes classes at the Catholic University of America as he begins his preparations for priesthood.

Please keep Joe and our men in formation in your prayers.  If you feel called to follow God as an Oblate, contact Father Ken McKenna, OSFS, or Father Tim McIntire, OSFS. 

Food Justice Garden Grows 798lbs of Produce in July!

The Food Justice Garden is flourishing again this year!

The Food Justice Garden at Holy Infant Catholic Church, grew 798 pounds of produce in July! Holy Infant is administered by the Oblates and led by Father Robert Rutledge, OSFS, in Durham, North Carolina. The Food Justice Garden is a service program the parish has run for over a decade. The entire harvest is given to those experiencing food insecurity in the Durham, NC community.

This ministry is a volunteer-led effort that invites parishioners and community members of all ages to help address the lack of food as well as the lack of healthy food choices in the communities surrounding the parish. Volunteers plant vegetables and flowers, weed, water, harvest and construct raised beds for planting. They meet regularly to tend to the garden but also to build meaningful relationships.

Throughout the year, the garden grows berries, figs, spinach, salad greens, tomatoes, peppers, okra, potatoes and sweet potatoes, winter squashes, summer squashes, green beans, snap peas, turnips, carrots, beets, and some herbs. These are sent to the Parkwood Community Food Hub, Feed my Sheep Pantry and End Hunger Durham

Vacation Bible School students help at the garden.

During the summer time, children attending Vacation Bible School at Holy Infant did some service work in the garden. The volunteers also run sessions teaching children how to grow vegetables.

The Food Justice Garden harvested close to 5,000 pounds of produce for local food pantries in 2021, topping the 2020 harvest by nearly 300 pounds! This year they are slated to grow even more! To learn about this important ministry, visit the Food Justice Garden.

Oblates From Around the World Meeting in Annecy

Oblates Meeting of Major Superiors, Annecy 2022

Last Monday, I arrived in Annecy, a beautiful alpine city in southeastern France where St. Francis de Sales once served as priest and bishop. I was there to represent the new Provincial and the members of the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province at the Meeting of the Major Superiors, a gathering of the Oblate leaders of the provinces and regions from throughout the world. This meeting is called from time to time by our Superior General, Fr. Barry Strong, OSFS, and seeks reflections and input from these leaders. It is a time to offer mutual support, reflect on the mandate that the Gospel presents to us, and address issues that apply to the entire Congregation, reminded that we are a community sent forth to serve around the globe.

Oblate Fathers Michael Vannicola and Guillaume Kambounon

The meeting was substantive. This was the first such gathering in person since 2019.  My brother Oblates took the time to share blessings, opportunities, and challenges. In the spirit of synodality so strongly promoted by Pope Francis, real dialogue took place on a variety of topics including the formation of our younger confreres, a revision of our Constitutions, the needs of those to whom we minister, the state of our common life together, how we plan for the future, reaching beyond our own provinces, and the hope that we have as we move forward.

In fact, while the Church faces challenges, we departed from the meeting with a clear sense of joy, reminding ourselves that there is so much

work for us to do to help others to realize, in the spirit of St. Francis de Sales, their own call to holiness.  The Oblates have 98 men in formation throughout the world, young individuals eager to join us in this mission and we feel blessed to have them.  

One of my confreres at the meeting, during his sharing, really moved me as I was reflecting on the witness we are called to offer.  Fr. Guillaume Kambounon, a member of the General Council from the West African country of Benin, spoke about how the Oblates there come from various tribes. It is unheard of for families of these tribes to mix and interaction between them is limited.  When the people see the Oblates come from these various tribes and live together in the same religious houses, they simply cannot believe it.  Not only do the Oblates in Benin do so, but they live together joyfully, prayerfully, and sharing a common purpose.  

The witness of the Oblates in Benin is incredible.  They show what seemed to be impossible to be possible.  In reality, that is what the Oblates are called to do wherever we are and in whatever ministry we serve. In our common life, Oblates are called to bear witness to what it means to walk as Christians together.  In a world torn by strife, this witness shows that people of different backgrounds, interests, and gifts can be brought together by God for a common purpose.  Through the model that St. Francis de Sales provides in meeting people where they are, listening with full attention and with a true sense of care and concern, and recognizing the critical role that every Christian plays in the mission, we are well equipped for the task at hand.  

During the meeting, Fr. Strong asked each of us to share our vocation story, what brought us to the Oblates and what causes us to remain.  My answer on why I wake up each day and re-embrace my Oblate life is reflected in precisely what Fr. Guillaume shared, the power of the witness that we provide together following the example of the Gentleman Saint who shows us that in a tumultuous world, there is a better way. By the power of our shared life, he and I, while living over 5,000 miles away, in vastly different cultures, are connected in a common life and a simple, yet critical mission. 

Father Michael Vannicola, OSFS

Assistant Provincial, Wilmington-Philadelphia Province

Announcement New Provincial Wilmington-Philadelphia Province

The Wilmington-Philadelphia Province of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales is pleased to announce that Rev. Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, has been elected to a four-year term as provincial effective immediately.  

The provincial works with all of the Oblates and their apostolates in the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province. He oversees all administrative aspects of the Oblate community and ensures the mission of the Oblates to live and spread Salesian Spirituality.

A 1987 graduate of Oblate-ministered Northeast Catholic High School and 1991 graduate of Holy Family University, Fr. Jack made his first profession to the Oblates in 1993.  He studied theology at DeSales School of Theology in Washington, DE and received a Master of Divinity from the Washington Theological Union. He was ordained a priest in 1999.

Fr. Jack ministered as director of campus ministry at Salesianum School in Wilmington, DE; assistant principal for student affairs and director of Salesian mission and identity at Father Judge High School (Philadelphia); superior of the Oblate community at Father Judge and superior of the Oblates at the Salesianum Residence.  Fr. Jack studied gerontological administration at St. Joseph’s University and ministered at the Oblate Retirement Center in Childs, MD.   Fr. Jack most recently served as director of development for the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province.  He was a member of the Provincial Council and serves on the Board of Trustees of Nativity Preparatory School (Wilmington, DE).    Fr. Jack is a weekend minister at St. Timothy’s parish in Northeast Philadelphia. Fr. Jack takes over from Rev. Lewis S. Fiorelli, OSFS, who will reside and minister as a senior priest at Our Lady of Good Counsel parish in Vienna, Virginia.

Please join us in congratulating Fr. Jack as he begins to serve the province in this significant role. Let us keep our provincial and province in prayer. 

Rev. William A. Guerin, OSFS Memorial Dinner Dance - Photos from May 21, 2022

SAVE THE DATE!

For the next Rev. William A. Guerin, OSFS Memorial Dinner Dance:

Saturday, Jan. 14th

Union League. Center City, Philadelphia, PA

We hope to see you there!

About the Guerin Dinner Dance:

This annual celebration is a great opportunity to come together in community and celebrate the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales and the late Fr. Bill Guerin, OSFS, as well as so many Oblates who work to spread Salesian Spirituality. 

This special event supports our priests and brothers whose lives have positively impacted countless students, parishioners, families, and co-workers.

All funds raised are dedicated to caring for our infirm and retired men living at the Oblate Retirement Residence in Childs, MD or the Salesiansum Residence.

Oblate Bringing Help To Haiti

Watch Philadelphia’s CBS News story on Fr. Tom: Northeast Philadelphia priest working to help Haiti after recent earthquake.

The Oblates are proud of our brother, Fr. Tom Hagan, OSFS, who has been serving the people of Haiti for over three decades. He founded Hands Together in 1986 after bringing college students on a service trip to the poor country. Today, Hands Together runs 15 schools, health care clinics, an elderly outreach and housing program, water well-digging projects, and other food and health programs.

Just as he did after the devastating earthquake in 2010, Fr. Tom will help the people of Haiti mourn their dead and rebuild their lives. Fr. Tom was in the U.S. raising funds for his mission work when the 7.2 magnitude quake hit on August 24th. He is in the process of getting back into the country so he can continue his good work.

The Oblates’ Chablais Mission Fund supports Oblate missionary work in Central America, South America, India, and Africa. To learn more about the Oblates’ mission work, see the recent edition of DeSales World newsletter.

Please pray for the people of Haiti, Fr. Tom and all those working to help in this relief effort.

Jacklyn and Miguel Bezos '63 Establish Rev. James P. Byrne, OSFS Scholarship with Historic $12 Million Gift

It is with gratitude and excitement that Salesianum announces an historic $12,000,000 gift from Jacklyn and Miguel Bezos ’63 to the Salesianum School Endowment to fund financial aid.

This gift is certainly notable for its size, indeed, it is the second largest the school has ever received and one of the largest ever given to a Catholic secondary school in the United States. But beyond sheer magnitude, this gift is unique in that it will fully fund tuition and expenses for 24 students in perpetuity as a way to honor a beloved figure in Salesianum history.

To that end, $10,000,000 will be given to immediately establish the Rev. James P. Byrne, OSFS Scholarship, which will focus on enrolling 24 motivated, ambitious, mature and curious students. To be considered as a Byrne Scholar, applicants must demonstrate full financial need, and a preference will be given for those students from the City of Wilmington and those who are immigrants or the children of immigrants.  In addition to full tuition, Byrne Scholars will also receive funding for incidental expenses including books, retreats, service trips, AP test fees, prom tickets, etc., which often serve as barriers for students on the margins.

In 1960, Father Byrne was placed in charge of Casa de Sales, a house at 1300 Broom Street where 21 boys - all emigres fleeing the Cuban revolution as part of the U.S. State Department’s Operation Pedro Pan - lived and attended Salesianum. They came from an island nation 1,300 miles away and spoke no English, but Father Byrne took them in and formed them into Salesian Gentlemen. Mike Bezos was one of those boys. 

Father Byrne, who died in 2020, was the embodiment of our patron’s gentle strength.  His ministry as surrogate parent, teacher and friend is credited with helping dozens of Casa residents become successful students and - eventually - citizens through his guidance, discipline and love.  It was an audacious undertaking; it was also the right thing to do. 

The Byrne Scholarship is a reminder that providing access to education is the essence of our own story and shared experience as Salesians.  Whether it was European immigrants arriving in Wilmington in the early 20th century, or Cuban refugees decades later, Salesianum has consistently opened its doors for 118 years.  The Byrne Scholarship is merely the next step in this evolution. The school will be extending its outstretched hands to students from our own backyard rather than distant shores, but the sentiment of that gesture - the very essence of taking hold - is recognizable to all of us as Salesians, regardless of whose hand clutches back.

It is in that same spirit then that Mike and Jackie are also matching commitments of $100,000 or more to the endowment over the next three years - up to $2,000,000.  As tuition rises by necessity, gifts to the endowment - both big and small - as well as new scholarships will be essential to maintaining access and affordability for all who wish to be Salesian Gentlemen.  This separate matching initiative offers others in our community a chance to follow the example of the Byrne Scholarship and leverage their own generosity in ways never before possible at Salesianum to establish their own scholarships.

As Salesians, I know we all have a sense of pride in bearing the mark of Salesianum, either as alumni, parents or friends.  This commitment from Mike and Jackie makes the mark all the more indelible. It is Salesianum - and nowhere else - where the goodness of our community flows so freely in the service of others.  Thank you Jacklyn and Miguel Bezos ’63 for joining us in outstretching your hands. Thank you for taking hold and never letting go.  Thank you for making your mark on the school, and the eventual thousands of students your generosity will benefit.

Tenui Nec Dimittam,

Brendan P. Kennealey ’94
President

The Oblates Welcome Bishop-elect William Koenig

The Wilmington-Philadelphia Province of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales warmly welcomes Rev. Monsignor William E. Koenig as the 10th Bishop of the Diocese of Wilmington.  All the Oblate priests and brothers look forward to his leadership of the Diocese.  

The Diocese of Wilmington is very special to the Oblates because the diocese’s patron saint is St. Francis de Sales.  The congregation is headquartered in Wilmington and founded Salesianum School in 1903, an independent Catholic secondary school that challenges young men to live as Salesian Gentlemen devoted to faith, community, and service.  

The Oblates are humbled to have the opportunity to minister at parishes throughout the Diocese of Wilmington: St. Anthony of Padua in Wilmington, St. Edmund's Parish in Rehoboth Beach, DE, and Immaculate Conception Parish in Elkton, MD. In the past, the Oblates have assisted at many diocesan parishes, worked with the Little Sisters of the Poor, and staffed Padua Academy.  

Oblate priests, brothers, and seminarians also serve at Nativity Prep Middle School and as chaplain to the Wilmington Fire Department. They minister at St. Thomas More Oratory at the University of Delaware and their retirement facility is located in Childs, MD. The Oblates Sisters of St. Francis de Sales, part of the Oblate family, operate Aviat Academy.  

“We will work in collaboration with Bishop-elect Koenig as we serve in the diocese and fulfill our community’s mission to grow as a religious community and share our charism with the People of God and affirm them in “living Jesus” as the needs of the Church dictate,” said Very Reverend Lewis S Fiorelli, OSFS, Provincial.  “We are full of gratitude for the ministry and leadership of Bishop Francis Malooly and will keep him in our prayers as he enjoys his retirement.”

May the gentle spirit of St. Francis de Sales guide Bishop-elect Koenig and everyone in the diocese as we “Live Jesus” in all we do and in Francis’ words, “be who we are and be that well.”

The Oblates join the entire Diocese of Wilmington in praying for Bishop-elect Koenig as he brings his many gifts and rich experiences to lead this great diocese.  We offer our most sincere congratulations and warmest welcome. 

May God be Praised!