Many of us are familiar with the Salesian phrase “Let us do little things with great love.” At my parish, we made this our Lenten theme. Here is a story of how sometimes the greatest lessons can be taught by the youngest among us...
Live Jesus! Virginia Event Coverage & Speaker Presentations
On Saturday, March 18, the Oblates hosted the Live Jesus! at St. Paul VI Catholic High School in Chantilly, VA.
“Be at Peace” was the theme. Attendees gathered in prayer and fellowship while enjoying presentations by Brother Mickey McGrath, OSFS, Sister Susan Louise Eder, OSFS, and Tom Opfer, Ph.D., Principal of St. Paul VI Catholic High School in Chantilly, VA.
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!
Brother Mickey McGrath, OSFS: “Be at Peace”
Sister Susan Louise Eder: “Crooked Paths to Peace”
Dr. Tom Opfer: “Finding Peace Amidst Everyday Business”
Father John Kolodziej, OSFS: Homily at Live Jesus! Mass
Our next Live Jesus! event will be held on April 29 at
St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Glen Mills, PA.
Learn more here.
Salesianum Athletes Achieve Historic Five Championship Titles
Each of the Five Varsity Winter Sports Achieve Top Honors in the State and Region.
WILMINGTON, DE: For the first time in Salesianum School’s 120-year history, each of its five varsity winter sports teams has earned championship titles. The indoor track, swimming and diving, basketball, and wrestling teams earned top DIAA honors as 2023 State Champions. In addition, Salesianum’s ice hockey team completed an undefeated in-league season and earned the Philadelphia Catholic League (PCL) Champions title; the team competes in the PCL since DIAA does not currently recognize ice hockey as a varsity sport.
Of note, it has been 39 years since Salesianum’s wrestling team brought home a state title to 18th and Broom Streets. Varsity Wrestler Max Agresti had a remarkable undefeated season of 47-0 and an individual State Title in the 215 lb weight class. Senior Cameron Davis Jr. earned an Individual State Title in the 126 lb weight class and was named Outstanding Wrestler. The swim team earned its 7th consecutive state title, the 21st title for head coach Chip Hannig in his 23-year tenure at Salesianum. Seventeen swimmers made it to the finals, the most that Coach Chip has ever had. The Indoor Track team won their fourth consecutive State Title also with a true team effort by scoring in sprints, distance, relays, and field events.
Athletic Director Katie Godfrey states, “Salesianum has enjoyed unprecedented success this winter season, and it comes as a result of the dedication of our student-athletes and our exceptional coaching staff who committed themselves to a complete team effort and tenacity through those difficult games and setbacks. These titles were won due to programs fully embracing the team over the individual. We are immensely proud of these young men and the Championships they have earned.”
Click here to read further coverage by Salesianum School
Media Inquiries: Kim Chiomento, Salesianum School’s Director of Communications & Parent Engagement
Finding God in the Barbershop
Gentleness
Fathers (and brothers) Mike & Joe Newman on Salesian Spirituality Post-Pandemic
DeSales Networking Breakfast Featuring Ed Turzanski
April 21st ~ 7:37 AM - 9:00 AM
The Union League at Torresdale
3801 Grant Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19114
Edward A. Turzanski
National Security, Intelligence & Political Analyst
Topic: "Virtue as a Necessary Element of National Security"
The DeSales Network is proud to welcome Edward A. Turzanski to the Networking Breakfast on April 21, 2023. The event will start at 7:37 am with continental breakfast and networking followed by a presentation by Ed Turzanski on "Virtue as a Necessary Element of National Security." You will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn from Ed and each other.
Edward A. Turzanski Over a four-decade-long career, Edward A. Turzanski has been a practitioner, researcher, historian, professor, essayist and commentator in the fields of Intelligence, Espionage, National Security and Foreign Policy. He is a Life Member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers, having served with the U.S. Intelligence Community during the Reagan Administration with postings throughout the Middle East, Central Asia and Eastern Europe. During the George W. Bush Administration, he served on the U.S. Department of Justice’s Anti-Terrorism Advisory Committee (ATAC) for the Third District and the Department of Homeland Security’s Port Security Committee for Philadelphia. He is also a Life Member of the Naval War College Foundation and the National Association of Scholars. Mr. Turzanski is a Member of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition Advisory Board and a Senior Fellow with the Foreign Policy Research Institute where he was its first John Templeton Fellow. His commentary on National Security, Intelligence, Political and Diplomatic affairs has been heard over more than four-dozen media outlets across North America, and on the BBC’s World Service, CBC and CTV News in Canada, Fox News Channel and National Public Radio. Mr. Turzanski is a 1977 graduate of Northeast Catholic High School for Boys and was inducted into its Alumni Hall of Fame in 2012.
The Mission of the DeSales Network
To honor the memory of Fr. William Guerin, OSFS, the DeSales Network will offer engagement and social opportunities for spiritual growth for Gospel-minded people in the spirit of St. Francis de Sales to fuel the grace that, in the words of Fr. Guerin, “gets you to heaven."
For more info, email info@oblates.org
Live Jesus! Virginia Event Coverage & Speaker Presentations
On Saturday, March 18, the Oblates hosted the Live Jesus! at St. Paul VI Catholic High School in Chantilly, VA.
“Be at Peace” was the theme. Attendees gathered in prayer and fellowship while enjoying presentations by Brother Mickey McGrath, OSFS, Sister Susan Louise Eder, OSFS, and Tom Opfer, Ph.D., Principal of St. Paul VI Catholic High School in Chantilly, VA.
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!
Brother Mickey McGrath, OSFS: “Be at Peace”
Sister Susan Louise Eder: “Crooked Paths to Peace”
Dr. Tom Opfer: “Finding Peace Amidst Everyday Business”
Father John Kolodziej, OSFS: Homily at Live Jesus! Mass
Our next Live Jesus! event will be held on April 29 at
St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Glen Mills, PA.
Learn more here.
A Holistic Spirituality
Widening the Channels of Our Hearts
Rev. Joseph E. Tustin, OSFS, 1939-2023
Rev. Joseph E. Tustin, OSFS, in his 64th year of religious life as a professed member of the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, died on March 8, 2023.
Father was born in Philadelphia in 1939, the son of Joseph Frank Tustin and Harriet Gutowski Tustin. After graduating from Northeast Catholic High School in Philadelphia in 1957, he entered the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales and professed first vows on August 21, 1959. He made perpetual profession on September 30, 1962 and was ordained a priest on October 21, 1967. Father earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy from the Catholic University of America (Washington, DC) and a Master of Theology Degree from De Sales School of Theology (Washington, DC).
Over the years, he served on the faculty of Father Judge High School (Philadelphia, PA) and Northeast Catholic High School (Philadelphia, PA), on the staff of Villa Maria Retreat House (Wernersville, PA), and as Pastor of Saint Richard Parish (Mannheim, PA), Saint Joseph Parish (Asheboro, NC), and Holy Cross Parish (Kernersville, NC). He also served as Parochial Vicar at Holy Cross as well as Saint Mary Parish (Goldsboro, NC). Upon retirement, Father Tustin ministered at Resurrection of Our Lord Parish (Philadelphia, PA).
Rev. Joseph E. Tustin, OSFS is preceded in death by his parents as well as his sisters, Mary Hypes and Patricia (Billy) Jacobs as well as his brothers, George Tustin and Michael Tustin. He is survived by many nieces and nephews.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, March 13, 2023, beginning at 11:30 AM at Our Lady of Light Chapel, 1120 Blue Ball Road, Childs, MD 21916. The Viewing will precede the Mass from 10:00 AM to 11:15 AM. Interment will take place at the Oblate Cemetery following the Mass. Attendees must be fully vaccinated and boosted from COVID-19. Social distancing and masks are required.
In memory of Father Tustin’s life and legacy, donations may be made to the Oblate Development Fund, P.O. Box 87, Childs, MD 21916-0087 or here.
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
What I Give You
Rev. Thomas J. McGee, OSFS, 1942- 2023
Rev. Thomas J. McGee, OSFS, in his 62nd year of religious life as a professed member of the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, died on February 27, 2023. Father was born in Philadelphia in 1942, the son of Clarence C. McGee and Margaret T. Davis McGee. After graduating from Northeast Catholic High School in Philadelphia in 1959, he entered the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales and professed first vows on August 22, 1961. He made perpetual profession on January 31, 1965 and was ordained a priest on June 5, 1971. Father earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Niagara University (Lewiston, NY), a Master of Arts Degree in Education from Temple University (Philadelphia, PA) and a Master of Theology from De Sales School of Theology (Washington, DC).
Over the years, he served on the faculty of Bishop Ireton High School (Alexandria, VA), Salesianum School (Wilmington, DE), and Bishop Verot High School (Fort Myers, FL). In education, he also held the following leadership positions: Dean of Students at Bishop Ireton, Treasurer and Business Manager at Northeast Catholic, Principal of Holy Name High School (Reading, PA), and Principal of Salesianum. He also served as Religious Superior of the Bishop Verot Oblate Community. After his ministry in education, Father McGee served as Pastor of Saint Charles Borromeo Parish (Ahoskie, NC) as well as Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Good Counsel (Vienna, VA) and Our Lady Star of the Sea (Cape May, NJ).
Rev. Thomas J. McGee, OSFS is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his brother, Michael J. McGee (Patricia), his nieces Michelle Miller (Dennis), Gwen Potero, and Bonnie McGee (Damian) as well as several great-nieces and great-nephews.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday March 4, 2023, beginning at 11:30 AM at Our Lady of Light Chapel, 1120 Blue Ball Road, Childs, MD 21916. The Viewing will precede the Mass from 10:00 AM to 11:15AM. Interment will take place at the Oblate Cemetery following the Mass. Attendees must be fully vaccinated and boosted from COVID-19. Social distancing and masks are required.
In memory of Father McGee’s life and legacy, donations may be made to the Oblate Development Fund, P.O. Box 87, Childs, MD 21916-0087 or here.
Father Crossin, OSFS featured in Arlington Herald
Father John W. Crossin, OSFS
The Arlington Catholic Herald recently ran an article entitled, "Christian unity may not be so far off, says former head of bishops’ ecumenical office.” This features the newest book by Father John W. Crossin, OSFS, Moving into the Ecumenical Future: Foundations of a Paradigm for Christian Ethics. This book was the topic of a talk Father Crossin gave at St. John Neumann Parish (Reston, VA) earlier this month. In the article, Father John is described as "an optimistic ecumenist." From the article: “As an Oblate, Father Crossin’s 50-plus years of formation in the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales certainly contributes to his hopeful stance."
Father Crossin’s book proposes ten pillars for common Christian Ethics and invites dialogue on the topic. He holds a Ph.D. in Moral Theology, served as Executive Director of the Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference and has published books and articles on Virtue Ethics and Salesian Spirituality.
Father Crossin will speak on “The Church and the World” on Friday, March 31 at 7:00 pm at St. John Neumann Church, 11900 Lawyers Rd., Reston, VA.
To purchase the book click on: Moving into the Ecumenical Future: Foundations of a Paradigm of Christian Ethics
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
Rev. Thomas J. Tucker, OSFS, 1938-2023
Father Thomas J. Tucker, OSFS
Rev. Thomas J. Tucker, OSFS, in his 66th year of religious life as a professed member of the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, died on February 7, 2023.
Father was born in Philadelphia in 1938, the son of Morgan J. Tucker and Henrietta Bach Tucker. After graduating from Northeast Catholic High School in Philadelphia in 1956, he entered the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales and professed first vows on February 2, 1958. He made perpetual profession on February 2, 1961 and was ordained a priest on October 1, 1966. Father earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Niagara University (Lewiston, NY), a Master of Science in Biology from the Catholic University of America (Washington, DC) and a Master of Theology from De Sales School of Theology (Washington, DC).
Over the years, he served on the faculty of both Father Judge High School (Philadelphia, PA) and Salesianum School (Wilmington, DE) and also served as Superior of the Salesianum Oblate Community.
Rev. Thomas J. Tucker, OSFS is preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Paul Davis. He is survived by his sister, Janet Davis as well as his nephews, Matthew Davis and Adam Davis.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 11, 2023, beginning at 11:30 AM at Our Lady of Light Chapel, 1120 Blue Ball Road, Childs, MD 21916. The Viewing will precede the Mass from 10:00 AM to 11:15 AM. Interment will take place at a later date. Attendees must be fully vaccinated and boosted from COVID-19. Social distancing and masks are required.
In memory of Father Tucker’s life and legacy, donations may be made to the Oblate Development Fund, P.O. Box 87, Childs, MD 21916-0087.
Feast Day Celebrations
