Meditations by Oblates: Easter Season
A Salesian look into the Gospels of the Lenten and Easter seasons.
Easter Season Reflections by Oblates
Pentecost Sunday
Reflection by Fr. Patrick O’Connor, OSFS
Ascension of the Lord
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Reflection by Fr. Brian Zumbrum, OSFS
Reflection by Fr. Michael Newman, OSFS
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Reflection by Fr. Patrick Kifolo, OSFS
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Reflection by Brother Dan Wisniewski, OSFS
Provost, DeSales University
Third Sunday of Easter
Reflection by Fr. Michael Depcik, OSFS
Second Sunday of Easter
Reflection by Fr. Steve Shott, OSFS
Lenten reflections written by our Oblates in formation.
First Sunday of Lent
Second Sunday of Lent
Reflection by Deacon Craig Irwin, OSFS
Reflection by Mr. Joseph Katarsky, OSFS
Third Sunday of Lent
Reflection by Fr. Michael E. Newman, OSFS, Vocation Director, Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, Pastor, Holy Family Parish Adrian
Fourth Sunday of Lent
Reflection by Mr. Joseph S. Kochendoerfer, OSFS
Fifth Sunday of Lent
Reflection by Mr. Jonathan Dick, OSFS
Salesian Stations of the Cross
Each of the stations below bears a quote from the writings of Saint Francis de Sales. We hope you are able to relax with quiet time this Lent for prayerful meditation inspired by these images. Live Jesus!
Meet the artist!
When I was a twenty-year-old novice in 1977, I created my first set of Stations of the Cross as a personal ongoing Lenten devotion. I started the series on Ash Wednesday and finish them just 15 minutes before our Good Friday service at 3:00! In the forty-plus years since, I have drawn or painted others sets of stations in a variety of mediums: pen and ink; paint; stain glass; and most recently, digital. Each set has a distinct theme and style, reflecting their purpose and source of inspiration.
Each of the images in this particular set bears a quote from the writings of Saint Francis de Sales. In a few cases, I would select different quotes today, and I would definitely choose a more permanent, archival medium than felt tip markers! The framed originals are currently in the collection of DeSales University.
I hope you are able to relax and enjoy some quiet time this Lent for prayerful reflection in these very troubling times. Let us Live Jesus in our hearts.
Peace and Blessings,
Bro. Mickey
For more artwork by Bro. Mickey visit the Salesian Shop!
Sponsor the 28th Annual Rev. William A. Guerin, OSFS, Memorial Dinner Dance
Sponsor Levels
$ 20,000 St. Francis de Sales Sponsor
Includes two tables of 10 (20 guest tickets) dinner & admission)
Promotion opportunities:
30-second promotional ad/greeting during the gala
Name/logo/website appears on an exclusive video frame during the gala
Name/logo/website and link (URL) appears on gala website page
Name/logo/company information appears on a printed card with gourmet dinner
$ 10,000 Brisson Sponsor
Includes 10 guest tickets (dinner & admission)
Promotion opportunities:
Name/logo/website appears on an exclusive video frame during the gala
Name/logo/website and link (URL) appears on gala website page
Name/logo/company information appears on a printed card with gourmet dinner
$ 5,000 Fr. Guerin Sponsor
Includes 6 guest tickets (dinner & admission)
Promotion opportunities:
Name/logo/website and link (URL) will appear on gala website page
Name/logo/company information appears on a printed card with gourmet dinner
$ 2,500 Cocktail Hour Sponsor
Includes 4 guest tickets (dinner & admission)
$ 1,000 Entertainment Sponsor
Includes 2 guest tickets (dinner & admission)
$ 500 Program Sponsor
Includes 2 guest tickets (dinner & admission)
Everyday Beauty
One morning a little over a week ago, well before the sun rose, I was doing what thousands of other Michiganders were doing - scraping ice and snow off my car. It was windy and cold; I couldn't find my gloves and snow filled my shoes. My language, while not spoken out loud, was something that would have sent my third-grade teacher, Sister Mary Cecelia, through the roof, meriting a public shaming, a note to my parents, and several days kept after school cleaning erasers.
I remember walking into the kitchen, after sufficiently finishing the job, grumbling to the other priest in the rectory, "I hate this weather, why can't I live in Florida?" Fr. Mike didn't respond, taking the wiser course. After my unpleasant greeting, I sat down at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee and my iPad to catch up on the news. That, too, was unpleasant; among other lousy news, Russia's threat of the invasion of Ukraine was heating up. The day was not starting well.
Photo taken by Kirsten Huff.
A minute or so later, my iPad dinged with a message. Assuming it was someone ready to burden my day even more so, I reluctantly clicked on the text. The text, from a friend, included the photo seen here and the statement, "Isn't this beautiful."
Of course, living not far from me, the photo was of her yard and trees covered with snow. Harumph!!! That's the last thing I wanted to see. But after a moment, I noticed that the snow-covered trees were beautiful. With that, I turned and looked out my kitchen window to my own backyard and found a similar view.
Looking at her photo and my backyard, I reflected on one of St. Francis de Sales' cherished maxims, “We pray best before beauty.” What had been annoying and disruptive was transformed into something beautiful and a source of gratitude and praise to God. The God who makes all things new, in a split second, had done so for me. The moment changed my day for the better, let me into prayer, and vastly improved my attitude for the day—it is a good lesson to look for beauty in front of us, even in what may not seem beautiful, and discover the grace of God.
Fr. Jack Loughran, OSFS
Provincial
Toledo-Detroit Province
Francis & Me: Ben Burson
Ben Burson, St. Francis de Sales H.S., Class of 2022
Each year our school selects a Salesian theme for the year. One of my duties as student body president is to help our leadership team find a quote that is both practical and one that we could use in our daily lives. The quote we chose is: “do ordinary things well, and with great love”.
Most of us are familiar with the first part of the quote. But I think we often forget the second half of the theme. Francis de Sales calls us to live our lives centered in great love.
Besides being student body president, I play hockey and lacrosse. I share this to show that I’m involved in a wide array of activities at St. Francis. Engaging in each of these activities culminates in a lot of “little things” that build the overall school experience for all of us. I would say I do it for the love of my school but also to share that love with others.
2012 was my oldest brother Adam’s senior year. I was the “water boy” that year on his hockey team. From day one, I was welcomed as “one of the guys.” I did everything with the older guys. We played video games at team dinners, held hands as we prayed the “Our Father'' in the locker room, and felt I was as much of the team as everyone else.
I was out of my comfort zone but everyone in that locker room, especially Adam, was right by my side the entire time. The season itself was less spectacular but the memories made will be with me forever. It was here that my love for the brotherhood began and years later these memories would take on a new meaning.
In August of 2015, I learned that Adam was a heroin addict. Within weeks he would be sent to a recovery center in Florida. I would not see Adam again until my brother Joe’s graduation from St. Francis in May of the following year. On November 1st, 2016, Adam would finally succumb to his addiction. Fr. Newman presided over his funeral Mass in our school chapel. The philosophy of St. Francis de Sales - “Suaviter et Fortiter” (gentle-strength) - truly described my brother and these words were placed on his headstone.
I share this story because Adam’s passing made those cherished memories come to the forefront. Everything I do at St. Francis High School serves to strengthen these memories and to do all of the little things in life with power and passion.
In whatever you do, recognize what you love and love greatly.
Live every day of your life well. Live Jesus!
DeSales Networking Breakfast
April 29th ~ 7:37 AM
The Union League at Liberty Hill
Thomas E. Beeman, Ph.D., FACHE, FCPP, Rear Adm.(ret)
Thomas E. Beeman, Ph.D., FACHE, FCPP, Rear Adm. (ret), health care pioneer, currently serves as Alvernia University Interim Dean of College of Health Sciences. Beeman most recently was the Executive in Residence for the Haub School of Business at Saint Joseph’s University.
With more than 45 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Beeman has served as chief executive officer of Lancaster General Health (LGH) and president and chief executive officer at Saint Thomas Health Services in Nashville, Tennessee.
Beeman’s leadership with LGH, an extensive and complex health system with more than 8,000 employees serving in hospitals, clinics, and other health care facilities, prompted one of the first and largest regional health care mergers with the University of Pennsylvania Health System in 2015.
Commissioned as a lieutenant junior grade in August 1983, Beeman served 33 years in the U.S. Navy, achieving the rank of Rear Admiral before his retirement in 2016. He most recently served as Assistant Deputy Surgeon General, commanding the Navy Reserve Medical Forces across the globe.
Beeman’s military awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Naval and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various service medals and unit awards.
A two-time Alvernia University trustee (1991-1997 and 2013-2019), Beeman is also a fellow of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, a Fellow of the American College of Health Care Executives, and a member of the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States.
Beeman holds a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University, a master’s degree in Hospital Administration from Widener University, a master’s degree in Health Education, and a bachelor’s degree in Community Health Studies from Saint Joseph’s University.
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
Meditation by Oblates in Formation: Frist Sunday of Lent
First Sunday of Lent Lk 4:1-13
Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they were over he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, one does not live on bread alone.” Then he took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a single instant. The devil said to him, “I shall give to you all this power and glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I may give it to whomever I wish. All this will be yours if you worship me.” Jesus said to him in reply, “It is written: You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve.”
Salesian Quote
“True devotion consists in a constant, resolute, prompt, and active will to do whatever we know is pleasing to God.”
- Introduction to the Devout Life IV.13
Reflection
In this Sunday’s Gospel, we see Jesus being offered some incredible things of this world. However, he doesn’t have to think about them. He doesn’t need to make a pro/con list or run a cost/benefit analysis. He simply hears what is offered and rejects it. He knows what he is about and to whom he belongs.
Today, as we move about a world filled with temptations for pleasure, power, and wealth, may we always seek to imitate Christ in the way we make our daily decisions, both the great ones and the small ones. Let us pray that we may grow in devotion, always resolute and prompt in doing good. And may we, like our Lord, constantly remember what we are about and to whom we belong.
Craig Irwin, OSFS
Transitional Deacon at Saint John Neumann, Reston, VA
Being Ordained in June
Lent 2022
Next Wednesday Lent begins as it always does, with the imposition of ashes. Why ashes? The Old Testament speaks of three important spiritual attitudes associated with ashes: mortality, repentance, and intercessory prayer.
MORTALITY: Immediately after the Fall, God reminds our first parents that they were created from the earth and “unto dust” they shall return. We Christians believe in the Resurrection. Therefore, for us, death is not a morbid thought at all. Indeed, it prompts us to take life very seriously and to make the very best use of every day and of the present moment of every day. We know that, at death, we will be judged by how well we practiced the double commandment of love, the spirit of the beatitudes, and the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. Lent is a sober reminder that a concrete love of God and neighbor is life’s highest spiritual priority. For this reason, let’s frequently remind ourselves during the days of Lent how we can better love God and neighbor –not in the abstract but in the concrete and nitty-gritty of our daily lives with family, friends, colleagues, enemies, and strangers—and especially with the marginalized and less fortunate.
REPENTANCE: Do any of us need to be reminded that we are sinners? We confess that fact in the penitential rite at the beginning of every Mass and frequently in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Lent is the liturgical season when we take especially seriously the need to undergo whatever conversion of life or of thought or of action is necessary to become the person and the Christian that God calls us to be. For many, repentance may not include so much conversion from sin but a conversion to do the good that we have neglected to do or to forgive the hurt that we have thus far been unwilling or unable to forgive, and so on. Therefore, during these forty days let’s frequently take the state of our heart to God in quiet prayer. Let God heal whatever needs to be healed or forgiven. And let God prompt in us whatever concrete good we still need to do.
INTERCESSORY PRAYER: When her people were threatened with extinction, Queen Esther covered herself in ashes and prayed fervently to God for their deliverance, and her intercessory prayer on their behalf was heard. Let’s pray during this Season for ourselves, for our family and friends, and for our very troubled Church and pandemic-hurting world. Let’s learn to pray as that great woman prayed –with perseverance, humility, and confidence.
Prayer, fasting, almsgiving: these Lenten practices take on a deeper meaning when they are coupled with an appreciation of our mortality, our need for conversion and repentance, and our duty to pray for ourselves, for others, and for our Church and world!
Rev. Lewis S. Fiorelli, OSFS
Provincial
Wilmington-Philadelphia Province
What is Mardi Gras?
Everyone knows it’s a time of raucous partying and blatant excess – especially in New Orleans, but the partying certainly isn’t confined to Bourbon Street!
It’s fairly common knowledge that the words “Mardi Gras” mean “Fat Tuesday” – the last day to indulge before the austerity of Lent’s ascetic practices set in for the next six long weeks.
The roots of Mardi Gras, however, may not be known to all.
Like Christmas, Mardi Gras is widely believed to be a Christian adaptation of a celebration that was common in the early Roman Empire, when Christianity was still growing in popularity while the worship of the Roman gods remained the norm.
Early Christians in the Roman Empire struggled with the prevailing religious beliefs, refusing to join in the feast days and celebrations of the Roman pantheon and thus being labeled “atheists” by some.
Perhaps that is one reason the incorporation of already familiar celebrations into the Christian year became a strategy for evangelization. Saturnalia, the winter solstice celebration of the lengthening of days, became the chosen date for Christmas, the day that the true “Light of the World” came to us and filled all of our seasons – forevermore – with His Divine Light.
Likewise, Mardi Gras has its origins in Lupercalia, a celebration of the Roman god of fertility, which was celebrated with carnal excesses of various sorts.
Christianity has appropriated this (a play on words intended!) and a “last hurrah” of our appetites has become the norm for many as they prepare for the self-denial of the Lenten season.
To be sure, there are many Mardi Gras celebrations in the world today which are too excessive. For some, the day seems to be an excuse for a license to disregard morality and self-control entirely.
Still, Mardi Gras can be innocent, good fun. Extra dessert before the fast, a lazy day before the resolution to exercise – these are innocent enough. However, it is important to remember that Lent is not only a time of self-denial, it is also a time of increased emphasis on prayer and generosity. A “last hurrah” encouraging the neglect of those elements of Lent would never be appropriate – ever.
Ellen Hildenbrand
Religion Department Chair, Salesianum School
Francis & Me: Pope Pius XI
Pope Pius XI Declares St. Francis de Sales the “Patron Saint of Writers”
We are now happily called upon to celebrate the Third Centenary of the entrance into heaven of another great saint, one who was remarkable not only for the sublime holiness of life which he achieved but also for the wisdom with which he directed souls in the ways of sanctity. This saint was no less a person than Francis de Sales, Bishop of Geneva and Doctor of the Universal Church. He seemed to have been sent especially by God for a very special mission. His task was to give the lie to a prejudice which in his lifetime was deeply rooted and has not been destroyed even today, that the ideal of sanctity held up for our imitation by the Church is impossible of attainment or, at best, is so difficult that it surpasses the capabilities of the great majority of the faithful and is, therefore, to be thought of as the exclusive possession of a few great souls. St. Francis likewise disproved the false idea that holiness was not adaptable to a life lived outside the cloister walls.
Whoever attentively reviews the life of St. Francis will discover that, from his earliest years, he was a model of sanctity. He was not a gloomy, austere saint but was most amiable and friendly with all, so much so that it can be said of him most truthfully, "her conversation (wisdom) hath no bitterness, nor her company any tediousness, but joy and gladness." (Wisdom, viii, 16) He excelled in the meekness of heart, a virtue so peculiar to himself that it might be considered his most characteristic trait. This virtue, which grew in the heart of St. Francis as a delightful effect of his love of God and was nourished by the spirit of compassion and tenderness, so tempered with sweetness the natural gravity of his demeanor and softened both his voice and manners that he won the affectionate regard of everyone whom he encountered.
We learn from the Saint how not only to perform the customary acts of everyday life but how to do these things correctly with the sole intention of pleasing God. He teaches us how not only to conquer dangers, temptations, and the allurements of pleasure but how every year it is necessary for each of us to renew and to rekindle his love of God by the making of holy resolutions.
It is important for the Christian people to turn to the example of holiness given by St. Francis, so that they may be edified thereby and may make his teachings the rule of their own lives. It would be impossible to exaggerate the value of his books and pamphlets to attain this purpose. These books ought to be distributed as widely as possible among Catholics, for his writings are easy to understand and can be read with great pleasure. They cannot but inspire in the souls of the faithful a love of true and solid piety, a love which the clergy can develop with most happy results if they but learn to assimilate thoroughly the teachings of St. Francis and to imitate the kindly qualities which characterized his preaching.
It is our wish that the greatest fruits should be gained from this solemn Centenary by those Catholics who as journalists and writers expound, spread, and defend the doctrines of the Church. It is necessary that they, in their writings, imitate and exhibit at all times that strength joined always to moderation and charity, which was the special characteristic of St. Francis. He, by his example, teaches them in no uncertain manner precisely how they should write.
Since St. Francis, up to this time, has not been named the Patron of Writers in any solemn and public document of this Apostolic See, We take this happy occasion, after mature deliberation and in full knowledge, by Our Apostolic authority, to hereby publish, confirm and declare by this encyclical, everything to the contrary notwithstanding, St. Francis de Sales, Bishop of Geneva and Doctor of the Church, to be the Heavenly Patron of all Writers.
* Given by Pope Pius XI (1837-1939)
On the celebration of the 300th Anniversary of the death of St. Francis de Sales
Francis & Me: Anthony Vu
Anthony Vu - Father Judge High School Class of 2022
To many people, St. Francis de Sales is a famous bishop, saint, and spiritual doctor of the Church. For me, he is more than these titles. St. Francis de Sales is a man who has had a tremendous and profound effect on my everyday life.
At Father Judge, the famous phrase of St. Francis “Be who you are and be that well” can be found on the signs, banners, and walls of our school. You can find teachers, staff members, administrators, and students saying this all the time. When I was a freshman at Judge, “Be who you are and be that well” was honestly just a quote to me. I didn’t make much of it. But, as I have journeyed through high school, the constant repetition of this Salesian saying made me ask why this one quote was constantly being repeated. Through class retreats, discussions in theology classes, and reflecting on this saying, I came to realize what St. Francis de Sales was saying to me.
Today, “Be who you are and be that well” is how I strive to live my life. Being who I really am, and being my best self, begins by being with God. It means taking time for God each day. God is supposed to be #1 in my life, but this can be a challenge at times because I often want to do my own thing. Being myself means walking with God each day and using my God-given talents and gifts to their fullest. The teachings of St. Francis de Sales push me to complete assignments and do various tasks when I’m lazy or I don’t want to do them.
The Salesian virtues and values taught at Father Judge (summarized as the “Salesian Seven”) help me to live a good life. The life and teachings of Francis de Sales show me how I should live my life every day. I have learned to respect myself and others. I have tried to recognize my unique gifts and talents and use them to my fullest potential. I strive to be patient with everyone, especially with myself. If I am patient, then I will be gentle, not quick to anger or frustrated. If I am positive, I will be grateful for all the blessings from God. If I am confident, then I know who I am, and I can be that well.
Following the example and teachings of St. Francis de Sales helps me to be my best self. Being my best self helps me to live every day in the present moment and living the Salesian virtues helps me to live every day well.
Francis & Me: Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict XVI: "God is the God of the human heart."
These apparently simple words give us an impression of the spirituality of a great teacher of whom I would like to speak to you today: St Francis de Sales, a Bishop, and Doctor of the Church.
The influence of his life and his teaching on Europe in his lifetime and in the following centuries is immense. He was an apostle, preacher, writer, man of action and of prayer dedicated to implanting the ideals of the Council of Trent; he was involved in dialogue with the Protestants, experiencing increasingly, over and above the necessary theological confrontation, the effectiveness of personal relationship and of charity; he was charged with diplomatic missions in Europe and with social duties of mediation and reconciliation.
Yet above all St. Francis de Sales was a director: from his encounter with a young woman, Madame de Charmoisy, he was to draw the inspiration to write one of the most widely read books of the modern age, The Introduction to a Devout Life.
A new religious family was to come into being from his profound spiritual communion with an exceptional figure, St Jane Frances de Chantal. The Order of the Visitation, as the Saint wished, was characterized by total consecration to God lived in simplicity and humility, in doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.
To Philothea, the ideal person to whom he dedicated his Introduction to a Devout Life (1607), Francis de Sales addressed an invitation that might well have seemed revolutionary at the time. It is the invitation to belong completely to God, while living to the full her presence in the world and the tasks proper to her state. “My intention is to teach those who are living in towns, in the conjugal state, at court” (Preface to The Introduction to a Devout Life). The Document with which Pope Leo XIII, more than two centuries later, was to proclaim him a Doctor of the Church, would insist on this expansion of the call to perfection, to holiness.
It says: “[true piety] shone its light everywhere and gained entrance to the thrones of kings, the tents of generals, the courts of judges, custom houses, workshops, and even the huts of herdsmen” (cf. Brief, Dives in Misericordia, 16 November 1877).
Thus, came into being the appeal to lay people and the care for the consecration of temporal things and for the sanctification of daily life on which the Second Vatican Council and the spirituality of our time were to insist.
It is not for nothing that we rediscover traces precisely of this teacher at the origin of many contemporary paths of pedagogy and spirituality; without him neither St. John Bosco nor the heroic “Little Way” of St Thérèse of Lisieux would have come into being.
Dear brothers and sisters, in an age such as ours that seeks freedom, even with violence and unrest, the message of this great teacher of spirituality and peace shows us the true “spirit of freedom.”
Given by Pope Benedict at his General Audience on March 2, 2011
Francis & Me: Daniel M. Kerns, Jr.
Daniel M. Kerns, Jr. - Leadership in the Salesian Tradition
Left to Right: Dr. Barbara McGraw Edmondson, Head of School; Mrs. Laurie Collins Quirk, award recipient; Mr. Kenny Purcell, award recipient; Mr. Dan Kerns, former Head of School.
Dan Kerns, former Georgetown Visitation Preparatory Head of School and current Executive Director of the Fr. McKenna Center gave an expanded version of this address at Georgetown Visitation school Mass on the Feast of St. Francis de Sales. Mr. Kenny Purcell and Mrs. Laurie Collins Quirk ‘74, the recipients of the inaugural Dan Kerns Salesian Leadership Award, were honored. Congratulations to Mr. Purcell and Mrs. Quirk!
2022 is a significant time for those inspired by a Salesian perspective. This year marks a Jubilee Year as we celebrate the 400th anniversary of the death of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal’s 450th birthday. This dual anniversary year gives us a special reason to recognize and honor our patrons’ unique influence and inspiration on spirituality and religious thought and their significance for the Visitation Sisters and our school.
It is fitting too, that as we celebrate our Salesian patrons, we also honor those who live out their values in our Georgetown Visitation community with our inaugural Salesian Leadership Awards. Like Francis and Jane, they too have influenced and inspired countless others by living the Little Virtues quietly and steadily, with great faith, without need for fanfare or accolades. Both Mr. Kenny Purcell and Mrs. Laurie Quirk represent what I see as the characteristics of true Salesian leadership.
Leadership is often misconstrued or not fully understood. In our common culture, leadership is associated with a role or rank. Leadership does reside in roles and those who assume them have a responsibility to fulfill their positions conscious of the trust that has been entrusted to them.
But Salesian leadership calls us to something even greater; the broader perspective that leadership is not simply conferred by an election or an appointment, a position or role. Fundamental to Salesian Spirituality is that each of us -- all of us -- are called to be leaders in the way we live our lives as faith-filled people and in the way we serve others. And that happens not in heroic deeds or with great challenge or sacrifice. Rather it is seen in the way we embrace the present moment and fulfill the daily, often mundane aspects of life: homework, family responsibilities, the way we extend the Little Virtues to others.
“The opportunity of doing great things does not come very often, but at every moment, we can do little acts with great love.”
“Be you who you are and be that well to give honor to the master craftsman whose handiwork you are."
- St. Francis de Sales
When taken together these two quotes define Salesian leadership and are the characteristics we see as the fabric of lives formed and anchored by the spirituality of our patrons, Saints Francis and Jane.
Francis & Me: Ryan Corey
Ryan Corey, Salesianum School Class of 2022
St. Francis de Sales: bishop of Geneva and Doctor of the Church. That is exactly who he was and who he is to many. However, to me, he is someone that means so much more. He has had a profound impact on my life and will undoubtedly continue to have this effect as I move into the next chapter of my life at college. To me, Francis de Sales will always be the person that changed how I view life.
Ever since my freshman year at Salesianum, I have always been constantly reminded of one quote daily: “Be who you are and be that well.” When I first heard that I more or less shrugged it off; I didn’t think about too much. It was simply just the Salesianum equivalent of sayings such as “Be you” or “Be yourself”, except Francis de Sales came up with this one. But no, It was so much more than that. I first fully began to understand the quote when I heard the second part, “To give honor to the master craftsman whose handiwork you are.” Well now I’m not just being me for myself, I’m being me for God, but there was still one issue, what exactly does “Being who you are being that well” mean. It cannot just mean doing what I want to do because that’s who I think I am. No, it must mean I should try to use all my gifts and talents to their fullest, even if that means that I have to do something I don’t want to do. Now, my mind goes back to Saint Francis every day. Every assignment I don’t want to do, every shift I don’t want to work, I think back and realize that not doing these things would be failing to be my best self. Even more so, not trying to help my friends, family, or anyone who may need me, even in the smallest ways possible, would be failing to be my best self. Likewise, everyone around me, just by doing the things they are called to each day, is being their best selves.
Beyond being my best self, I find that I always turn back to Saint Francis de Sales at particularly stressful times in my life, especially right now with the spring semester having just begun. At times such as these, I’m always reminded of my favorite quote from Saint Francis. It is a quote that reminds me that no matter what happens in life, no matter how bad things may seem, God will always be there for me, to turn to and hold on to. And so I end with it, “Do not fear what may happen tomorrow, the same understanding Father who cares for you today will take care of you then and every day. He will either shield you from suffering or will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.”
Francis & Me: Pope John XXIII
Pope John XXIII (1881-1963) was proud to tell people that St. Francis de Sales was one of his favorite saints.
On the Feast of St. Francis de Sales, in 1903, “Good” Pope John wrote:
“Today was a perfect feast; I spent it in the company of St. Francis de Sales, my gentlest of saints. What a magnificent figure of a man, priest and bishop! If I were like him, I would not mind even if they were to make me Pope! I love to let my thoughts dwell on him, on his goodness and on his teaching. I have read his life so many times! His counsels are so acceptable to my heart. By the light of his example, I feel more inclined to humility, gentleness and calm. My life, so the Lord tells me, must be a perfect copy of that of St. Francis de Sales if I wish to bear good fruits. Nothing extraordinary in me or my behavior... except my way of doing ordinary things, ‘all ordinary things but done in no ordinary way.” A great, a burning love for Jesus Christ and His Church: unalterable serenity of mind, wonderful gentleness with my fellow men, that is all. Oh my loving saint, as I kneel before you at this moment, there is so much I could say to you! I love you tenderly and I will always remember you and look to you for help. Oh St. Francis, I can say no more; you can see into my heart, give me what I need to become like you.”
–JOURNAL OF A SOUL, JAN. 29, 1903
The Way to Charity and Peace
As I write this, I’m waiting with the rest of the world to see if Russia will invade Ukraine. Maybe I’m naive, but this potential act of aggression does not reflect what I hope for in the nature of world discourse and politics today. I am disappointed that Russia is not oriented more towards discussion, collaboration, and compromise than an invasion.
However, the potential for an invasion is real, and it reflects the persistent presence of conflict in our world and culture. Consider the many forms of protest over Covid regulations that are disrupting commerce and lives around the world, violent misogynistic behaviors against women around the world, the impregnable disputes between our political parties, the rifts in local governments, institutions, and families. We are surrounded by threatening, paralyzing, and seemingly hopeless experiences of conflict.
St. Francis de Sales dealt with similar experiences during his lifetime. He lived at the height of the Protestant Revolution and the religious conflict in France between Catholics and Huguenots (Calvinist Protestants). The conflict was experienced throughout France, most intensely in Paris. In August 1572, during the French Wars of Religion, the St. Bartholomew’s massacre demonstrated a new militant Catholicism. This militant approach, spurred on by clergy and nobility excoriating and demonizing Protestants, resulted in hundreds of Protestants losing their lives in Paris and other locations throughout France. Radical Catholics dragged, dismembered, and hung Huguenots in public view after killing them.
Following his ordination in 1597, St. Francis often preached against violence and war. He sees war as the product of sin, and eradicating sin eliminates war. While De Sales opposed Protestantism, he viewed it as a pastoral problem to solve through preaching, education, persuasion, and goodwill, rather than blunt force or war. Francis wrote: “Let us exchange bad will for goodwill, bad courage for good courage. If we have charity among us, we will have peace.”
We all face conflict, which at times leads to destructive, aggressive, and alienating behaviors. Step back for a moment and let yourself recognize where conflict exists in your life. When you identify it, follow De Sales and seek the way of charity and peace. Listen to others with an open mind and heart, discuss differences, as Francis would encourage, “heart to heart.” See goodness in others and seek peace through collaboration and understanding. In doing so, you build the Kingdom which Christ established and invited us to continue in His name.
May God be blessed.
Fr. Jack Loughran, OSFS
Provincial
Toledo-Detroit Province
The Hardened Heart
With Ash Wednesday less than two weeks away, Fr. Michael Murray, OSFS, offers us a Salesian reflection on how to prepare our hearts for the coming season of conversion.
If you ask people the question, “What is the worst thing that can happen to the human heart?,” many folks will almost instinctively respond by answering, “When it breaks.”
However painful a broken heart may be, a heart capable of being broken is nonetheless a heart that is alive, capable of feeling any number of emotions. In the event, there is something much, much worse than a broken heart — that is, a hardened heart.
The Book of the Jeremiah cites some characteristics or qualities frequently associated with a heart that has become hardened. These include:
Not paying attention or heed
Being disobedient
Turning one’s back on God and others
Being stiff-necked (stubborn)
Incapable of listening
Incapable of answering
Being unfaithful
You get the picture.
As if to underscore the bad things that can happen when a heart becomes hardened, the Gospel illustrates a particularly toxic manifestation of hardening of the heart: refusing to acknowledge the power of God at work in the lives of others. This refusal to acknowledge that God can choose to work in the lives of others often confounds– and contradicts – worldly wisdom. Worse yet, a hardened heart may attempt to discredit the good by accusing it of being evil.
As powerful as Jesus was, even he was powerless in the face of others’ hard-heartedness: among some people, we are told that Jesus was incapable of performing any miracles in the face of their stubbornness!
Lent provides us with opportunities to do all kinds of interior work. As we are preparing for the Lenten season, we can begin to incorporate exercises to do that work. One such exercise could be to determine if there are any ways that our hearts may have become hardened over time. If so, what might be the root causes for that hardening? How might we reverse that process and keep our hearts as they were designed to be?
In the meantime, if today you hear God’s voice (in whatever circumstances, events or relationships that may occur), harden not your heart!
Fr. Michael S. Murray, OSFS
Assistant Provincial
Wilmington-Philadelphia Province
Our Lady of Lourdes
Tomorrow we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Have you ever noticed that it is usually children to whom Mary appears? At Lourdes, for instance, it was to Bernadette Soubirous, a fourteen-year-old miller’s daughter, that Mary appeared and revealed herself as, “the Immaculate Conception.”
Shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes in Lourdes, France
Why to children? Mary is first and foremost a mother who loves children. She must have passed her love for children onto her only son, Jesus, for he once famously said - against the opposition of his disciples: “Let the children come to me, for to these little ones belong the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Further, children, especially young children, haven’t yet blocked the possibility of wonder, surprise, and awe in everyday experience. They are, therefore, more likely to be receptive to hearing and seeing and believing what adults too often simply preclude as impossible. Why not the possibility of a lovely lady from heaven bringing to a young teenage girl the message and promise of healing and then go on to reveal a title that, although unintelligible to the girl, is confirmation of a declared doctrine to the Church?
Finally, God loves his wounded, hurting, and sinful world. And because he loves such a world, he wants it --and each of us-- to be healed, both physically and especially spiritually. Through his paschal mystery, Jesus had long ago enabled that healing, but the world has tended all too often to forget it. Thus, the Mother of God comes, again and again, to remind the world of that good news, usually doing so through the witness of “little ones” in whom there is neither guile nor deceit.
On this Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, let the child in you hear, believe, and be healed!
Rev. Lewis S. Fiorelli, OSFS
Provincial
Wilmington-Philadelphia Province
Encountering Our Lady in Camden and France
A statue of Our Lady of Lourdes in the hospital that bares her name.
A couple of times I have heard people joke about statues or pictures that portray Mary holding rosary beads. They take a humorous view of what it must be like for the Blessed Mother to pray the rosary. “Hail me full of grace, the Lord is with me. Blessed am I among women, and blessed is the fruit of my womb….”
Funny. But moving beyond the levity, it is not hard to imagine the Virgin Mary replaying over and over, for her whole life, the message the angel spoke to her; letting God’s words shape her prayer and energize her life of faith. As the gospel account puts it, "his mother kept all things in her heart."
St. Gabriel spoke these words to the Mother of God, but they are for us as well. We are blessed and full of grace — God’s life and friendship. We carry the living God within us. We are charged to give birth to Christ in our flesh and blood.
Camden native, Bro. Rick Phillip visits the sacred shrine.
So the rosary is a prayer to and together with the Blessed Mother. We ask her to “pray for us sinners.” We can trust that Holy Mary takes our request seriously. And the prayer also provides an opportunity for us to bring sacred mysteries to our hearts together with our Mother, our Sister, the first disciple.
Last summer I took a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France with my friend Bro. Rick. Upon my return, I began working as one of the chaplains at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden, NJ.
Our Lady adorns the top of Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden, NJ
Both are special places to encounter God. A pilgrim shrine and a hospital take people from their usual places and activities to a space where it’s hard to avoid deep questions. In these liminal settings the Power, who is the answer to all human questioning and longing, is longing to encounter us. People usually decide to travel to a shrine whereas a hospital stay is not something anyone would usually choose. But as anyone who has ever set foot in a hospital knows there can be a lot of time to think, to worry, to wonder, and to pray.
A couple of weeks ago I sat with a woman outside the room of her husband of several decades while a crowd of nurses and doctors responded to his second “code blue” of the morning. As she held tight to the rosary beads, she said, “I feel like I’m holding on to Mary’s hand and that’s how I am getting through this.”
Lourdes, France, is a special place to meet God and to learn to see the work of God, to hear his word, to carry his beauty, truth, and goodness. Places like that exist so we can find God in every place, even hospital hallways. It is awesome that we have people, places, and practices to remind us that—at every moment, in every place and situation— we are blessed and we are full of grace.
Fr. Mike McCue, OSFS
DeSales Service Works
Chaplain at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital
Camden, NJ
