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Live Jesus! Pennsylvania is on Saturday, February 24, 2024, from 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM at St. Thomas the Apostle in Glen Mills, PA. Join us for a morning of reflection. This year’s theme is “Bloom where you are planted.” Learn more…

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Live Jesus! Virginia 2024

Live Jesus! Virginia is on March 9 from 8:00 AM - 12:45 PM at Bishop Ireton Catholic High School, Alexandria, VA. Join us for a morning of reflection. This year’s theme is “Bloom where you are planted.” Learn more…

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Live Jesus! Delaware 2023

Live Jesus! Delaware is on December 9th from 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM at St. Margaret of Scotland Parish Newark, DE. Join us for a morning of reflection. This year’s theme is “Bloom where you are planted.” Learn more…

Live Jesus! Delaware 2023
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Meet the Provincial of Toledo-Detroit Province, ...

The Toledo-Detroit Province has elected Father Joe Newman, OSFS, to minister as Provincial Superior. Fr. Joe was ordained an Oblate priest in 2013 and has been ministering at St. Francis de Sales School in Toledo...Read More

Meet the Provincial of Toledo-Detroit Province, Father Joe Newman, OSFS
Paula Riley
Feast Day & Jubilee Celebrations Across the ...

Meditation by Oblates: Second Sunday of Easter

Gospel Jn 20:19-31

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.

Quote

 "We must not be afraid of fear." ~ St. Francis de Sales.

Reflection: Really?  Doubting Thomas?

 “My Lord and My God!”  Besides Peter, Thomas is the only other Apostle who makes some fairly bold proclamations when it comes to Jesus.  Thomas most clearly is remembered for his bold doubting in the Upper Room after hearing about the resurrection.  He is not so well remembered for his earlier bold statement in the Gospel of John, in which the disciples fear for Jesus’s safety when He wants to go see Lazarus, Thomas tells the others, “Let us also go to die with him” (Jn. 11:16).

Thomas wasn't afraid to proclaim his true thoughts. In this earlier instance we see a bold, confident boast—and then in the upper room a bold and bitter doubt followed by an equally BOLD confession of faith once he meets the risen Lord.  Thomas is a disciple whose head and heart were not working together until he accepted the truth about who Jesus is.

In the wake of the Resurrection, Jesus takes this fearless man and gives him the opportunity to turn that bitter disappointment into a beautiful prayer of adoration.  Thomas became a bold proclaimer of the Resurrection not just in thought or word but in action as well.  May St. Thomas becomes an example for each of us when we struggle with uniting our head and our heart.

 Fr. Steve Shott, OSFS

Pastor, St. Thomas the Apostle Church

Glen Mills, PA

No Resurrection, No Faith!

I like bottom lines. St. Paul provides our faith with a very clear bottom line: No resurrection, no faith!  He writes, “If Christ has not been raised then our preaching is useless, and your believing it is useless.  Indeed, if our hope in Christ has been for this life only, we are the most unfortunate of all people” (1 Corinthians 15: 14-19).

Our Faith is grounded, rooted, and confirmed in the resurrection of Jesus.  

No one witnessed the actual rising of Jesus on Easter morning.  Indeed, initially, all his disciples knew for certain was that his tomb was empty.  There could have been any number of explanations for the empty tomb.  But with the appearances of the risen Jesus to Mary Magdalene and to so many others after her, the explanation for the empty tomb becomes abundantly clear: the tomb is empty because Jesus has risen!

The disciples spent the rest of their lives in witness to that one simple but fundamental truth of our faith: The Crucified Jesus has risen!  Death is not the last word for Jesus, nor is it the last word for those who believe in Jesus.

This simple, profound, and wonderful fact of faith has turned the whole world and all of creation on its head! 

For us Christians, belief in life after death prompts us - not to neglect or to deny this world- but to live each day and every moment in it just as Jesus lived: by proclaiming Gospel good news by lives of selfless love, concrete compassion, ready forgiveness, active justice, and whole-hearted mercy.

Faith is not foolish at all.  Indeed, it is life-giving in every possible way, from the nooks and crannies of our everyday lives with one another to every world-transforming effort at justice and peace, love and mercy, human kindness and care. 

Believers change the world; they make it a better world.  Why?  Because Jesus, their Lord, is risen!

Rev. Lewis S. Fiorelli, OSFS

Provincial

Wilmington-Philadelphia Province

Celebrating the Easter Season

Easter Triduum

Easter Fun & Traditions

Lenten Dinners

Lenten Faith & Giving

Triduum - The Great Three Days

Today we begin the Triduum - The Great Three Days. As the Church concludes Lent, we journey through the final moments of Christ's life, leading to his resurrection. These moments are rich in meaning and reflect every human heart's most profound longing and hope.

On Holy Thursday, we celebrate the Last Supper, including the washing of feet. We remember Christ as a servant who, by washing the feet of the disciples, invites us to join him in serving God's people. We proclaim we are the Body of Christ, graced, broken, and saved. Friday, we enter in the passion of Jesus, remembering the great sacrifice Christ made to effect our redemption. And finally, on Holy Saturday, we celebrate the Easter Vigil proclaiming the dawn of a new life in the Resurrected Christ. The words of the Exsultet, also known as the Easter Proclamation, is sung in the light of the newly lit Pascal Candle. The Proclamation reveals the power of this night in transforming a world darkened by sin and evil.

The Exsultet begins:

Rejoice, O earth, in shining splendor, radiant in the brightness of your King! 

Christ has conquered! Glory fills you! Darkness vanishes forever!

 

The chant concludes:

May the Morning Star, which never sets, find this flame still burning:

Christ, that Morning Star, who came back from the dead

and shed his peaceful light on all humanity, your Son, 

who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.

 

These words proclaim the power and the beauty of this three-day liturgical event, the pinnacle of our liturgical year. They sing of the greatest gift ever given. 

If you have never attended the Triduum, I encourage you to make an effort to attend the three days this year. In this event lasting three days, we acknowledge our freedom as brothers and sisters of Christ, the freedom from sin and death, and the hope promised in God's reign. 

May the Lord fill your heart this Easter with the joy this feast proclaims, may the prayer of this season fill your spirit with hope and comfort, and may you rise with Christ this day and every day with a song of praise and thanks. Christ is Risen! Alleluia!

Have a Blessed Easter!

Fr. Jack Loughran, OSFS

Provincial

Toledo-Detroit Province

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Francis & Me: Maureen Furletti

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Maureen Furletti: “My Friend, Jane”

Maureen Furletti

It’s Monday evening.  Another chaotic family meal is over.  My teenage kids begrudgingly cleaned the dinner dishes and retreated to their rooms.  While they pretend to do homework, I know they are connecting with friends, FaceTiming and Snapchatting.  I hear the girls giggling.  Should I stomp into their rooms and put an end to their conversations?  Tell them to drop the phone and pick up the Algebra book?  What would my friend Jane do?  Also, a mom, would she approve of their online conversations?  

St. Jane de Chantel was a wife, mother, friend, and foundress.  Even though we live many centuries apart, I call Jane my friend.  I think she could relate to the business of my family life.  I look to her for guidance, as she models Christian womanhood.  I learn a lot from my friend, Jane, especially the importance of putting Christ in the center of relationships.  

Jane teaches me that it is through relationships that we “live Jesus.”  Jane’s spiritual friendship with St. Francis de Sales beautifully models this Christ-centered relationship.  Jane was attentive to the promptings of the Spirit and receptive to Francis’ spiritual direction.  From their director-mentee conversations, a more mature and reciprocal relationship grew.  Their mutual sharing and letter writing gave voice to Salesian spirituality, and the fruits of their friendship and collaboration were manifest in the religious Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary that together they founded.

Jane, the baroness, the widow, the mom of four kids.  Francis, the Bishop of Geneva.  An unlikely pair.  Yet, God gave them the gift of each other, and with Jesus at the center of their relationship, their friendship produced much fruit.  

How can I encourage my children to nurture spiritual friendships?  Jane and Francis’ relationship matured through letter writing.  Can profoundly spiritual friendships mature through digital communications today?  Does social media promote frivolous friendships, or can digital communication create opportunities for deep conversation? As Salesian spirituality reminds me, God is found amid everyday life. As more of our everyday life is lived online, I recognize, then, that God is online. If my children put Christ at the center of their in-person and online conversations, then perhaps they can nurture spiritual friendships.  They can “live Jesus” online.  I think Jane would approve of their Christ-centered online conversations. Yet, I think, like any mom, she’d push them to do their Algebra homework, too.


Holy Week with Jesus

Holy Week begins this Sunday with Jesus’s solemn entrance into the City of David.  Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, the humblest of animals.  That is his way of indicating that he has chosen to be a Messiah who saves his people by suffering for them, and not as the mighty warrior King that so many had hoped for.  On Thursday of this week, Jesus gets down on his knees and washes the feet of his disciples and, rising, commands them to love one another in exactly that same humble service. That unforgettable gesture is followed by a special meal with them during which he institutes the Holy Eucharist as a lasting memorial of his dying and saving love. At that same moment, he establishes the Order of the Priesthood so that this Sacred Bread will be forever available for his people.  

Right after that last supper, Jesus goes into the garden where he pleads with his Father to spare him from having to drink from the chalice of sufferings that he is about to endure.  His final prayer, though, is one of total acceptance of whatever is the Father’s will is for him: “Not my will but Your will be done.” This is yet another example for his followers to imitate. 

Hours later, he is judged, tortured, and forced to carry his cross to Calvary where he is crucified, dying between two thieves.  

But death does not have the last word.  Early Sunday morning God recreates new heavens and a new earth in raising his beloved Son to the glory of new life. That singular divine act has made all the difference for all of creation and for every one of us.  Because of the Resurrection, the Cross, rather than a shameful stumbling block to faith, is rather the precious and powerful symbol of our salvation from sin and death.  

Christians throughout the world are encouraged to accompany Jesus and those that followed him at every step during the few days and momentous events of Holy Week.  

With Peter, let us learn the meaning of Christian leadership from Jesus who washes the feet of his disciples and leaves his last command: “As I have done for you, so you must do for one another!”

Peter first boasts that he will never betray Jesus and then does just that –three times!  But Jesus does not give up on Peter.  Nor will he ever give up on you and me -- no matter how often we may disappoint or fail him. But, once again, his command to us is this: “As I have done for you, so you must do for one another.” 

During this week, we encounter the Sorrowful Mother in the most poignant way.  When all but John and a few brave women desert him on Calvary, Mary stands right there near the cross of her son to the end.  She will not let her son die alone.  After his death, he is taken down from the Cross and placed in the arms of his mother.  She caresses him in death just as tenderly as she had caressed him at birth.  Hers is a mother’s love.  Jesus’ gift to us from his cross?  His own mother!

With thoughts like these, let us prayerfully be with Peter, Mary, and all the others who themselves accompanied Jesus to Calvary in sorrow and then encountered him anew at Easter with unimaginable joy!  

Pope Francis encourages us to practice the virtue of accompaniment with one another.  Let’s begin by accompanying those who, before us, walked with Jesus in his final days of suffering, death, and resurrection!

Rev. Lewis S. Fiorelli, OSFS

Provincial

Wilmington-Philadelphia Province

Meditation by Oblates in Formation: Fifth Sunday of Lent

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area, and all the people started coming to him, and he sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman
who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle. They said to him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” They said this to test him, so that they could have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger. But when they continued asking him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he bent down and wrote on the ground. And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. So he was left alone with the woman before him. Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”

Quote

"The one who could take away rash judgment from the world would take away from it a great part

of its sins and iniquities." - St. Francis de Sales

Reflection

OUR WEIRD OBSESSION WITH OTHER’S FAULTS  

Let’s face it. You and I have an odd and ugly tendency to be fascinated with each other’s faults. We love to scroll through Instagram, TikTok, and the countless YouTube compilations of “Unhinged Karens”, celebrity failures, and uncomfortable mistakes average people make without knowing they were being recorded. 

We also tend to love cancel culture. We love rallying against someone for the mistakes and sins that they have committed (no matter how long ago they were). We are tantalized by the comment section underneath a news article about a “canceled”  celebrity or politician. It’s juicy, addicting, and pleasurable. 

Now, what if that person in those videos, TikToks, tweets, and comment section mentions was you or I? Viral amounts of people seeking to gawk at our greatest sins,  our worst mistakes. Our shame is under a microscope for the world to see and everyone has the chance to tell us how wrong, disgusting, or misguided we are. Their cancellation of you is your condemnation.  

As Christians, who do we want to be?... The pharisaical media? The hypocritical viewer? The comment troll? In some way, shape, or form, we are all already the woman caught in adultery.  

Yet, if we want it, we can direct our intention to live Jesus and say to our culture, “Where are they (those comment trolls, those sub-tweeters, those “Pharisees”)? Has no one condemned you? Neither do I condemn you. Go and from now on, do not sin  anymore.” 

Mr. Jonathan Dick, OSFS

Palm Sunday Reflection

Palm Sunday

Jesus proceeded on his journey up to Jerusalem. As he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples. He said, “Go into the village opposite you, and as you enter it you will find a colt tethered on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here. And if anyone should ask you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you will answer, ‘The Master has need of it.’”
So those who had been sent went off and found everything just as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying this colt?”
They answered, “The Master has need of it.” So they brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks over the colt,
and helped Jesus to mount. As he rode along, the people were spreading their cloaks on the road; and now as he was approaching the slope of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of his disciples
began to praise God aloud with joy for all the mighty deeds they had seen. They proclaimed: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He said in reply, “I tell you, if they keep silent, the stones will cry out!”

Quote

"To take up our cross and follow Jesus Christ means nothing other than receiving and accepting all the troubles, contradictions, afflictions, and mortifications that come our way in this life. We should accept them with complete submission and resignation. We ought not select our own crosses, but we should accept and carry those that are offered to us. In this way we imitate the Savior, who did not choose His own cross, but humbly took upon Himself the one prepared for Him." (Sermons 2; O. IX, p. 18).

Reflection

What is your cross: A broken relationship; A chronic disease; A terminal diagnosis for you or a friend; A job loss; An addiction; Not being accepted into a school, program or job? We don’t need to go looking for crosses. They come to us, sometimes all too often. Imitate Jesus, honestly accept your cross, learn from it, and carry it, even with help. The cross is Jesus’ victory over sin and death. Adore the cross on Good Friday. Walk the Way of the Cross with Jesus this Holy Week. Take up your cross and find Jesus in your midst. May God be Praised!

Fr. Paul H. Colloton, OSFS

Assistant Superior

Oblate Residence, Childs, MD

This excerpt is taken from Fr. Colloton’s article “Take Up Your Cross” read the full article here

Returning to Joy

A few days ago, I had dinner with good friends, a couple who had just returned from a three-week vacation in Florida. Naturally, they spoke about their trip and quickly recalled a highlight at what they called a "townie" bar next to the docks at Anna Maria Island. Somewhat reluctantly, they went with a few people they had just met at their hotel. Surprisingly, it turned out to be one of their trip's best and most memorable evenings.

At the "townie" bar, an older couple entertained the crowd by playing piano and violin, telling jokes, and getting the crowd revved up, making them laugh, joining in the songs, providing a great evening. The wife reported that she felt that, at times, their fun seemed almost indulgent.

After reflection, she realized that it was almost a new experience of joy after two years of living in Covid, watching the news about Ukraine, and just being hyper-aware of the struggle so many experiences and the heaviness that lies upon our world. Fortunately, those thoughts didn't keep her from enjoying the moment that created a precious memory. 

We can relate to the heaviness that has overshadowed so much of our lives these past few years. In short, we find ourselves knocked off the straight and narrow path to what we expected our lives to be. We are stopping and asking ourselves: Am I where I want to be? Am I doing what I want with my life? Our world has taken us off autopilot and directed many to consider living more deliberate and purposeful lives.

As people of faith, we know the answer to these questions lies in the interior journey. Reflecting on this, St. Francis de Sales writes:

“It is by a deep and secret instinct that our heart tends in all its actions toward happiness and reaches out for happiness. It seeks it here, now there, groping as it were without knowing where it abides or what it consists of until faith reveals it and describes its infinite marvels. Then, when it has found the treasure sought for, ah! What contentment comes to this poor human heart! What joy, what loving complacence! Ah, I have found him whom my heart has sought without knowing him!… What ease, what pleasure, what a thrill follows throughout our whole soul! Then it cries out in love: "Ah, you are beautiful, my beloved, you are beautiful.’”

It's a journey well worth taking!

Fr. Jack Loughran, OSFS

Provincial

Toledo-Detroit Province

Francis & Me: Rich DeLeo

Rich DeLeo - A member of DeSales Network

Rich DeLeo (Right) with Fr. Thomas Dailey, OSFS (Left)

I came to know the teachings of St. Francis de Sales through my engagement with the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales at North Catholic High School in Philadelphia. From the start, my parents developed an implicit trust in the Oblates and Salesian Spirituality. When it came time to choose a college, there was no doubt they wanted me to go to DeSales University…and when I did, I fell in love with the campus and the culture.

On the first day of school, I was surprised to see my principal from North Catholic, Fr. Bill Guerin, OSFS, who had just accepted a role as treasurer.  We immediately agreed to meet from time to time and that began a 40-year friendship that enabled me to benefit from his Salesian Spirituality. There were many of us that had “Fr. G” as our mentor. Early on, he handed me a copy of a little booklet that was based on the “Golden Counsels” by St. Francis de Sales. This booklet was a primer to Salesian Spirituality which was based on the “every day Saint's answers to letters from his parishioners or friends in need.  Any time I faced a challenge in life, “Fr. G” listened and then eventually guided me back to the teaching of St. Francis de Sales. As I got to know many of the other Oblates, including classmates and personal friends of mine like Fr. Tom Dailey, OSFS, I could understand much of how they lived because of my familiarity with St. Francis de Sales’ spirituality and also through the “Golden Counsels” booklet. 

Salesian Spirituality is timeless and is for anyone. That is why St. Francis de Sales is known as the “Everyday Saint”.   This Spirituality entails thoughtful and incisive wisdom for everyone, in all walks of life. When I first started to read the book and think about applying it to my life, I was amazed at how humble St. Francis de Sales was and also how he was genuinely devoted to Christ. I once had the benefit of hearing Fr. Tom Dailey speaks on the life of St. Francis de Sales and saw that this humble man could be inspired to great and fearless acts of courage because of his faith. He was a devoted pastor and friend who sincerely loved his flock and wanted to see everyone attain peace and get to heaven.

The examples of Fr. Guerin, Fr. Dailey, and all the Oblates by living Salesian Spiritually influenced my life and the lives of many others in a way that is hard to put into words. To this day, I keep a copy of this booklet in my briefcase, my desk, my car, and by my bedside.  Salesian Spirituality is part of my life and I am eternally grateful. 

On this 400th anniversary of St. Francis de Sales’ death, it is my sincere hope and prayer that everyone and anyone avail themselves of learning Salesian Spirituality and reading about St. Francis de Sales. If you do, he may end up a lifelong companion and a source of timeless wisdom as he has for me. Peace.

Learn more about the DeSales Network and upcoming Networking Breakfast.

Live Jesus! 2022 Event Coverage

Live Jesus! Virginia & Pennsylvania

“Healing Relationships…Let It Begin with Me,” was the theme for Live Jesus! held at Saint John Neumann Catholic Community, Reston, VA, and St. Thomas the Apolse, Glen Mills, PA. Attendees enjoyed reflections from Fr. Tom Dailey, OSFS, and other speakers who shared how Salesian Spirituality helps heal relationships.

Keynote: Fr. Tom Dailey, OSFS: Healing Relationships…Let It Begin with Me,”

  • Sister Anne Elizabeth Eder, OSFS: Foundations

  • Brother Dan Wisniewski, OSFS, Ph.D.: Friends (in Virginia only)

  • Paula M. Riley, M.S.: Family (in Virginia only)

Photos of Live Jesus! VA

Photos of Live Jesus! PA

Meditation by Oblates in Formation: Fourth Sunday of Lent

Fourth Sunday of Lent

Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
So to them, Jesus addressed this parable: “A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father, ‘Father give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’ So the father divided the property between them. After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation. When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need. So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine. And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any. Coming to his senses he thought, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”’ So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ But his father ordered his servants, ‘Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ Continue reading

Salesian Quote

“See, this Divine Lover is at the gate. He does not merely knock, but He remains there knocking. He calls to the soul, ‘Come, arise, make haste, my love.’”

-St. Francis de Sales (Treatise on the Love of God II.8.)

Reflection

Who are you in the parable of the Prodigal Son? The penitent brother? The aggrieved brother? Maybe you’re the merciful father? 

Or perhaps, you cannot relate to any of the three. Maybe you are a character not mentioned in the story but is likely there. Maybe you are the character still off in the distant country, who also has squandered his inheritance, and continues tending the swine and longing for the Carob pods they eat. Maybe you are the character who has not yet sought his father. 

This parable reminds us that the Father is at the gate and He is waiting for us. He sees us from a distance, ready to run to and embrace us just as we begin our approach to Him. He remains there knocking and calls to us: “Quickly, arise from your despair and come to me - for I love you still.”

May we remember this Lenten season that the Divine Lover is at the gate waiting for us. But it is we who must open the gate - it is we who must begin to approach Him. 

Mr. Joseph S. Kochendoerfer, OSFS

Fiat and Nunc:  The Mystery of the Annunciation

“Fiat” and “Nunc” are Latin for “Yes” and “Now.”  Together, they are the story of the Annunciation.  They are also the story of our participation in its mystery.

The Angel declares to Mary that she is invited to be the Mother of God.  Mary ponders, questions and in the end, renders her emphatic Yes! Fiat! to God’s will for her, not only at that special moment but throughout her entire life. Before, during, and ever after this moment, God’s will and Mary’s will are but one will: God’s.

Mary is mother.  She teaches her son this same Fiat! disposition before God’s will.  For this reason, Jesus will later affirm that “I do always the will of the One who sent me.”  Between the Father’s will and Jesus’ will, there is but one will: God’s.

For Francis de Sales, the Fiat disposition of Mary and Jesus is the essence of both Christian life and Salesian Spirituality.  Whatever God asks, we say Fiat! Yes!  Whatever God permits, we say Fiat! Yes! In this way, Jesus continues to live in us and to act through us in our world today.  

The Fiat disposition is the vocation of every Christian.  To concretize our Christian vocation, Francis and Jane stress its Nunc or NOW aspect:  What is God’s will for me at this present moment or circumstance, in this event or with this person?  What is the virtue that I am called to practice here and now?  What is the kind word, the compassionate response, the helping hand, or the accepting, forgiving, or encouraging word that I am here and now called to speak?

Late in his spiritual masterpiece, the Treatise on the Love of God, Francis gives us a very important bit of spiritual advice. For the mysteries of our faith to become integrated into the very fabric of our daily lives, we must embrace them in the deepest personal manner.  They must speak personally to each of us with the urgency of NOW.  Thus, the mystery of the Annunciation must not speak only of Mary, but it must also speak of you and me in such a manner that we live its truth as deeply as she did, not in the abstract but in the nitty-gritty of our daily lives with God and others.

As his mother, Mary taught her Son the disposition of fiat and nunc before the divine will.  Let her, our Mother, teach us as well!

Rev. Lewis S. Fiorelli, OSFS

Provincial

Wilmington-Philadelphia Province

Francis & Me: Patricia McGlinn

Patricia Mc Glinn - Former Director of Managed Care Services for the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales

I have worked closely with the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales for many years, especially in my role as Director of Managed Care Services for the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province.   My work with the Oblates began in the 1980s.  I had raised four children and three of my boys graduated from Father Judge – the high school in northeast Philadelphia staffed by the Oblates.  At the time I worked as a nurse medical case manager in several hospitals as well as for Independence Blue Cross.   The Oblates needed someone to coordinate the health care needs of their province which had 250 members and no organized health care management system.  I worked with Fr. Joseph Morrissey, OSFS, first in his capacity as Provincial Treasurer and then as the Oblate Provincial.  I was a member of his senior staff for seventeen years.   

Working with the Oblates was a ministry much more than a profession.  Together we built Annecy Hall and cared for the retired priest and brothers with professionalism and respect. As St Francis de Sales would say, one day at a time.  I am filled with awe and gratitude for those years.  There were some difficult times for sure, but the good times far outweighed the little stumbles.

Patricia Mc Glinn

Even though I had a brother, Fr. Tom Gillespie, who was an Oblate priest, I never thought that I would be involved with the health care needs of a bunch of priests and brothers, never mind overseeing operations at Annecy Hall. God’s will for me led me to opportunities to use my gifts and talents to help the Oblate community address the urgent medical care needs of the members of the province as well as to develop relationships that have truly changed my life.   

St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantel continue to be inspirations in my life.  Doing the little things extraordinary well is a real challenge, especially as I deal with the myriad challenges of my own medical care.  However, the opportunity given to me to experience Salesian spirituality in the ordinary moments of my day has been and continues to be a precious and cherished gift!  

My interactions over many years with aging religious has given me a personal perspective as I struggle each day with my own aging issues. My association with my Oblate brothers has provided me with the Salesian tools I need to see these challenges as opportunities.  These occasions enhance my relationship with God as I make my own personal journey toward the Kingdom!  In a very real way, my work and my vocation as a health care provider has been a blessing to me on many levels.  One of the most important blessings it provided me was the opportunity to get to know St. Francis de Sales and his gift of Salesian spirituality – priceless.

Please consider donating to assist in the medical and care expenses of our senior Oblates. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated.

Francis & Me: Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Albany Province

Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Albany Province

St. Francis de Sales is an important person to the Sisters of St. Joseph because we follow an Ignatian-SALESIAN spirituality: “Ignatian” because our cofounder was a Jesuit and “Salesian” because Ignatius had a great influence on Francis de Sales. As Sisters of St. Joseph, we strive for the Ignatian ideal of “Magis”— discerning the divine in every situation, always reaching higher, giving more for “the greater glory of God,” and we follow the Salesian call to gentleness, kindness, hope, optimism, and joy and to attitudes of welcome and hospitality. Our Consensus Statement sums it up well: “The Sister of Saint Joseph moves always towards profound love of God and love of neighbor without distinction … in an Ignatian-Salesian climate: that is, with an orientation towards excellence tempered by gentleness, peace, joy.”

Visit Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Albany Province to learn more about their order!

Meditation by Oblates: Third Sunday of Lent

Third Sunday of Lent Gospel Lk 13:1-9

Some people told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices. Jesus said to them in reply, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were greater sinners than all other Galileans? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did! Or those eighteen people who were killed when the tower at Siloam fell on them— do you think they were more guilty than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!” And he told them this parable: “There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none, he said to the gardener, ‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. So cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?’ He said to him in reply, ‘Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future.

If not you can cut it down.’”

Salesian Quote

“Be patient with everyone, but above all with yourself; I mean, don’t be disturbed about your imperfections, and always have the courage to pick yourself up after a fall…Make a fresh start each day. There is no better way of growing in the spiritual life than to be always starting over again and never thinking we have done enough.”

-St. Francis de Sales (Letter CDLV to Madame de Flechere)

Reflection

Did you ever have a time in your life when something just wasn’t working? When you weren’t being your best? When a situation was just out of hand? I have and often, in these times, my attitude is.

In our culture, we don’t like junk. We don’t like things that don’t work, plants that don’t bloom, programs that don’t work, or people who annoy us and get in our way. And when something or someone falls into these categories, our first response is often that of the ruler in today’s Gospel: Throw it out and get rid of it.

But that’s not the gardener’s perception in our parable today (and remember after His resurrection, Mary Magdalene mistook the risen Christ for a gardener). The gardener says: “Let me fertilize it. Let me add stuff to it. Let me take care of it and nurture it and see what happens before we do anything drastic to it.”

In this parable, Jesus is telling us about the true nature of God: a God of compassion. A God of second chances who again encourages us and offers us the opportunity to keep trying, pick ourselves up, and continue walking forward, gently, patiently, and humbly with him. 

May God be praised!

Fr. Michael E. Newman, OSFS

Vocation Director, Oblates of St. Francis de Sales

Pastor, Holy Family Parish Adrian

Irish Catholic

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Today everything is green, rivers are dyed green, people wear green, green carnations are worn, leprechauns are everywhere, parades, parties, dinners, and more are scheduled. As is often heard, “It’s a great day for the Irish!”

What does it mean to be Irish? Sigmund Freud stated: “This is one race of people for whom psychoanalysis is of no use whatsoever.” I’m not convinced Freud is correct, but being Irish, I find myself not offended by his words but kind of proud. 

Growing up in an Irish family as one of eight kids, I remember my father often saying, “Remember you’re a Loughran, you’re Irish, and your Catholic.” My family’s life was centered on those three maxims. Our life was immersed in the life of our parish. Our friends were all Catholic. All six boys were altar servers, and the sacraments of initiation, Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation were our rights of passage. Every one of us attended our parish school and the local Catholic high school, which for us meant a trip of 12 miles each way. It was unthinkable that we would consider not doing so. The public schools were nice, but not for Catholics. The Irish are a Catholic people; it’s ingrained into the culture.

St. Francis encourages us to find holiness wherever God has planted us. I indeed came to faith in the life my Irish family provided me as a child and a young adult. Today, no matter what nationality, race, or ethnic roots we have, it is a good time for us to be grateful for those who opened up our hearts and nourished our souls with the grace of God’s love and mercy. Remember them today and raise your heart in a prayer of gratitude for them. 

God be Blessed! I think even God is Irish today.

Fr. Jack Loughran, OSFS

Provincial

Toledo-Detroit Province

Francis & Me: Kyle O'Neal

Kyle O'Neal, Salesianum School Class of 2022

St. Francis de Sales was a Bishop and Doctor of the Church who was immensely impactful in his diocese and across Europe.  St. Francis has also played a massive role in my life and development as a student, friend, family member, and overall well-rounded young person. He has influenced everything that I am today. Before coming to Salesianum School,  I did not know much about this Salesian saint. Being from the Diocese of Wilmington, DE, I had heard some very minor details of his life and some of the sayings and quotes he is known for (St. Francis is the patron of the Diocese of Wilmington).

That all changed the first time I stepped into the Salesianum School building. 

I was taken by how much this school integrated the teachings and life of one person into everyday school life. Over the years I have learned to be the best possible person I can be through everything I do.  On the sports field, in the classroom, with my family, friends, and even with strangers, I have learned to be my best self. I have been inspired to never give up on anything I do. I have seen the sayings of this 17th century French bishop put into practice in the 21st century.  I have been challenged to “bend don’t break,” to “rise up,” to “be who you are and to be that well.” This list of gentle yet powerful quotes could go on.  Salesianum has taught me so many other virtues that I live by and think about every day. I   will continue to rely on them as I prepare to graduate.  

St. Francis has done more for me than I can think of. He is truly a model for my life and anyone who wishes to be themselves.  One of the best things I have learned at Salesianum is to live like St. Francis de Sales. However, he reminds me that it is most essential that we try to live like Jesus!

Meditation by Oblates in Formation: Second Sunday of Lent

Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But he did not know what he was saying. While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen

Salesian Quote

“When you come before the Lord, talk to him if you can. If you can’t, just stay there, show yourself, and don’t try too hard to do anything else.”

-St. Francis de Sales (Letter to Mademoiselle du Soulfour, OEA XIII p. 385)

Reflection

In today's Gospel, we see an awestruck Peter attempting to converse with the transfigured Christ, with poor results.  Conversation with God can be a struggle.  Like Peter, we can talk and talk to God, yet feel like God never responds to us.  God’s first language is silence.  If all we do is talk at God, we will lack the space and silence needed to truly hear God.  We can put too much pressure on our own activity in prayer, thinking we have to say or do a particular thing in order to get a reply from God.  In reality, often the best thing we can do is calm ourselves and quietly sit in the presence of the Lord.  It is in that silence, where listening to God becomes possible.  

Joseph Katarsky

Mr. Joseph Katarsky, OSFS

Angels and You

“Before every person there marches an angel proclaiming, ‘Behold, the image of God’.”

When I was very young and in Catholic grade school, the sisters taught us about angels, especially our guardian angels.  We were even encouraged to name our guardian angels.  I did: “Timothy Michael.”  All these years later, I am not quite sure why I chose that particular name, but it’s still the name of my guardian angel.

When I became an Oblate, I learned that St. Francis de Sales had a great devotion to the angels, even suggesting that every country, city, and village had its own protective angel.  On his many travels as Bishop to the towns and villages of his diocese, he would invoke the help of its angel before entering.

In my many years of spiritual direction, I often silently invoked the guardian angel of the person I was guiding, especially when they were trying to express something difficult but important in their spiritual lives.

In the Salesian tradition, angels are viewed within the larger scope of a caring, kind, and protective Providence.  We are never on our own.  God and his heavenly host are with us and for us.  Hence, the Salesian emphasis on confidence, optimism, and hope: “Put all anxious thoughts aside!”

I come to the Jewish saying above.  It captures so beautifully the role of our guardian angels.  I will personalize this.  From my baptism, “Timothy Michael” has marched before me every step of the way as I encountered life, people, and events, crying out the most important truth about me (and you!): “Behold, the image of God.”

If you ever begin to doubt who you are, whose you are, or your infinite worth, heed to the voice of your angel: “Behold, the image of God!” 

Rev. Lewis S. Fiorelli, OSFS

Provincial

Wilmington-Philadelphia Province

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