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…
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…
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…
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
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
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
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.
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
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
This past Monday afternoon, I drove to New Jersey to see a former parishioner who was not doing well. She is in what one would call a “high end” assisted-care facility that very few can afford. Visitors are given the code for the various doors that make way to the residents’ rooms. When I opened the second door, there was a resident who was eager to get out but was cautioned back by one of the nursing officials. It appeared that she had dementia and I had to stay at the door to block her passage until the employee could help her. After visiting the former parishioner, I had considerable time to reflect on the woman I met previously while driving home. I think what I was feeling was tremendous empathy for her.
Empathy is defined as “having some cognitive or emotional reaction to the observed experiences of another.” I regretted having been in the position to “block” her. I wish that she did not have to live with this illness. The same goes for all those who were once vibrant thinkers but now struggle with memory and cognitive processes. While nothing changes about the inherent dignity of the person, their image and likeness of God staying in place, emotions move me to think of their daily challenges and how their loved ones struggle to cope. Certainly, one’s value is not lessened by a diminished capacity of intellect or productivity. These situations allow us to give back by being ministers and caretakers to loved ones who raised and influenced us. Not having a “cure” for dementia or Alzheimer’s presents a certain helplessness that leads to compassion for the one suffering and prayer on our end that God continues to watch over our loved ones and gift them with a sense of his love and presence. Recall the hymn, “Take Lord, receive my memory and understanding. Give me only your love for they are enough for me.”
Empathy, compassion and prayer are so needed all around the world. Driving home, a story reported that many who survived the earthquake in Turkey and Syria are still wearing the same clothes one month later. Others need wheelchairs as they can no longer walk but there are none to be found. This led me to recall an assisted-care facility I called after my mother died wanting to donate her new wheelchair only to be told they had too many. My mind wandered to other healthcare facilities I frequent and how they could be neater, offer more programs, serve meals hot, attend to their residents more and in a timely fashion and afford more rehabilitation. Many have a revolving door of employees leaving for better pay elsewhere.
Why can’t we do better?
Then, my mind wanders to a commercial that features children starving, unsure when their next meal is arriving and how hunger and malnutrition are still critical issues. These are global and local concerns. We try to donate to various helpful causes, but it seems not enough. There are stories of people forgoing needed medical procedures for lack of insurance and/or money. New situations such as the snow that has trapped residents inside, rationing their food and drink in of all places California, cause us to wonder, what’s next? Will we ever let go of our love of power and need to be right, so that we can converse with each other to ameliorate all these situations? Is the only recourse now our empathy, compassion and prayer?
I find myself surrendering more and more these and other situations into God’s hands and God’s providence. May we be open to discovering what little, concrete measures we can take to alleviate the burden of another and discern when what is called for is our empathy, compassion and prayer.
This is our daily vocation, discerning the Will of God for the world. May we take time to consider how we can respond lovingly and faithfully, for whatever we do for another, we do it for God.
Father John Fisher, OSFS
Pastor, Our Mother of Consolation Parish
Philadelphia, PA
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.
Below is a beautiful recognition letter about Father Bob Mancini, OSFS, who continues to be a devoted friend to Cristo Rey Campus Ministry and the entire school community. Father Bob is an active member of the Cristo Rey community. He celebrates Mass Thursday morning in the school's Sanctuary. as well as holy day Masses and prayer services. Additionally, he is active on campus attending school assemblies and making a positive impact with his selfless and generous personality.
Dear Students & Team,
I'm writing to recognize and thank Father Bob, a friend to Campus Ministry and Cristo Rey, for his devotion to our community, especially during the Lenten season! Father Bob is always here to celebrate mass on Thursday mornings in the Sanctuary, and he also shepherded a day of services for us last week in honor of Ash Wednesday.
As the Jesuit Volunteer at Cristo Rey this year, I have had the honor of working alongside Father Bob and learning from his peace. His generous heart and zealous spirit has brought much love to our community, even at the crack of dawn mass services! Father Bob is an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales, an order of Catholic priests who are endorsers, or have a special mission, to Cristo Rey Philadelphia.
Anne Grace Hornstein
Campus Ministry, Student Life & Advising
““Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.” ”
The Sanctuary at Cristo Rey where Father Bob guided the school community through Ash Wednesday meditations.
Sunday, May 7, 2023
2:00 PM
Our Lady of Light Chapel
DeSales Center, 1120 Blue Ball Road, Elkton, MD
Reception immediately following Mass
“Let God gather to Himself, whatever He has planted in His garden,
for He takes nothing out of season.”
- Saint Francis de Sales
Brother Dan Wisniewski, OSFS, Ph.D., is the Director of Oblate Education for the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. Prior to ministering in this position, Brother Dan served at DeSales University for over two decades, most recently as Provost and a tenured Associate Professor of Mathematics. As Director of Oblate Education, he supports the faculty, staff, and administration of educational institutions staffed by or associated with the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. Supporting internal education is another important aspect of Brother Dan’s role, by which he is a resource and coordinator of personal, academic, and professional development opportunities for his fellow Oblates, from those in formation to men in retirement. Brother Dan earned a Ph.D. in mathematics from Bryn Mawr College, an M.A. in mathematics from Villanova University, an M.A. in Christian Spirituality from The Washington Theological Union, an M.Ed. in Academic Standards & Reform from DeSales University, and a B.S. in mathematics from The Catholic University of America. He has been published in multiple journals and his research interests include number theory, mathematics education, the preparation of future teachers, and a variety of Salesian topics such as friendship and grief.
Ellen Kemeza Hildenbrand, is Religious Studies Department Chair at Salesianum School, Wilmington, DE.
She holds a B.A. in Religious Studies and an M.A. in Theology - both from Villanova University, as well as a M.S. in Instructional Technology from St. Joseph's University.
Before coming to Salesianum, she taught at The Academy of Notre Dame in Villanova, Bishop Eustace Preparatory School in New Jersey, and as an adjunct in the Religious Studies Department at Villanova University.
Ellen is married to Jim, whom she met when they were introduced to each other by an Augustinian at Villanova. She has two grown daughters, including one who now, also, works at Salesianum.
Paula M. Riley, M.S., is a communications consultant and adjunct professor at Saint Joseph’s University. Paula earned her Master of Organization Science with a concentration in Human Resouces from Villanova University and a Bachelor of English from the University at Albany, State University of New York. She fills the role of professional, mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend and volunteer.
Why do I need to register in advance?
There is no charge for the event thanks to the generosity of individual sponsors. By registering you make it possible for us to be good stewards of these generous gifts. At registration, you may choose to make a contribution but this is not required.
How do I learn more about Salesian Spirituality?
Visit www.oblates.org and click on the Spirituality tab. You can also watch videos by clicking on the Live Jesus! Use the link HERE.
Who can attend Live Jesus?
Everyone – high school student through adult.
Where are the Live Jesus retreats held?
St. Thomas the Apostle, 430 Valleybrook Road, Glen Mills, PA 19342 | (610) 459-2224
Will the event be live on Zoom?
Live Jesus! is an in-person event that will be videotaped as is done every year. At this time there is no plan to offer an option for ZOOM or live online viewing of the retreat. Should COVID conditions necessitate a change, you will be notified. As has been our practice, videos of all presenters and the mass will be available online after the event.
What time does the event program?
Doors open at 8:00 AM. Enjoy continental breakfast and fellowship with other believers. The program begins at 8:45 AM with Welcome & Liturgy of the Hours
What is the dress code?
Come as you are! Most arrive dressed in business casual.
What if I have more questions?
Call the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales at 410-398-3057 or email info@oblates.org
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.
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.
"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
