More about Rev. John W. Crossin, OSFS
Salesian Way of the Cross
A Salesian Way of the Cross
Based on the Writing of St. Francis de Sales. Translated and somewhat amplified by Fr. Lewis S. Fiorelli, OSFS.
The Way of the Cross of suffering and affliction is a sure way, one which leads to God and to the perfection of his love if we are faithful.
First Station -- Jesus Is Condemned To Death
The Cross is from God, but it is only "cross" if we do not join ourselves to it; for when we are strongly resolved to desire the cross which God gives to us then it is no longer a "cross" at all. If it is from God, why do we not desire it?
Second Station -- Jesus Is Given His Cross
The Cross has been sanctified because it was the instrument which Jesus used for our Redemption. All Christians who aspire to heaven must take up the cross of the Lord and follow him. This will mean walking in his steps, imitating his virtues and having but one purpose and goal: his.
Third Station -- Jesus Falls The First Time
Notice the infinite goodness of the Savior who wished to die the death of men and women so as to enable us to live according to the original expectation for Adam, that is, to live God's life. But to better grasp the humility of Our Lord, listen to what St. Paul writes: "Though he was God's Son, he emptied himself." (Phil. 2:6-7 freely) O, God, but it is wondrous that the Eternal Word should empty himself and set aside his proper glory for his creatures who measure up so poorly to his love!
Fourth Station -- Jesus Meets His Mother
The Mother of Christ seeks out her Son who is the life of her life. And why does she seek him out? To be ever near him, her Son and her God.
Fifth Station -- Simon Of Cyrene Helps Jesus
The evangelists do not name the majority of people who figure in the Passion. But they do recall the name of Simon who helps our Lord carry his cross. The cross is the royal gate by which we enter the temple of holiness. Love this altogether precious cross; look upon it with eyes of love.
Sixth Station -- Veronica Cleanses The Face of Jesus
I reflect upon the manner in which the Lord suffers. In his heart, he suffers willingly, with patience and love. The cross is a remedy capable of healing all our evils.
Seventh Station -- Jesus Falls The Second Time
He suffers in order to witness to his love for us. O, how great is his love! Lord, I do not know if I have any love at all, but if I do, it is so little that it is content to shed a single tear; and it believes itself perfected when it utters a few sighs. And yet, O Good God, how much I insist and protest that I want to love you and give you my entire heart!
Eighth Station -- Jesus Meets The Women Of Jerusalem
Christ has made it clear that he loves our tears when they are caused by love. If we have tears, let us cry them altogether simply, because we certainly could not have a more worthy subject over which to cry.
Ninth Station -- Jesus Falls The Third Time
My iniquity is indeed great. O, Lord, who will deliver me from this labyrinth if not you? We would have reason to fear if we relied on our own strength. For he is for us.
Tenth Station -- Jesus Is Stripped Of His Clothing
Christ stripped teaches us what we must do to please him: strip our hearts of all sorts of unworthy affections and pretenses, no longer loving them but desiring nothing other than him.
Eleventh Station -- Jesus Is Nailed To The Cross
The Son of God is nailed to the Cross. What puts him there? Certainly it is love. Well, since it is certain that he died for us the least we ought to do for him is to live from love. He who wants to kiss Christ must mount his cross and be wounded by the thorns of his crown.
Twelfth Station -- Jesus Dies On The Cross
Our Lord chose the death of the Cross to witness to his Love. There he offered himself in love, unto love, by love and of love.
Thirteenth Station -- Jesus Is Taken Down From The Cross
Love draws all the pains, torments, sufferings, sorrows, wounds, passion, Cross of our Lord into the heart of his holy Mother. The sword of death which cut through the body of this well-beloved Son also cut through the heart of this all loving Mother.
Fourteenth Station -- Jesus Is Placed In The Tomb
Love and death co-penetrate one another in the Savior's passion. We must die to every other love in order to live from Jesus' love, so that we may not die eternally.
Fifteenth Station -- The Resurrection Of Jesus
That we may live in your eternal love, O Savior of our souls, we sing eternally, "Live, Jesus! Jesus is the one I love! Live, Jesus, you whom I love. I love Jesus who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen!"
© 1993 by Rev. Lewis S. Fiorelli, OSFS
Posted with permission obtained by Alice Claire Mansfield
on February 19, 1995.
Far More Than a Yearly Ritual
Holy Darkness
To Be An Oblate
Sarnelli House - Ardent Mills: Helping Fight Food Insecurity
I am a proud product of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales as an alumnus of North Catholic High School (Philadelphia) and DeSales University (Center Valley, PA). Though quite an imperfect man, the values instilled in me based on the teachings of St. Francis de Sales have remained with me throughout my life.
“find out what God wants and try to carry it out cheerfully.”
When asked to write an article on Sarnelli House in Kensington for an industry journal, I agreed because I was so moved by their work. The article that I wrote addresses the “100 Billion Meal Challenge” for hunger and food insecurity. My friend and mentor, the late Fr. Bill Guerin, OSFS, always pointed to St. Francis de Sales’ teaching, “find out what God wants and try to carry it out cheerfully.” This made me say yes to the article request though it was an easy yes! You see, I work for the great people at Ardent Mills, the largest grain processing company in North America, and I am a member of the National Pasta Association. I shared the story of the Sarnelli House because I am particularly interested in helping the people in the Kensington section of Philadephia. In my heart, they are my people.
Sarnelli House (Photo credit bscphilly.org)
I was born and raised in Kensington, one of seven children who attended (now closed) Ascension of Our Lord grade school. I grew up in this poor, working-class neighborhood, and even though my parents moved out when I was in my 20s, I saw the dissolution and decay of the neighborhood firsthand. Today, many people in Kensington face drug addiction, mental illness, and poverty.
The good people of the neighborhood are never far from my thoughts and prayers. Writing about people who take action in Kensington and live out the teachings of St. Francis de Sales far better than me is a great opportunity to help those suffering. This also let me follow the guidance of St. Francis de Sales, ”do everything you can, do the best you can, and let God do the rest.” Writing the article was a no-brainer.
I was first connected to Sarnelli House several years ago. I had the opportunity to volunteer and meet Kim and Kathleen Collins, two devoted siblings who live in Kensington, and serve over 1,000 meals per week and provide clothing, shoes, and other much-needed essentials. Their passion and devotion to those whom society has largely forgotten in the place where I grew up was absolutely inspiring.
FOX29 Philadelphia Story:
Sisters in Kensington Feed, Clothe Those in Need with Dignity
After my first stint as a volunteer, I drove 45 minutes home in complete silence wondering what I just witnessed and how I could help more. I began to consider why some people care enough to help those in need and others don’t feel that urge. Then it struck me that many volunteers and those who help are friends from Oblate schools I attended. Of those volunteers preparing food, distributing clothing, acquiring food, and providing financial support I counted many Oblate-educated men and women.
It was a humbling moment. I wish I were as good a person as these people. St. Francis de Sales says that there are three things needed to pray: “humility, humility, and humility”..if these good people are not the embodiment of this notion then I don’t know who is. When I think of the faith in action displayed by the Collins sisters and the volunteers educated by the Oblates, I am energized to share their stories and am motivated to help.
In closing, I am compelled to ask: “If we truly want to follow the teachings of St. Francis de Sales, what are we doing to help and support those in need? What are we doing to help those who help those living the Salesian values and inspire more people to become like the Collins sisters or the Oblate-influenced people who help those in need?”
When I reflect on the opportunity to volunteer at Sarnelli, write the article, or share these reflections, I feel blessed that an imperfect person like me can aspire to follow the teachings of St. Francis de Sales and still be a force for some good in my own small way. I am hopeful you feel the same.
Mr. Rich DeLeo
God is God of the Human Heart
Joseph’s Fiat
Symposium to Honor Fr. Crossin’s Legacy on April 18th
Registration Confirmation
We look forward to seeing you!
April 19th ~ 7:30 AM
The Union League at Torresdale Philadelphia, PA
3801 Grant Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19114
If you would like to donate to the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales please click here.
Networking Breakfast: Steve Javie
The DeSales Network is proud to welcome Steve Javie to the Networking Breakfast on October 20, 2023. The free event starts with continental breakfast and networking at 7:37 AM (that’s when Fr. Guerin started his meetings, but you can come earlier if you’d like). Steve Javie is a former NBA Referee and Deacon.
