Sacred Heart Valentine

As we approach the middle of February, we don’t have to look too far to see images of Valentine’s Day in homes, shops and supermarkets.  Candy, cupids and flowers are also on display, but it is the heart that has become the primary symbol of romance and love.  Many histories of Valentine’s Day propose that the stylized image of a human heart became so popular because it appeals to our senses.  Most of us understand the importance of the heart for our health and well-being and this has been translated into seeing love as central to our life.  

In Catholic culture, the Sacred Heart of Jesus has become an icon of God’s love and mercy.  It is a centuries-old tradition that focuses on Christ’s physical heart as a symbol of His love for humanity.  The devotion has roots in the Middle Ages but it was in the late 17th century that Jesus appeared to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, a Visitation nun in France.  The Salesian tradition has always emphasized the love of God and the significance of speaking to one another “heart to heart.”   So, it was fitting that Christ chose to communicate His love for all humanity to a spiritual daughter of Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Jane de Chantal.  

In many ways, this devotion may have become popular for the same reasons the heart symbol gained prominence among romantics.  The Sacred Heart is a very tangible reminder of the love and mercy God has for His children.  

The Church encourages us to remember the Heart of Jesus throughout the year.   On the first Friday of each month, special prayers, litanies and holy hours are offered as Catholics recall the love of Jesus.  The actual feast of the Sacred Heart is celebrated each year a few weeks after Easter and Pentecost. 

In popular culture, the month of February is filled with heart shapes, love songs and romantic cards and decorations.   As we walk down the aisles of our drugstores and supermarkets, maybe we can walk with Saint Valentine.  As a Christian bishop, he often preached the words of Jesus, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29).   

My hope is that the Heart of Jesus will inspire us all year round.   Like Saint Margaret Mary, my prayer is that the Kingdom of Christ will be established in our own hearts.  And may we be able to say, along with the disciples walking to Emmaus, “Were not our hearts burning within us when he talked to us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32). 

Reverend Jack Kolodziej, OSFS

Provincial

Wilmington-Philadelphia Province

The Bond of Cousins

Father Jack celebrating the Fouth of July with his cousins ( July 4, 2022).

This week the universal Church celebrated the feast of Saint Francis de Sales.  Next week (January 31), we will remember Saint John Bosco.  He was so influenced by the teachings and philosophy of the Gentleman Saint, that when he founded a religious order, he named it the Society of St. Francis de Sales (popularly known as the “Salesians” of Don Bosco).   

Cousins celebrating Easter in 1972.  Father Jack is the little guy in the suit jacket!

Because we share a common patron and were founded around the same time, the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales and the Salesians are often confused.  While there are some similarities and connections, we each have our own charism and mission. Using a metaphor we are all familiar with, I tell people that our two religious communities are like “spiritual cousins.”  

I grew up in a large Polish and Irish family with lots and lots of cousins.  I still see many of them on a regular basis and I consider them not only family, but friends. Many memes and social media posts remind us of the importance of our extended family.  One image reads, “Cousins are like the stars – you can’t always seem them, but you know they are always there.”  Another quote reminds us that, “cousins are a little bit of childhood that can never be lost.”  But my favorite poem states, “side by side or miles apart, cousins will always be connected by the heart.”

I like this saying most because Salesian Spirituality is all about the heart.   When we invite Jesus into our lives, he begins to live in our hearts and in our actions.  Our devotion to the Lord and our faithful friendship with others help us to put the Gospel into practice.  In all of our relationships, we can connect as sisters, as brothers, as cousins.   We can see in all people a common humanity and dignity that helps us to love God by loving one another.     

The many religious orders that follow the spirit of Saint Francis are all focused on his call to live like Jesus (Vive Jesu).  Like cousins who are related but also unique, each group will emphasize a different aspect of the life, example and teaching of the gentle bishop of Geneva.  Each community will point to a particular virtue or message of our spiritual father. 

All of the followers of Saint Francis – lay, religious and clergy – are connected by the heart.  All of us respond, in our own heart, to the call to holiness.  Each, in our own vocation, try to live the devout life.  Like any family, we are not always successful.  We may argue and struggle and sometimes not get along, but we recognize our common bond.  Saint Francis told us “we have no bond but the bond of love.”  May all of our bonds – those of family and friends – sustain and strengthen us in our journey through life.

Reverend Jack Kolodziej, OSFS

Provincial

Wilmington-Philadelphia Province

You Are Not the Center of Anything, Except...

Father Bob Bazzoli, OSFS, and I were ordained together on June 4th some 34 years ago. His parents and my mom (my dad died too early) would often go out to dinner on Saturday nights when Bob was at St. Joachim Parish and I at Salesianum School. One Saturday, his sisters were interlopers and joined us for dinner on June 4th.

Naturally, I thought we were celebrating the anniversary. When I realized we were celebrating his mom’s birthday, I explained my surprise (I never remembered her birthday) to which one of his sisters exclaimed (jokingly, I hope), “It’s not always about you, John.” Honest mistake.

There are times when we want things to be about us, our way, our idea, and our plan. We feign openness to another’s idea, but we really want them to affirm us, perhaps “pat us on the back.” We may not own up to this, as we perceive others constantly seeking attention, wanting to be the queen of the universe, the king of the world. At times, we may think we are the center of everything.

While driving a few Sundays ago, I was listening to a lecture (I’m a geek) on Richard Rohr’s idea of our first half of life (building a name, career, credentials) and the second half of life (soul-centered not ego-centered). I cannot remember the exact context, but it probably had to do with stop reaching for this award or that accolade. He simply proclaimed, “You’re not the center of anything, except the heart of God.”

We, you, I are at the CENTER of God’s heart. In that pulsating, life-giving heart of God, we can be found. We marvel at God’s creative action in all the wonders God created, none greater than the human person who possesses God’s very likeness and image. Of all the beauty in this world, the only thing God wants back is us! We come from God and spend our lives returning to God.

We are the CENTER of God’s heart. From this cherished position, God invites us daily into relationship. We are always in the presence of God. We may leave God’s presence for this want or some fleeting, selfish desire, but God remains waiting, smiling, and loving us. Saint Augustine spoke of this tiny “God-shaped hole,” a place inside our hearts that only God can fill. In another place he wrote, “You have made us for yourself and our hearts are restless until they rest in you, O Lord.” To realize that “the one who nothing greater can be imagined,” as Saint Anselm proclaimed, has us as the CENTER of his heart is absolutely incredible. Stay with this for some time. If we resonate with this, humbly accept this gift, live our life from this acknowledgment, I would think our desire to be the center of anything else is meaningless or at least pales in comparison. It leads us to a “letting go” of what we thought mattered to a “falling into” the LOVER known as God who keeps us at the CENTER of His heart. It allows us to see that everyone else enjoys this gift. Then, we can appreciate the dignity of others, all others, no one excluded. But God loving us and we loving God is not enough. Saint Francis de Sales explains that the true nature of love is to be ecstatic, to go outside the two lovers, to a third thing which is each other.

We are the CENTER of God’s heart. Own this and let it empower you to embrace the other as God’s center, too. Let go of the differences that too often alienate, judge, demonize, assure us of being right and just loved. God’s love is infinite and always available. Saint Catherine of Siena had it correct, God is pazzo d’amore, crazy in love with us. To borrow from Prince, “Let’s go crazy, too.” For when we love, we are God-like for GOD IS LOVE.

Father John Fisher, OSFS

Pastor, Our Mother of Consolation Parish

Philadelphia, PA

Everything Pertains to Love

Those who follow and seek to immerse themselves in the spirituality of Saint Francis de Sales received a gift from Pope Francis on December 28, 2022.  On that date, Pope Francis published the Apostolic Letter, Totum Amoris Est, (Everything Pertains to Love) on the fourth centenary of the death of Saint Francis de Sales. 

In sending this Letter to the Oblates around the world, our Superior General, Father Barry Strong, OSFS, wrote:

“At his Wednesday General Audience, Pope Francis reflected on the mystery of Christ’s birth and continually drew inspiration from Saint Francis de Sales. During this period of catechesis, he noted that the manger teaches us ‘the perfect renunciation of all goods’ since such a rustic crib combines ‘tenderness and austerity, love and sorrow, sweetness and harshness.’”

Within this context, he (Pope Francis) announced the Apostolic Letter. He remarked, “It is entitled, ‘Everything Pertains to Love,’ taking up a characteristic expression of the holy bishop of Geneva.  In fact, this is how he wrote in the Treatise on the Love of God, ‘In the holy Church everything belongs to love, lives in love, is made by love and comes from love.’ And may we all go down this road of love, so beautiful.”

Having read the document, I know I will have to review it many times to reap the fullness of what Saint Francis de Sales and Pope Francis wrote.  I found the Letter both inspirational and practical in that the insights of Saint Francis de Sales can lead every soul into a healthy, nourishing relationship with God, allowing them to become living expressions of the Love of God in the world. 

A learned Oblate finished reading the Letter and commented, “I have a favorite section from the Letter.  It is, ‘For him, (Saint Francis), Christianity was not to be confused with a facile escapism or self-absorption, much less a dull and dreary obedience…Indeed, ‘there are Christians whose lives seem like Lent without Easter’, and while we can understand the grief of people who have to endure great suffering, ‘slowly but surely we all have to let the joy of faith begin to revive as a quiet yet firm trust, even amid the greatest distress.’”

A friend from Denver, a liturgist, musician and author, wrote me stating, “My favorite line of the document is this, attributed to Saint Francis de Sales, ‘Nothing sways the human heart as much as love.’ That’s a meditation all in itself.”

There is so much to reflect upon in the Pope’s Letter that I’m sure others will share their reflections in the coming months.  If you’re interested in reading it, you can find it here.

I read the entire document in one sitting.  Now I’m going to return to it one section at a time.  I’m sure it will inspire future reflections from me in this newsletter.  I’d love to read yours. 

Father Jack Loughran, OSFS

Provincial

Toledo-Detroit Province

Advent Love

When thinking about joy, I distinguish it from happiness.  Here, too, I want to distinguish love from like.   Because of my own human frailty and temperament, there are some people who I struggle to like.  The situation usually has more to do with me than the other person.  A dear friend once told me that if I like someone, that person can do anything, and it would be fine with me.  But, if I dislike someone, the smallest thing she/he did that I find unacceptable would be catastrophic.  I want to believe that I have improved upon this significantly.  It has often been said that we don’t have to like everyone, but we are called to love everyone.  I think this has something to do with the fact that “love is of God.”

In his remarkable 10-DVD series Catholicism, Robert Barron defines love as “willing the good of the other as other.”  That is wanting what is best for another simple because they are other and not for what it could do for me.  The “good” that I will for him would be to know God more fully, so that his heart would change and the violence cease.  Whether we can see the image and likeness of God in others does not take away this presence within another.  Perhaps our love for another can make this clearer, more recognizable.

We must love because it has been mandated by Jesus.  Further, he takes this love to the highest level, “Love one another as I have loved you.”  This is a love that is total, complete, infinite, without merit, always on display, non-judgmental and a free gift.   We get a clear glimpse of this in spousal love, in parental love, and in the love shared between the best of friends.  Perhaps the best manifestation of this love is in prayer where we sit in total acceptance of the One who smiles on us, seeing us as so deserving of God’s infinite love even when this utterly amazes us.   Richard Rohr wrote, “Most of us were taught that God would love us if and when we change.  In fact, God loves you so that you can change.  What empowers change, what makes you desirous of change is the experience of love.  It is that inherent experience of love that becomes the engine of change.”  We must love because love is of God.  To love as God loves is indeed a very tall order.  We need great patience in this task for we are of God but not God.  So, our love is a process and somewhat imperfect.  Thus, Saint Francis de Sales often reminded people that perfection consists not in being perfect but in trying to be perfect.  It’s all in the trying.  What makes this doable speaks to Rohr’s point by letting God love us first.   For de Sales, this was a no-brainer, especially recognizing his favorite scripture was the Song of Songs, one great love song where the lover woos the beloved.  God takes the initiative because God wants to be with us, embracing us, holding and kissing us, the beloved.  We read in scripture, “See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God.  Yet so we are.  The reason the world does not recognize us is that it did not know Him.  Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed.  We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3: 1-2).

Advent love reminds us of this promise yearly that we may fortify our efforts to love others as Christ has loved us.  It enables us to be loved fully and completely, warts and all.  It grounds us in a place of humility before God, so that in Salesian thought, we may be gentle toward others.  We are loved infinitely, so that we may, in turn, wish this for all others.  To love another is to will the good of the other as other.  “To love another person is to see the face of God,” as proclaimed in the epilogue of Les Misérables.

Advent love is a beautiful baby, born homeless in a manger, who shepherds and kings traveled to worship in awe but selected a different way home.  So too, our lives must change direction once we have met the Savior, the Prince of Peace, the author and sustainer of love.  It’s now a life of love.

Father John Fisher, OSFS

Pastor

Our Mother of Consolation Parish

Philadelphia, PA

God’s Presence

I was a surgical intern in 1977 when one of my Oblate first profession classmates from the Battle Creek Novitiate came to visit my wife and me in Philadelphia.  Now a young priest, Father Richard Yost, OSFS, was going to spend the day with me in inner-city Philadelphia.  I had been assigned to an amazing Spanish surgeon whose sons were educated by Oblates, so Jose was excited to have Father Richard along.  The climate in those days was different so the only credential Father Richard needed to scrub into surgery with us was his Roman collar and our assurance he would keep his hands out of harm’s way.

During a break between cases, Father Richard asked how we were able to keep the complicated surgeries orderly and organized.  We asked if he realized we talked over the surgery while we scrubbed our hands but were quiet the last minute or so.  The end of the scrub was for prayer, for the Direction of Intention, and time before surgery to place ourselves in the Presence of the Lord as de Sales calls it.

For lunch we had Philly Cheesesteaks at Pat’s, standing at tables outside with two firemen, dirty and still in their fire gear.  It was just the kind of company Saint Francis would appreciate.  Father Richard talked about how amazed he had been with what we did that morning and the three of us talked about how we were equally amazed at the courage firemen show on a daily basis.  They told us they didn’t feel comfortable entering a burning building without a prayer asking for God’s guidance.  They were not the least bit reticent about telling us their need to be in the Presence of the Lord before fighting a fire.

After lunch Father Richard (in his Roman collar) and I went to make rounds at a couple of hospitals and Jose went to see office patients, the plan being to meet for dinner.  At one of the city hospitals, we saw a patient who had a terrible malignancy on the bottom of her foot.  Although she was Catholic (Agape was her name) she was also a Voodoo priestess, or so we were told by the people who had literally dropped her off when she lost consciousness.  Her tumors had metastasized and surgery prolonged her life but the quality had diminished over the last weeks.  She was in and out of consciousness but was able to communicate to Father Richard that she wanted absolution.  We left the room and went to the nurses’ station to write the progress note.  Not thirty seconds later, Agape’s EKG went flat line and she passed away.  No Code.  Father Richard looked at me and said, “She needed permission to die.”  Once Father Richard gave her absolution and put her comfortably in the Presence of the Lord, her soul was at peace. This was the same comfort the firemen and the surgeons felt that day before doing their jobs.

At dinner, the three of us unashamedly talked about how God really is everywhere, and like de Sales says, all we have to do is put ourselves in His presence by asking for such and how it doesn’t matter what our station in life is. He will help us be who we are and be that well.  Priest, fireman or surgeon, people depend on us to be in God’s Presence and share ourselves with them if we are spiritually fit.  That day there were five people who were happy to share that.

Rod Tomczak, MD, EdD

Retired, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

The Ohio State University