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Sacred and Traumatic

Sacred and Traumatic

...I was once told, “Do not Easter my Lent!” In other words, do not rush to the Resurrection, instead, stay at the foot of the cross for a while. In the most challenging moment of my life, I found myself at the foot of the cross juxtaposed next to our Salesian emphasis on living the present moment...

Awaking Again to Confession

Awaking Again to Confession

During Lent we journey toward that Paschal Mystery by which our Lord has redeemed the whole world, bringing sinners – including us – to salvation. We best prepare for this by confidently entrusting ourselves to the mercy of God, communicated to us uniquely and experientially in Confession...

Francis and Mark at the Super Bowl

Francis and Mark at the Super Bowl

This past Sunday, millions may have been surprised to find prayer amid the Super Bowl when the Catholic app, Hallow, launched its new commercial. When I saw this, I immediately thought of St. Francis de Sales and his dedication to reaching people through the communication methods of his own day...

The Beginnings of Great Things Are Small

The Beginnings of Great Things Are Small

The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales created Nativity in the image of our patron, St. Francis de Sales. Through the grace of God and the generosity of so many men and women, Nativity has grown and has become a beacon of hope for young boys who today have grown into Salesian Gentlemen in every sense of the phrase...

Simeon, Anna … and Margaret

Simeon, Anna … and Margaret

We will soon celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord where Jesus is embraced by two elderly people, Simeon and Anna. As I get older, I have learned to appreciate even more the life and lessons of their story and others who are steadfast in their devotion, no matter their age...

Two Special Celebrations of Oblate School Identity

Two Special Celebrations of Oblate School Identity

Like everything else in our post-pandemic society, the world of education has undergone major change and evolution. But two recent visits to schools formed in Oblate spirit and charism have blessed me with plenty of Salesian optimism to keep me moving forward with hope...

Cultivating “Real” Intelligence

Cultivating “Real” Intelligence

Francis de Sales was quite intelligent and a successful communicator! But in Salesian Spirituality, there’s more to intelligence than just smarts. For Francis, knowledge finds its ultimate purpose in love. The wisdom he shares is always practical and live-able...