
“Let us do everything in a spirit of peace and love!… let us walk and even run in the way of God's Divine Will, not letting ourselves be pulled and pushed about like puppets.”
St. Francis de Sales
DeSales Weekly Reflections
Every Thursday our digital newsletter, DeSales Weekly, provides new resources to aid in efforts to “Live Jesus,” the motto of our patron, St. Francis de Sales. He sought to integrate the sacred and the secular to make the ordinary events of our lives extraordinary by bringing virtue, grace, and Jesus to all we do.
With reflections on Salesian topics by the Oblates and lay collaborators, resources to help prepare for Sunday Mass, and updates from the Oblate world, this weekly email offers a regular, concise resource to life the spirit and help it soar into the weekend.
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As humans, we crave connection and meaningful human relationships. How does putting God first lead to a deeper connection with others? How can we work in our spiritual lives to avoid the pitfalls of worldly addictions that can isolate us from God and one another?
Some reminders don’t come from books or sermons but from the ground beneath your feet. How does the daily walk on the heart-shaped path from the Novitiate house to the chapel become a daily invitation to choose God and serve Him?
The Declaration of Independence declared that we have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. What can we do in our spiritual lives to achieve true and lasting happiness? How can we attain this through Salesian Spirituality?....
.For the first time in my life, I received a jury invitation! How did turning to St. Francis' Preparation of the Day help to guide my mindset and actions? How can the steps be applied to everyday life?
Devotion to the Sacred Heart reminds us of a love that is constant, personal, and compassionate, and can serve as a synopsis of Salesian Spirituality. How can we be inspired to live the Sacred Heart’s call - to see, to serve, and to love with merciful hearts…
“Live Jesus” is a greeting among Salesians that resonates with “Go Birds” for Philadelphia Eagles fans. Schools, institutions, associations, etc., can come and go, but charism, such as the Salesian/Oblate charism, lasts forever. How does it connect us all as a Salesian family and create an instant bond when discovered?...
Every year, as the church celebrates the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, I think of the Hawthorne Dominicans and their home in Philadelphia. How does their joy, hospitality, and love reflect Jesus' words recalled on this most sacred feast day?...
On Wednesday, one of our young Oblates, Mr. Jonathan Dick, OSFS, professed his final vows. In preparation, we gathered for a Reconciliation service and a special examination of conscience inspired by St. Francis. Why is it important to examine our conscience?...
Having worked with the Oblates all t over India, in our German-speaking Province, and now in the U.S., I am comfortable being part of an international order. Since beginning my ministry in the U.S, I have been overwhelmed by the support of my brother Oblates and community...
As we celebrate Father’s Day this weekend, let us remember Jesus' earthly father, St. Joseph the Worker. Fr. Chorpenning shares his insights into the value of work in our participation in God’s creative world...
Tomorrow is the feast of St. Anthony of Padua, one of the most popular saints in the Church. Fr. Jack shares how St. Anthony has been a strong influence on his life and ministry and how we can turn to this saint in times of need...
Water as a symbol for the Holy Spirit is especially helpful because we know water is essential for life. Let us be reminded how it is those who thirst for water who truly appreciate it...
Live Jesus Ministries focuses on youth small group discipleship and utilizes check-in questions to help build comfort through sharing and listening to the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. What check-in questions do we need to hear? ...
We may have known him as an Augustinian or as Cardinal Prevost, but now we come to know him as Pope. In what ways can this election remind us of God's calling for us in the Church?...
On a recent visit to India, I was welcomed with gifts, including a shawl. How did being wrapped in this garment become a reminder of God’s presence and love?…
Every year, the most nerve-wracking moment of my ministry isn’t a homily —it’s reading names at graduation. How does our name affect us, and what name does St. Francis de Sales have for us in his writings?…
During Pope Leo XIV’s homily on Sunday, he called for the respect of cultural and religious diversity. Where before have we heard of the mutual relationship between unity and diversity?...Read More
The former Cardinal Robert Prevost chose the name Leo to honor one of the first “modern” leaders of the Church, Pope Leo XIII, who was known as the “Pope of the working people.” What insight does this give into our new pope?...
God wants to welcome all into His kingdom, but we need to begin working toward that here during our earthly lives. What we do in the here and now matters beyond the here and now. We waste so much in this world on fleeting pleasures, and we often forget where our eternal home is...
Hard boiled eggs are a quick source of nutrition. However, making them can lead to unexpected experiences of humility. How can a kitchen mishap be a lesson in Salesian Spirituality?...
Those discerning religious vocation need extra prayers. Years ago, some Oblates created a way of including our communities in praying for vocations. Find out what it is and how it was inspired!...
Bells have always been part of the Christian tradition. After being silenced for Holy Week, they ring out to announce the Resurrection. When the bells ring, what do they call out to our hearts? What will you think the next time you hear them...
Throughout Lent, Fr. Muarry, OSFS, has been reflecting and writing about the teachings of Bl. Louis Brisson, OSFS, the founder of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. Here he offers a quote and prayer from Bl. Brisson about Easter...
Be guided through Rome's Holy Week by Fr. Barry Strong, OSFS, Superior General of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales...
Bells have always been part of the Christian tradition. After being silenced for Holy Week, they ring out to announce the Resurrection. When the bells ring, what do they call out to our hearts? What will you think the next time you hear them...
Throughout Lent, Fr. Michael Newman, OSFS, has been reflecting and writing about the teachings of Bl. Louis Brisson, OSFS, the founder of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. Here he offers a quote and prayer from Bl. Brisson about Easter...
Be guided through Rome's Holy Week by Fr. Barry Strong, OSFS, Superior General of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales...
All who are baptized in Christ have inherited the cross of Christ, and when Oblates take their first vows, we receive our profession cross. Crosses can be seen as burdens, but how can we be transformed when we learn to see our crosses as gifts?...

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