“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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– Anonymous
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–Anonymous
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In 1926, the Oblates arrived in Philadelphia to found Northeast Catholic High School, beginning a century-long legacy of education and service. One educator reflects on how their Salesian spirit shaped his life, faith, and career...
Through an unexpected experience, I discovered a surprising connection between Psalm 139 and the freedom of being truly known. What can a raspy voice reveal about the parts of ourselves we try to hide?...
At a youth rally in France, Pope Leo reminded young people of the great saints that surround us. How can saints like Francis de Sales remind us that we are called to holiness and to be saints ourselves?...
My eye doctor is a prophet not just because he can foretell the future of my sight, but he also provides a deeper insight into the truth. What insight into faith can be found in an eye exam?...
Music can be a way of praying and encountering God. How does his interest and involvement in music continue to be a way that Matthew both grows in and shares his faith?…
As new school leaders begin their ministries, read how the spirit of Francis de Sales helps guide and promote a holistic approach to education for all of us who care about our children...
September marks the start of a new year of formation. This year, we are blessed to have a man in every stage of formation. Discover what each stage looks like and the men walking this journey...
When a beautiful tree grows behind a functional dumpster, it makes for an unlikely scene. How does this contrast offer a very Salesian lesson?...
As we continue to remember the lives lost and we honor the heroes on the 25th anniversary of September 11, we share a special piece written by Fr. Ed Ogden. This past June, Fr. Ed had the opportunity to visit the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. It was his first visit, and it left a lasting impression...
In June 2026, Pope Leo visited Spain. Filled with powerful moments, the Pope shared many messages with the youth. What three stood out, what can we learn from them, and how can you be the spark?...
This year marks twenty-five years since the terrorist attacks happened around the country on 9/11/01. As we still work for peace and reconciliation, how do the words of St. Francis de Sales offer comfort and hope?…
A group of four rising sophomores at Notre Dame spent eight weeks of the summer volunteering with DSW. How did this experience shape them, and what did they learn from their encounters?...
Every year at St. Francis de Sales School, we choose a Salesian theme for the school. This year’s theme is from St. Francis: “We must not fear fear.” What can we learn from fear when we stop fearing it?…
As summer draws to a close, parents prepare to send their kids to school. What can patron St. Monica and St. Jane, teach us about trusting God with the people we love most?...
Have you ever felt unqualified to do something that was asked of you? Has it ever happened in a foreign country? Check out Bill's experience and lessons he learned...
As summer draws to a close, parents prepare to send their kids to school. What can patron St. Monica and St. Jane, teach us about trusting God with the people we love most?...
At the Jersey Shore, the Wedding of the Sea brings faith, hope, and community together to honor Mary and connect with the Oblates. Whether you're by the water or not, how can this inspire you?…
This week my young niece and nephew will be performing in a youth version of the Broadway musical Seussical through their summer camp. How does this Dr. Seuss classic connect to Salesian Spirituality and the wisdom of St. Francis de Sales?
This August marks the fiftieth anniversary of my entering the Oblate novitiate in Childs, MD. Childs is holy ground to me. I have always considered it the land of my spiritual birth, the home of my Salesian identity. As the years have brought change, loss, and new beginnings, how can the places and memories that shaped us continue to call us forward with hope?...
During my visit to Annecy, France, I was given the unusual privilege of visiting the cloistered community of the Sisters of the Visitation. There was something both challenging and beautiful about witnessing women who had placed their entire lives in God’s hands...
When we see brokenness around us, people living on the street, or drug addicts in a daze, we may think there is little we can do. How can the practice of encounter make a difference…
How do we grow in love of God and neighbor? This week, Oblates gathered for a retreat to examine this question. When considering your own vocation, how do you answer this question…
When Sr. Clare Chantal, VHM, arrived in Annecy, France, she didn't know she would find her true calling. What changed her life and what happened when she encountered Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal?...
Sunflowers are a symbol of the summer but also of our spiritual life. How can this strong and towering flower help us in our spiritual life?…
Life can make us aware of our limitations, as I experienced when exhaustion set in upon arriving in France for the Major Superiors Meeting. We often look for ways to push past our limits, like coffee for example, but St. Francis does not encourage us to seek a limitless life. What does he teach instead?…
Some of the most powerful witnesses to faith are not found in grand victories, but in quiet acts of courage. As I visit France, I find myself reflecting on the Martyrs of Compiègne, whose love of God and neighbor conquered fear itself…
If Mary Magdalene had remained silent, we would be very poor in hope and joy. Jesus entrusted to proclaim the good news of the resurrection to the disciples. Through her actions she shows us three essential dimensions of Oblate ministry which can be lived out by all…
Life unfolds in seasons, each bringing its own challenges, transitions, and gifts. As we journey through life, what can we learn about letting go, belonging, and remaining faithful to who we are? How can we continually let God in and follow His call?…
From a young Oblate professing vows for life to a veteran Oblate reflecting on decades of religious life, one truth remains constant: God is never finished with us. How is God continuing to shape and transform us, no matter our age or stage of life?…
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