DeSales Weekly Archives
The Industrial Revolution transformed the way humanity understood work, but what does that mean for us as people of faith today? How can rediscovering the Salesian vision of “loving labor” help us see work once again as a path to holiness and joy?…
In the early 1960s, President John F. Kennedy and Pope John XXIII shared a vision of hope, service, and peace. Both became symbols of light during turbulent times. What might their legacies teach us about being channels of peace today?...
The calendar year 2025 is a Jubilee Year of Hope, emphasizing renewal of hope in the risen Lord despite challenging circumstances. How does Salesian optimism help you find joy and hope in everyday life?…
Salesian joy is not shallow optimism. It does not ignore suffering or pretend that everything is easy. Rather, it springs from courage. How did a recent retreat remind Fr. Joe of this, and how can we practice Salesian joy in our lives?...
The love that Jesus practiced both comforted and challenged, but always had the conversion of heart as a primary desire. This must start with our own conversion. How can we speak the truth of this love in our lives?...
Angels, spirits, and the afterlife all seem to fit in with the mood of autumn. How might we open our eyes to the angels who walk with us and the ways we are called to be angels for one another?...
Our Novice Director, Fr. Tom Helfrich, OSFS, is well known for his love of the outdoors. He often draws from this passion to create meaningful formational experiences for our novice, Chris Allen. His most recent lesson is one I didn’t know I needed…
Elizabeth, a parishioner and OMC parent, reflects on how the school community shaped her family’s journey. Find out how the tragic fire revealed the true heart of this Salesian home...
St. Francis taught that “we have not bond, but the bond of love.” September is a popular month for weddings, and I recently officiated a wedding that exemplified this Salesian bond, not only of the couple but friends and family as well...
We are a few weeks into the new school year, and I always find this season rejuvenating. Last week, someone stopped me after Mass and asked, “What are young people like nowadays?” I answered with a story…
Parishioners of the Oblate apostolate, St. Margaret of Scotland Parish in Newark, DE, led by Fr. Ed Ogden, OSFS, bonded through faith, fellowship, and adventure throughout their journey. Read Fr. Ed’s account of their travels. Perhaps his reflection inspires you to learn more about the birthplace of the Oblates!
Many Oblates serve in parishes, and leaving can be a difficult transition, as this means leaving a community that has been home for many years. Learning to graciously embrace life's transitions is a part of Salesian Spirituality...
Yesterday the Church honored St. Monica, and today her son, St. Augustine. Their closeness would continue after the death of Monica, and for all eternity. How does their story remind us to remember and pray for our loved ones who have gone before us?
Ovens are instruments of permanent transformation. If you’ve ever baked something, you know this to be true. How does this metaphor remind us of the permanent transformation that is the work of the Lord?
No single word in English can capture what a profound act it is to “be-with” someone. How can our words and presences impact others, especially during moments of suffering, loss, and hardship
The Feast of the Assumption is nestled right in the middle of a month that is historically violent. How does this great feast call us to remember and trust in God’s promises of glory and renewal?...
God's creations can teach us new lessons and offer valuable. reminders. How did three unexpected friends help Bro. Mickey and how can the animals in our lives support our spiritual journey...
What can we do when the flame of our spiritual journey dims? When a heart that was on fire with love now pulses with duty, responsibility, and weariness? Let us turn to the wisdom of St. Francis de Sales...
Have you ever felt connected to a distant relative you've never met? While on a summer trip to Annecy, France, I caught up with St. Jane de Chantal. Find out what I learned from walking in her footsteps...
What do you get when the major superiors of Oblate provinces and regions from around the world come together in St. Francis’ hometown of Annecy, France? The answers can help you, our readers, come to know the Oblates better!
Every day, I read something from the words of our Oblate founder, Blessed Fr. Louis Brisson, OSFS. I recently read a quote that, although directed towards Oblate life, also applies to our lives together as human beings
The heat and humidity of a Washington summer rarely surprise the locals, but despite knowing the discomfort will come, it still tests their strength. How does this reflect the challenges of spiritual life, and our reliance on the grace of God?
Through a brief exchange with a teacher, I discovered that a student hesitated to approach me about discernment. How did this prompt me to reflect on how I am perceived and the importance of leading with honey, not just in words, but in presence
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?...