"THE CHURCH IS A GARDEN PATTERNED WITH UNLIMITED FLOWERS."
-St. Francis de Sales

St. Francis de Sales’ vision of the church was inclusive and welcoming.  All people, he believed, had a place in the community of believers, belonging because of their royal dignity emerging from their creation by our loving God.  The diversity of humanity, he hoped, would be expressed in the dynamic collection of people baptized to live Jesus, his favorite maxim.  Employing the metaphor of a garden, a biblical place of life, covenant, and commitment, St. Francis de Sales acclaims the beauty of one church enriched by the limitless variety of peoples and gifts God has created.  With DeSales and now Pope Francis, we Oblates of St. Francis de Sales seek to help build the church that welcomes all people desiring to live Jesus.

Oblate Updates
An Evening with the Oblates
An Evening with the Oblates

Please join us for our inaugural event, An Evening with the Oblates. This gala formally known as Black Tie for White Collars, will be held at the DuPont Country Club in Wilmington, DE and will feature dinner prepared by acclaimed chef, TV and radio personality, Fr. Leo Patalinghug, followed by dancing with the Midnight Hour band. All proceeds from the night go to advance the mission of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales.

 

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Why Does God Make Rainbows?
Why Does God Make Rainbows?

When a brilliant rainbow fills the sky after a thunderstorm, its vibrant colors have the mystical effect of bringing smiles to the faces of everyone watching. Why? Well, rainbows signal, with the splash across the sky, that the danger is over, in a brilliant array of glorious and varied colors and that--“All is well again!”

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“Come to me...”
“Come to me...”

“Come to me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon your shoulders and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. Your hearts will find rest, for my yoke is easy and my burden light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

These three brief Gospel verses capture the essence of our Oblate vocation which is to live Jesus and to bring him to our world today through the learned doctrine and inviting spirit of St. Francis de Sales. These verses are in the DNA of all who embrace Salesian spirituality. I would like to say a little something about the key elements of these verses.

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