Renewing Our Life and Strengthening Our Mission

Blessed Louis Brisson, OSFS, Founder of Oblates

As we celebrate the feast of Blessed Louis Brisson, OSFS, founder of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, the Oblates reaffirm our commitment to spreading the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales. In 1876, the new Oblate congregation devoted itself to education, pastoral work, and foreign missions. We remain committed to these ministries today as we prepare for a new chapter in our history.

On January 24, 2027, the feast of St. Francis de Sales, the Wilmington-Philadelphia and Toledo-Detroit Provinces will come together to form one North American Province. This step grows out of years of prayer, dialogue, discernment, and planning to renew Oblate life as we carry our Salesian mission into the future.

For the people, schools, parishes, and other ministries where we serve, this new province offers greater collaboration among ministries, better stewardship of personnel and financial resources, and stronger support for new ministries and future vocations. It also allows us to support one another more fully in our shared Salesian life.

Two complementary efforts have guided our journey: Refounding for Renewal and Reconfiguration for Mission. Together, they address who we are called to be and how we organize ourselves to serve God’s people more effectively.

Refounding for Renewal is helping us deepen our shared identity, strengthen community life, and renew our commitment to ministry.  This work emphasizes prayer, fraternity, our spiritual foundations, and collaboration with lay partners who share our mission.

Reconfiguration for Mission provides the practical structures to support that renewal. These efforts include developing shared governance, provincial policies, and coordinated approaches to administration and the care of members. Combining personnel, leadership, and resources will help us sustain our ministries and respond creatively to changing pastoral needs in today’s world.

Very Rev. Michael Newman, OSFS

Very Rev. Michael Newman, OSFS, has been selected by the Oblate membership as the first provincial superior of the new province. He currently serves as provincial-elect and will assume office when the North American Province is established in January. Very Rev. Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, and Very Rev. Joe Newman, OSFS, remain provincials of our existing provinces until that time. 

Our structure is changing, but our mission remains the same:to make the gentle, humble, and optimistic spirituality of St. Francis de Sales known and lived, helping others Live Jesus (V+J) each day. The Oblates remain committed to preaching the Gospel, educating young people, serving parishes, forming lay leaders, serving in the missions, and accompanying others with kindness, humility, and respect. Building on the legacy of Bl. Louis Brisson, OSFS, and the gifts of both provinces, we move forward with unity and hope, committed to vibrant Salesian presence in the Church and reprinting the Gospel into the future.

Fr. Jack Kolodziej, OSFS
Provincial
Wilmington-Philadelphia Province

Fr. Joe Newman, OSFS
Provincial
Toledo-Detroit Province