Vocation Reflections

For Deacon Jonathan Dick, OSFS, the call to the priesthood can be traced back to childhood. Read his vocation story, how he was drawn to the Oblates, and what he is looking forward to most once he is ordained…

On spiritual travel, one can expect to find architecture and the relics very impactful. But we cannot predict how moving for it can be to experience how faithfully so many people live. How can experiencing the home of Salesian Spirituality help to honor the past and bring hope to the future?…

Along the roads in Troyes, France, I walked with my confreres on the same paths taken by the first Oblates and celebrated our founders in many ways. How did this experience deepen my connection to the Obaltes and the Obalte mission?...

There’s nothing quite like hearing that someone has been digging through trash and thought of you! St. Francis teaches us to find “God’s goodness in all things.” How can we apply this to not the people we encounter?...

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…

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

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...

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

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

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? 

.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?

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?...

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!...

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?...

The best way to honor someone is to live their vision, their values. How can we take action on Fr. Brisson’s words and “strive to imitate the life of St. Francis de Sales… and give it form through us”?…

When I came to Salesianum School in 2014 I could not have imagined how St. Francis would influence my life. His emphasis on gentleness and patience sparked my heart through interactions with Oblates, teachers, and students, and changed the way I see the word. How can his teachings influence you?…

On November 21 the Oblates and Visitation Sisters will renew our vows. Leading up to the renewal of vows, I presented a retreat to the Visitation Monastery in Toledo, what surprising lesson did I learn? ...