Advent offers a glimpse into the depth of God’s love for creation, and His relentless dream that creation can live the good, in the way God created them to demonstrate. What is our part in God’s plan?…

I recently shared my story of a spiritual bouquet with the Sisters at the Visitation Monastery of Toledo and asked them, “What smell reminds you of God?” Find out what the Sisters said and how can smells remind us to rejoice in God's love? ...Read More

Throughout the Advent season, we focus on Mary and her life, her actions and her journey. How can we journey with her to Bethlehem and have her accompany us on our own journeys? How can we look to Mary and seek her intercession ...Read More

Catholics across the world will be celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe today. Her shrine in Mexico City is one of the most visited Catholic shrines, Have you ever wanted to go there? Fr. Mike shares his experience...Read More

We have a practice given to us by St. Francis de Sales where we gather a “spiritual bouquet” at the end of our morning prayer. These spiritual bouquets are the consolations, sweet thoughts, or insights we experience during our morning prayer...Read More

Hearts and minds, touched by God’s love, are urged toward Christ-centered meaning, purpose, and wholeness. How can we tune into our hearts this Advent? What advice can we gain from St. John the Baptist and St. Francis de Sales on how we can cultivate interior awareness?...

Fr. Michael Newman, OSFS, shares his Thanksgiving prayer based on the writings of St. Francis de Sales.

With gratitude, families and friends gather in appreciation the of gifts of faith and freedom. How can we use this day as an opportunity to not only thank God for our blessings but also remember the blessings we have shared over the years...

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? ... Read More

As the Visitation Sisters prepare to renew their holy vows on November 21, they reflect on their lived experiences and Spiritual promptings. What is the importance of a yearly renewal of vows and how can we apply this practice to our own lives and vocations?…Read More

In a few days, we will celebrate the Feast of Christ the King and, a few days after that, Thanksgiving. How are these two celebrations deeply connected? …Read More

God made us in His image and likeness, He plays a big part in helping us navigate our life’s journey. How does every experience and every person God places in our lives perfect preparation for our future ? How can we better place our trust in Him?...

During these weeks between Halloween and Thanksgiving, many people remember their deceased loved ones by visiting their graves at the cemetery. How is the month of November much like Holy Saturday and what is St. Francis' advice during this time?...

What do the words 'honor', 'courage' and 'commitment' mean to you? As we celebrate Veterans' Day next week, we can examine these values in light of what they mean to veterans. How can we learn from these heroes and what are the values that characterize you?…

It is difficult for me to ask for prayers. This year during an event with fathers of students at St. Francis de Sales School, I shared the story of the Oblates and added a request to pray over a profession box for the next Oblate. Why is this box so important to Oblates and how can your prayers make a difference? …Read More

Election Day is just around the corner! We all know too well that this is a close race. However, as Catholics, we may find ourselves conflicted by the platform of both candidates. So, what are we to do?...

The question of what to do with upsetting emotions is a major part of allowing our spiritual life to permeate the rest of our lives. Here I share a prayer practice that has been a major help in my spiritual life. Three simple steps that lead us away from troubled states and towards inner peace...

Earlier this month, St. Anthony of Padua Parish (DE) celebrated its 100th anniversary. Since 1924, the Oblates have been ministering at this parish, which was originally founded as a place of worship for Italian immigrants. How does this milestone anniversary remind us that the Church is alive and filled with hope?...

It is true that as we age, we get shorter and shrink. What I hope is that even as I shrink in height I will not shrink in heart. How can a prayer from Fr. Louis Brisson, OSFS, help us to continue to grow our Salesian hearts?...

We are told in Scripture that we need to be vigilant, awake, and alert. Yet, sometimes this alertness changes to worry and anxiety or fear and anger. What do we do when this happens? How can St. Francis' writing help us when we hit that tipping point... Read More

Salesianum School in Wilmington, DE has a dress code that requires a suit and tie, but they have taken the iconic symbol of a gentleman - a tie - to a new level. How can this accessory be a symbol of faith, brotherhood, and dedication to living Jesus every day?...

This week, the Church celebrated the feast day of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, popularized devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. How can we learn from Margaret Mary to embrace our own hearts, that may be filled with limitations and fears and find peace in the Heart of Jesus?…

As the Oblate apostolate, St. Margaret of Scotland Parish in Newark, DE celebrates its 25th Anniversary year,  parishioners traveled across Scotland with pastor Fr. Ed Ogden, OSFS, to honor the legacy of their patron. Journey with Fr. Ed as he shares the adventure...

My students in our Salesian Leadership class are preparing presentations drawing upon Fr. Thomas Dailey's, OSFS, book, Live Today Well.  How can Salesian Spirituality help to unite oneself with God throughout the day?  When does this strategy start?

St. Francis de Sales teaches that all people are called to be devout. Salesianum graduate Ryan Corey saw that in action at the Eucharistic Congress this summer. How can we carry the spiritual momentum from the Congress and weekly Mass into our daily lives?...

Autumn brings a sense of nostalgia and closure. For Christians, these days of October are filled with feast days of saints who remind us of how to live in this world to prepare us for the Kingdom of God. What can we learn from these saints and St. Francis de Sales?..

During my novitiate with the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, I discovered the God of our hearts who is present and constantly at work. Although I like this image of the cardiologist God, I have to admit, I am partial to the image of the dentist God. Why, you may ask...

A little respect goes a long way. Much respect goes even longer When we show respect to a person “we will be everywhere what God wants us to be.” See how the call for respect can be seen in pop culture as well as Salesian Spirituality...

It is in our nature to want to avoid failure, but that very failure can lead to and help us succeed, this is especially true in spiritual life. How does St. Francis de Sales encourage us to embrace and love our flaws and failures?…