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Reflections
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Hope Does Not Disappoint
The depth of God's love for us goes beyond this world. It has been said that the proof of God’s presence in a person‘s life is the presence of joy. How do joy and hope work together and help us spread our faith?
Greatest Generation
Many of us spend time imagining aspects of the afterlife. Images from the Bible speak of the great “banquet table” in heaven. How do you envision the reunion with loved ones? What does St. Francis say in his teaching?
Who is My Neighbor?
DeSales Service Works, an Oblate ministry in Camden, NJ, hosts school and parish groups to join the efforts of our “service partners.” Instead of learning about problems and issues, volunteers come to know their sisters and brothers of the same God. These service partners can inspire all of us to contribute to their efforts—and importantly— to see ways to serve in our regular communities…
Spirituality and the Arts
St. Francis de Sales wrote, “We pray best before beauty.” It is no coincidence that the Christian tradition is full of works of art. If we can learn to value a work of art for its own sake, then how much more can we learn to value an act of kindness or a moment of prayer for its own sake?...
Following is Easy
I always enjoyed the Gospel passage where Jesus says, “Come, follow me,” because following is in my nature! But what if it was interpreted as “Come and be dependent on me.” How does that resonate differently and how is dependence on the Lord truly what we need?...
Light in the Darkness
As we mourn the victims of the recent plane crashes, we may begin to think: "How can God let this happen, where is God during these times? For Christians, the answer is not in a book but in a person...
St. Francis de Sales and Don Bosco: Evangelizers
St. Francis de Sales lived two hundred years before Don Bosco but was admired tremendously by him. Why? Because of his zeal for souls! Don Bosco made De Sales’ motto his own – Da Mihi Animas Caetera Tolle – “Give me souls, take away the rest”…
Living de Sales
Fr. Paul shares how he came to Live Jesus and his journey from being a Dominican priest for twelve years to feeling a call to join the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. How can we Live Jesus and honor St. Francis by the way we live?...
Hand Holding
The Oblates around Toledo gathered together and celebrated the Feast of St. Francis de Sales on January 19th. The highlight of the gathering was a reflection given by Jenn Okuley...
Divine Spark
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?…
He Gets Us
As we celebrate the feast day of our patron saint on January 24, I am reminded that so many men and women from around the Oblate world wholeheartedly understand St. Francs’ Spirituality. How can one student’s simple explanation of St. Francis’ spirituality, inspire us to carry out Francis’ teachings?…
Living His Legacy
When Fr. John Crossin, OSFS, nationally renowned ecumenist died unexpectedly last year, he had one last wish. Read how his siblings and brother Oblates are dedicated to fulfilling this desire...
What God Wants Us To Be
Welcome to the season of Ordinary Time! How can the ordinary gift of a mug help break the myth that days are ordinary? How does this remind us of God's continuous wonders? ...
A Blessing to One Another
Have you ever offered a blessing to someone you love or care for? Through the sign of the cross, laying of hands, etc, we bless others with the love of Christ. As we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, let's reflect on how we can be a blessing and give blessings to one another...
Which Star Do You Follow?
On Sunday, we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, when the Wise Men from the East followed a star to Bethlehem. Here, Mr. Ramos shares traditions of this feast day in his home country of Spain and how through faith we follow our own stars laid out by the Lord…
To Live Jesus
To bring Jesus' teachings to others is an awesome gift and responsibility! It means that we make a serious commitment to live our Baptism. How do we “Live Jesus” and how can we make His coming known?…
A Christmas Story
Christmas week, as the hustle and bustle of the holiday slows, it is good to take time to search for the peace, joy, and grace of Christmas. What examples does St. Francis give of finding God in the natural, ordinary moments of life?...
God’s Dream and Our Part in It!
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?…