Reflections
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Renewal of Vows
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
Visitation Sisters Annually Renew Vows on November 21
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
Christ the King and Thanksgiving
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
What is Our Past Good For?
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?...
Empty Tomb
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?...
Veterans’ Vital Values
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?…
Pray for Us
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
Holding Your Nose: How to Vote Catholic
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?...
Welcome, Welcome, Welcome
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...
A Century of Welcoming
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?...
I’m Shrinking
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?...
Ready - Set - Worry
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
Salesian Ties
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?...
Margaret Mary: A Persistent Heart
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?…
Pilgrimage to Scotland
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...
One Thing Left
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?
The Church is Alive
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?...
The Little Saints of October
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?..