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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?…
What’s That Smell? Part II
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
Our Lady of Light
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
A Pilgrimage for Our Lady
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
What’s That Smell?
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
On The Road Again
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?...
A Prayer of Gratitude by St. Francis de Sales
Fr. Michael Newman, OSFS, shares his Thanksgiving prayer based on the writings of St. Francis de Sales.
Journey Through November
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...
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?...