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Spring 2017

|V+J| Oblates of St. Francis de Sales | Toledo-Detroit Province

DeSales University

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BONDINGS | The Quarterly Oblate Magazine

Mission StatementThe mission of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales of the Toledo-Detroit Province is to “Live Jesus” according to Salesian spirituality in our personal and communal lives, and to share this spirituality

with the People of God.

BondingsBondings is published regularly for the members and friends of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, Toledo-Detroit Province. Its purpose is to enhance and develop the bond we have through our common faith in Jesus Christ and Salesian spirituality. Bondings is free of charge to anyone on request. Send your name and address (or that of a friend) to the Provincial

Office or call 419.724.9851.

Provincial Office2043 Parkside Blvd.

Toledo, OH 43607-1597419.724.9851

www.oblates.us

Editorial StaffFather Roland Calvert, OSFSFather Tom Helfrich, OSFS

FAITH Catholic1500 E. Saginaw St.Lansing, MI 48906

ChairmanRev. Dwight Ezop

President and CEOPatrick O’Brien

Editorial DirectorElizabeth Martin Solsburg

Graphic DesignerJanna Stellwag

EASTER GREETINGS! As this issue reaches you, we find

ourselves in the Easter season. This is the central part of the liturgical year. Everything in Christianity relates to the Resurrection. As St. Paul said, “If Christ is not risen, our preaching is empty and your faith is in vain.” During this time of the year we strive in a special way to absorb the importance of the Easter event and make it part of our lives. We strive to become, as St. Augustine said, “Alleluia persons.”

Our lead article is on DeSales University, which is administered by the Oblates in Center Valley, Pa. St. Francis de Sales emphasized the importance of education throughout his life. At DSU, there is a serious effort to integrate Salesian spirituality and higher education.

As new life and color return to the earth this spring, we pray that the blessings of Easter will come to you and your family abundantly.

– Editorial Staff

The Risen Christ by Piero della Francesca Cover: Christ the Teacher statue on the campus of DeSales University.

3Spring 2017 | www.oblates.us

Annual Appeal Meets Goal

The annual appeal supports two critical needs in the province: the education of seminarians and young Oblate priests working on advanced degrees; and the care of senior Oblates. This year’s appeal letter began: “We are reminded … that gratitude is the heart of prayer and hearts filled with gratitude pray often. We Oblates find ourselves praying often in thanksgiving for our ministries, co-workers, volunteers, students and parishioners. We are grateful for the opportunities to celebrate Eucharist, baptisms, recon-ciliation and the Rite of Christian Burial. We thank God for you and your support which makes all this ministry possi-ble.” On behalf of all the Ob-lates, thank you for supporting our ministries, seminarians and senior members.

I also would like to thank the Thorrez family for their many gifts over the years, especially the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Chapel at De Sales Center in Brooklyn, Mich. We celebrated the chapel’s 20th anniversary on the feast of the Holy Family. It was wonderful to have so many members of the Thor-rez family present for the liturgy. The chapel’s existence and design is a testament to God’s miraculous assistance. Many retreatants have heard the chapel story. It was a joy to finally share the story with the extended Thorrez family.

Our benefactors partner with us in ministry. You are remembered daily in our prayers.

With gratitude,Father Ken McKenna, OSFSProvincial, Toledo-Detroit Province

Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Chapel

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DeSales University he Oblates of St. Francis de Sales administer DeSales University located in Center Valley, Pa., near Allentown. Its predecessor was Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales, which began classes in 1965. In March 2000,

the college received accreditation as a university and officially changed its name to DeSales University.

The university currently

has an enrollment of just over 3,000 (approximately 2,500 undergraduates and nearly 800 post-graduates). It is known for its academic programs and athletic teams. It also has a highly respected Performing and Fine Arts Department founded by Father Jerry Schubert, OSFS. For 26 years, they have presented an annual Shakespeare Festival, as well as other dramatic

offerings. A Salesian Center for Faith and Culture, directed by Father Thomas Dailey, OSFS, disseminates Salesian spirituality to the students and faculty on campus.

Several members of the Toledo-Detroit Province are connected to DSU. Father John Extejt, OSFS, serves on the faculty. Three Oblate Associates are students there: Pat Ludlow, a graduate of Lumen Christi

T

Father Bernard O’Connor, OSFS, DSU President (left)


Father Tim McIntire, OSFS, DSU Chaplain (left)

“One of the best things about DSU is how it helps you incorporate Salesian Spirituality in

your everyday life.”

High School in Jackson, Mich.; and two graduates of St. Francis de Sales High School in Toledo, Ohio: Andy Okuley and Kevin Mossing. Pat spoke of “the amazing community” at DSU, “It is a great place to find yourself and discover who God is calling you to be!” Andy mentioned the many opportunities offered through service and academics, “We are given the opportunity to grow spiritually through both,” he added. Kevin stated that “one of the best things about DSU is how it helps you incorporate Salesian spirituality in your everyday life.” It’s “a very

friendly place” where “everyone is ready to help you be the best version of yourself.”

Father Bernard O’Connor, OSFS, has served as president since 1999. The bishop of Allentown, John Barres, paid

tribute to him on the occasion of the dedication of a statue of Christ the Teacher and a ceremony honoring the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. The bishop

wrote: “With Father O’Connor and his visionary leadership, it all connects: Christ the Teacher; the plays of Shakespeare; serious philosophical and theological thought; a commitment to

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holiness; the humble and humane missionary spirit exemplified by St. Francis de Sales; and a holistic commitment to every dimension of the arts, as an expression of the human spirit’s passion for truth and faith.” Father O’Connor retires this year. His successor will be Father Jim Greenfield, OSFS, who is currently the provincial of the Wilmington-Philadelphia Oblates.

The university’s website declares that it emphasizes “a

positive attitude and a belief that big results come from small actions.” This is a statement inspired by their patron, Francis de Sales, whose spirituality is decidedly optimistic. He also states that God doesn’t often give us large ways to serve but gives us small ways every day by which we show love for God and neighbor. This has been the mission of DeSales University for more than a half-century.


The Salesian Center for Faith & Culture is the first and only center for research and development at DeSales University. Its mission is to promote the interaction of faith and culture through academic initiatives that focus on the authentic integration of social concerns and gospel values.

The activities of the Salesian Center are qualified by their attention to the tradition of Salesian Christian Humanism and focus on three interrelated areas of concern: educational initiatives that connect the Salesian tradition to areas of modern life; dialogue opportunities to explore the impact of spirituality on issues in today’s world; and partnership ventures with sectors of the local community to make the link between faith and culture happen.

To learn more about our activities, visit our website, read our blog, or follow us on social media!

Website: http://salesianspirituality.com/the-salesian-center-for-faith-and-culture

Gilbert & Sullivan production by the Drama Department

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A OBLATES IN MY LIFE

bout 30 Oblates from Toledo and southern Michigan gathered last January in Adrian, Mich., at St. Mary of Good Counsel Church to celebrate De Sales’ feast day. Two laypersons spoke about the influence of Oblates in their

lives. Trudy McSorley has taught at Siena Heights University for four decades and has known Oblates coming to the campus for Mass, as well as Oblates serving the adjoining Motherhouse of the Adrian Dominicans. Mike Wielgopolski first met Oblates as a student at St. Francis de Sales H.S. in Toledo and now teaches at that school.

Mike Wielgopolski: Oblates impacted my life

even before I was born. My Mom and Dad were married at St. Pius X in Toledo, the marriage witnessed by Father Stahl, OSFS. I had my first real contact with Oblates at St. Francis de Sales High School as a student and later as a member of the faculty. Some impacts were large and some small. Father Tom O’Neill, my pre-calculus teacher, taught me to appreciate oysters, which I’d never tried. Father John Ebenhoeh, my chemistry teacher, helped me to appreciate opera, which I have grown to really like.

But it is learning about Salesian spirituality that the Oblates had the most important influence on me. The spirituality wasn’t taught as a class (which it is today), but the spirituality just oozed from the Oblates in how they taught and treated us boys. Father Bob Healy was my Latin I teacher. He generously blended “suaviter et fortiter.” Now, I am a Latin teacher at St. Francis. Latin II was taught by Father Jim Sottek known as “Caesar.” He taught us that while in the ancient world “Civis Romanus sum” was the proudest boast, in Toledo the proudest is “I am a St. Francis knight.” Father Sottek exuded optimism and always knew we’d be good men.

It was one of my happiest days when I came back to St. Francis to teach. Today, I see more clearly how Salesian virtues are lived. The great truth is that we are always in God’s presence. Because of this, I am surrounded by love and grace. I don’t need to worry – God is taking care of me and those I love. And I have known some saints – Brother Jim Rago and Father John Ebenhoeh. I sincerely hope that some of these Salesian virtues have rubbed off on me and I, too, can be a saint like them.


Trudy McSorley: When Father Tom Helfrich called to ask if I was free on January 29, I confirmed that I was, not thinking of the consequence. Little did I know that this committed me to the pleasure of speaking and sharing with all of you Oblates! He put a bit of apprehension in me when he said, “Most people would be fearful of speaking to a roomful of priests!” “Well, I thought, it’s about time. I’ve been listening to you for a LOOONG TIME!”

Seriously, dear brothers, it is truly a privilege to spend time with you and share my reflections on the Oblates in my life and our joint work and passion in spreading the Gospel of Jesus. I was grateful when I did research to find the concise Mission Statement in Bondings. Your mission is to “Live Jesus” according to Salesian spiritual-ity and to share this with the people of God. I’m no expert in Salesian spirituality, but I do get “Live Jesus!” Live the Gospel, be the Gospel, that is our mission.

(Trudy then mentioned many Oblates beginning with Father Tom Moore who served as chaplain at the Dominican Motherhouse, “a gentle giant” whose ministry “here and afar, especially to the community in Haiti, is fondly remem-bered.” Father Louie Komorowski, “a beloved pastor,” who went from great vi-brancy in body and spirit “to a body diminished by pain to an immense capaci-ty of soul and spirit.” Trudy then praised Father Tom Murphy, “our import from Virginia” whose “pastoral presence is such a gift,” as well as Oblate Fathers Bill Auth, Bob Schramm, Roland Calvert, Tom Helfrich, Jim McHugh, Mike New-man, Ken McKenna and Alan Zobler, all of whom served in this area.)

Father Geoff Rose, I watched as you grew up in this community and my heart is thrilled every time I see or read something (thanks to Facebook) about you. Your energy, passion, fidelity and openness about how the Gospel continues to move you is so appreciated.

And last and not least, by far, Dan Lannen, one of Siena’s best! It was so good to watch you grow and discern while you were a student at Si-ena Heights. And now, we are proud to see you use your art, your gifts, your Oblate presence as celebrant, preacher and alumnus.

Tom asked me to share how the Oblates have shaped or influenced my life. But it is not about my life only, as you men have shaped so many in multiple ways. As I said in the beginning, it is the Gospel that we are called to – look, just look, at how many ways you have helped us see how it can be lived out. Thank you and continue to celebrate the great gift you are among us!

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Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal by Wendy M. Wright

Book review by Father Roland Calvert, OSFS

Wendy Wright is one of the most prolific scholars and authors in the field of Salesian spirituality. She has written numerous articles and books about Francis and Jane.

Her recent book approaches the two saints with a new and interesting perspective. She traces their lives separately and up to the point (1604) when they finally meet and 18 years of fruitful collaboration begin, resulting in the foundation of a new religious order. The story continues after Francis’ death (1622) for another 19 years until Jane’s death (1641). We see her bringing reality to the vision she and Francis had formed together.

With the advantage of hindsight, we are able to see their lives as God saw them – each one developing the particular strengths and talents that would prepare them for their great final work of founding the Visitation Sisters and helping each other to become a spiritual giant.

The 1590s were highly significant for both saints. In 1593 Francis received holy orders and began his missionary work in the Chablais region. In 1592, Jane married Christophe, baron de Rabutin-Chantal. At the end of this decade, Francis was chosen as the successor to the bishop of Geneva. Jane’s life was shattered as her husband was mortally wounded in a hunting accident. At the lowest moment in her life, God was preparing a new future for Jane when she first heard Francis preaching a Lenten series at Dijon in 1604.

The book is written in Wright’s familiar concise, economic style. She says a great deal in every sentence and does not waste the reader’s time. Brevity and style are not gifts possessed by all writers, and one is grateful to encounter them in this short but powerful book.

The book is part of a series called “Saints by Our Side” published by Pau-line Books and Media. In her introduction, the author says writing this short double biography has given her a perspective on these “two most attractive saints” she never had before. I believe the reader, even those with extensive knowledge of Francis and Jane, will agree with that statement. Francis and Jane had a spirituality that at its core was “the vision of an interconnected world of divine and human hearts.” It is a vision that continues to have great relevance in our contemporary world.

This book is available from Embraced by God. (e-mail: [email protected]; telephone: 1.800.782.2270)


Favorite Salesian Sayings “Be who you are and be that well!” – St. Francis de Sales So many people think they should be doing something else; we often find

ourselves wondering what our task on earth is. More people need to realize that they are exactly where God wants them, whether society feels they are or not. I always have tried to do my best at whatever I was working on, e.g., school, parenting, extracurricular activities, etc. However, there have been times through the years when I have questioned whether or not I was contributing my share to building God’s kingdom and spreading the word. For the greater part of the last 36 years, I have been at home raising children, which of course, is not conducive to making big changes in the world, even with regard to God, the kingdom, or spreading the faith. I always have helped where and when I could, but still I was limited. It was a great source of inspiration for me to read this quote, as well as others, by Francis, which make a point of recognizing that whatever we do, as long as we do it well, glorifies God. We are where he wants us, and therefore, to do our best each day in that station is what God expects of us, even if it means one is tucked snugly away in a noisy, chaotic house full of children. I’m glad this glorifies God, because as much as I would like to have made a bigger dent in the world for his glory, I would not trade those years for anything.

– Valerie Eby, Maybee, Mich.

“Friendships begun in this world will be taken up again, never to be broken off.” – St. Francis de Sales

We recently saw a much loved Daughter of St. Francis de Sales, Shirley Johnson, on her way to the Lord. This particular quote brought real consolation. For us, this is St. Francis speaking to the Beatitude, “Blessed are they who mourn for they shall be comforted.” He is assuring us that friendships will continue in the next life. Our bonds as Daughters in prayer and living Salesian spirituality are not broken. We pray for the repose of Shirley’s soul and peace for her family and ourselves as we work through our human grief at loss. Shirley lived Jesus. She brought Jesus to all she did in her parish apostolate group, the Arise group, the financial committee work, contributing to the building of a new parish, to her neighbors, to so many activities and everyone she touched calmly, patiently and with love. Most significantly she was an apostle. Every day, in every way. She will be there to greet us when it is our time to move on. We ask all in the Salesian community to pray for Shirley and to remember our beloved daughter Marilyn who is seriously ill and nearing the end. God bless.

– Connie and Jim O’Connor, Clarklake, Mich.

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