Book release

My book, Saint Francis de Sales: Life and Spirit, has been released today. Many thanks go to Joanne Kinney and Fr John Graden at DeSales Resources and Ministries for bringing the book through the editing and publishing phases, as well as to Sr Mary Grace McCormack and the Visitation Sisters in St Louis for all they did to host me during the re-editing phase, and for Sr Mary Grace's arduous work in proofing this volume.

The book can be purchased from DeSales Ministries and Resources in Stella Niagara, New York. They have a bookshop on their website.

Salesian initiative day 2

Today we began to formulate a formal statement for what we hope to come from the Salesian initiative. Here is the working draft of the proposal:

North American Salesian Network

The North American Salesian Network is an intentional network of collaboration by Salesian organizations:  

The initial aim of the network is the sharing of talent, resource materials and programs to enhance the training of our members and the accomplishment of our respective missions, ultimately spreading the Gospel in the Salesian tradition. The initial commitment of organizational membership includes participation in an annual gathering, contributions to a collaborative website and sharing of information through social media or an e-newsletter.

The founding group has put together his Vision Statement:

We envision a collaborative effort among our Salesian associations and institutes to empower us in refreshing our North American culture with the spirit of St. Francis de Sales and our Founders.  

We hope to facilitate the sharing of Salesian resources, educational services, technological expertise, vocational efforts and other key ministries that will enable us to touch hearts and "live jesus" across a wider expanse of people.  

Together we enter into the mystery of Christ and help to bring all people to Christ with the strong gentleness and zeal of St. Francis de Sales. 

Salesian Initiative

For the second year, a group of us are gathering at St Paul Retreat House in Detroit to discuss ways of sharing and spreading Salesian spirit in the United States. Those who have come include the Oblates of St Francis de Sales, the Oblate Sisters, the Visitation Sisters (2nd Federation), the Daughters of St Francis de Sales, the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales, the Salesian Network, the Salesians of Don Bosco and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.

A very interesting group from my educational point of view is a group that has existed since 1988 called the "Salesian Network." This grows out of the experience of the Visitation Sisters in the USA, where they have 5 schools. The "Salesian Network" that facilitates the formation of "minds and hearts through gospel-based teachings" in their schools. I do believe that we Salesians of the San Francisco province would benefit by making contact with this network.

There are many areas in which we can be collaborating, from formation of laity to training of novices, to sharing the Salesian spirit in dioceses and among the unchurched. More ideas will come out tomorrow, no doubt, as our discussions become more direct.